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Sam Penrod ReportingWe've all done it. We've left the house and then start to worry if we shut off the oven or other appliance. But those quick trips back home to make sure everything is okay, could one day be over.
Some BYU students believe they've got a solution.
While the model kitchen inside of a warehouse at BYU is small, it's probably one of the most sophisticated kitchens around. Students at BYU have created what they call "The SmarterHome"—a house where a single central control unit controls every device in a home.
Mike Baxter , BYU Project Leader: "The major driving efforts of this whole research project was to come up with an integrated system in a home that can be safer, more efficient, and more user-friendly -- that in a price range more accessible to everyone."
This system developed by technology students at BYU allows you to turn everything on from the lights to the TV.
A single computer screen manages the dishwasher, oven, washer and dryer and any other appliances in the home--it can start them whenever you want. Users can also control them remotely from a wireless PDA or even a cell phone. The students say it can also tie in with home security systems.
Mike Baxter: "Rather than know there is a problem, which is the way security systems happen today, they can tell exactly what's going on, exactly where the problem is, and rectify that without having to be right on the scene."
The students have been working for months on this and plan on making it something well beyond a college research project.
Mike Baxter: "We've initiated talks with several companies and the plan is within a year to have firm plans in place and two years have something in production that would be available as an option on new construction."
So the idea of using a powerful remote control to keep tabs on our homes may make this futuristic idea a reality before we know it.
This week the students are showing off their plans to executives of some leading appliance makers, such as Maytag.
