BACKGROUND
The smart home industry, powered by AI and IoT, has grown significantly, with market size expected to double by 2026. Academic projects like Georgia Tech's Aware home have enhanced our understanding of smart home technologies. However, current research often focuses narrowly on technology. This study aims to broaden the perspective by reviewing two decades of smart home literature using bibliometric analysis and thematic analysis, to better align future research with evolving user needs and market trends.
OBJECTIVE
This study analyzes smart home trends from 2000 to 2023 using bibliometric and thematic analysis to understand broader industry trends. It examines technological advances, service innovations, and shifts in user demands, aiming to inform future research and industry developments.
METHODS
The analysis is conducted in four steps: data collection from Web of Science, gathering 5,983 abstracts from 2000 to 2023.1H; data pre-processing and refinement; topic modelling of 1,003 selected articles; and combined bibliometric network analysis and qualitative in-depth analysis for interpretation.
RESULTS
This study reviews 1,003 articles on smart homes, highlighting advancements in technology, applications, and user-centric research over 20 years. It notes a shift from IoT and AI in basic functions to broader uses in energy management and healthcare, with a focus transitioning from affluent early adopters to more inclusive support for vulnerable groups. This evolution indicates a significant paradigm shift in the smart home sector, affecting future technology and service development.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this research provide significant academic and practical insights by offering a comprehensive overview of the smart home domain’s evolution over the past twenty years, highlighting the shift from a technology-centric to a user-centric approach. This shift enhances academic understanding and opens new commercial opportunities, particularly in healthcare, focusing on user satisfaction and quality of life, paving the way for future real-world solutions.