CES for the Multifamily Industry: Next-Step Digital Technologies to Build Exceptional Resident Experiences

by Jan 22, 2019Apartment Marketing, Blog, Innovation

“First, I had to research smart thermostats. Then, it was smart lighting. Now, you’re telling me I have to research multi-sensory shower experiences?” To an extent, yes.

Each year, CES, or Consumer Electronics Show, generates buzz by showing off futuristic tech trends, and the 2019 edition in Las Vegas was no different. Our 30 Lines team was fortunate to have boots on the ground at the event, and we’re delighted to dish out the insider insight we uncovered.  

So, how do we translate what’s trending in tech across industries specifically to multifamily? The good news is there are a lot of real estate related opportunities to consider; however, it can be tough sort through the noise of big ideas to factor in execution.

How can you get a leg up on your competition by being the first community to market progressive smart home technologies? How can you use technology to create exceptional experiences for current residents?  After all, we know by spreading more love to customer experiences, we can actually reduce our spend on lead generation. How can you make the case when budgeting for next-step digital technologies and establish early buy-in from your entire team?

It all starts with awareness, and that’s how we’re happy to help. We’ve sifted through the technologies presented at CES and want you (and your team!) to be aware of the following trends.

Keep these in your back pocket and let’s keep brainstorming how we can take small steps now to make these giant leaps a little less intimidating in the future.

What topics were trending at CES?

First, we’d like to break down the tech trends we’re about to showcase into two categories: lifestyle and service.

When we say lifestyle, we’re referring to technologies that impact the way in which a resident lives.

When we say service, we’re referring to technologies that impact the way our employees or communities serve residents.

What technologies from CES should apartment marketers and innovators be aware of?

Lifestyle

Emotion Sensing, Panasonic

Panasonic displayed developments in emotion-sensing technology, which can estimate emotions, thermal sensation, body motion, stress, etc. with high accuracy. This technology can ultimately guide appliances, devices, and systems in a smart home.

As we look ahead to what’s trending next for smart home systems, this tech should remain on your radar. Look to apply advancements before your competitors, and communicate its heightened value to current and prospective residents.  

HiiGa-ONE

Looking to level up your property’s fitness equipment? HiiGa-ONE is a mechanical bench press that doesn’t use any weights. Yes, you read that correctly – no weights. It’s also personalized. Once a person lies down under the barbell, the machine takes a strength reading before initiating a custom workout.

Imagine having this device in your fitness facility. It’ll provide an Instagram-worthy workout your residents will be dying to share with their followers on social media.  

Smart Helmets

Are you already promoting the bikeability of your downtown or campus-based community? Offering bicycle storage amenities is already trending in multifamily; however, imagine if residents could check out smart safety accessories from Cosmo Moto or LIVALL.

The Cosmo Connected smart bike light provides increased visibility and safety to all cyclists.


PowerSpot

Cut the cord on how you currently perceive wireless technology. PowerSpot transmitters provide wireless energy power, over a distance, to devices equipped with receivers. Apartment homes fitted with this technology will enable residents to charge their battery-powered devices wirelessly. The transmitter is small and compact enough to mount on a desktop, nightstand, countertop, or wall. Plus, the closer the device is to the transmitter, the faster it charges.

It’s a small, but powerful way to add additional value to your apartment homes.

Additional Trends in Smart Home Tech

A few more in smart home advancements that caught our eye at CES:

  • Kohler DTV+: Kohler announced an entire smart bathroom collection, and the DVT+ multi-sensory shower experience is a highlight of that line. It would allow residents to customize their shower experience – temperature, timing, and coordination between shower components – with a simple touch.
  • SavvyMirror, Electric Mirror: This smart mirror is striking in both size and pricing. It comes in a dual vanity model, and when the display isn’t on, the mirror looks like a standard mirror. The mirror ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 depending on the size and configuration.
  • HelloAxis: Apply smart technology to automate your existing window shades. These shades do not require advanced installation. As a result, they can be set up in minutes. Plus, they’re guaranteed to lift any window shades, or you’ll receive your money back.

SavvyMirror by Electric Mirror showcased a dual vanity model at CES.


Service

Real-Time Translation Tools

Google created buzz at CES announcing that its voice assistant will have an “interpreter mode” that can translate in real time. That means you can hold a conversation with someone who speaks another language by using your Google Assistant as an interpreter.

In fact, a number of companies promoted advancements at CES surrounding real-time translation devices – from handheld devices to wireless earpieces. These advancements are all thanks for machine learning, wireless connections, and the increasing power and speed of mobile devices.

Consider the ease these devices will create for on-site teams engaging with a diverse array of current and prospective residents.

Samsung Bots

Samsung used CES to announce their new lineup of robots (yes, robots!). From the line, these are the two bots we’re keeping an eye on:

  • Samsung Bot Air: This self-operating, air-purifying robot uses sensors placed in different areas of a home to assess air quality. Once it identifies an area where the air quality is low, it automatically moves where it’s needed and gets to work.
  • Samsung Bot Retail: This robot acts as a personal shopping guide. It helps customers find the items they need by registering facial expressions and voices. Plus, it can even operate in crowded store environments. The front-facing display can showcase menus or store details, as well as handle transactions. This certainly sounds like it has self-service tour potential to us!
SPACe_C eMart

SPACe_C eMart is a mobile delivery service, driven by artificial intelligence, that operates similar to an ice cream truck and can bring local fruits, vegetables, and other grocery items directly to your residents. Unlike most current food delivery services, the eMart would only deliver fresh produce. This concept resides under the umbrella of Panasonic’s broader collection of small mobility solutions called SPACe_C.

Imagine a vehicle that makes its rounds in your neighborhood, providing your residents the opportunity to receive the exact ingredients they need to make dinner that evening. It’s an additional service amenity for your community, without requiring additional effort from your on-site team.  

This AI-powered food truck could bring fresh produce directly to your residents.


Watergen

Watergen creates water from the most significant available resource – the air. Their product was on display on the showroom floor at CES and served up pure, clean drinking water to those in attendance. Picture it – the drinking water served at CES came from the air within the convention center.

It’s projected 50% of the world’s population will be living in water-stressed areas by 2025. As we’re developing communities and planning for the future of sustainability, let’s keep this factor in mind. If your community is already taking steps toward sustainability or “going green,” that’s marketable to today’s consumers. Imagine being able to say, the water in your apartment came from the air you’re breathing.

A Final Thought from CES 2019

Remember, technology is a friend to both marketers and mankind. Allow us to leave you with this feel-good development shared at CES. QTrobot stole our hearts as an expressive and engaging robot designed for children with autism. Long-term scientific research involving QTrobot shows increased attention and engagement of the child with autism, as well as decreased anxiety and disruptive behaviors.

Have questions, or want to brainstorm ways to apply the latest tech trends to your property or portfolio? Let’s connect. We’d love to be a resource for you.

Our 30 Lines chabot, Linus, is always on and ready to strike up a conversation.

A special 30 Lines shoutout to Wahhaj Faiz, a Junior Developer at 30 Lines, who attended CES and delivered his helpful insight back to our team.

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