Smart home technology continues to reshape how homeowners interact with their living spaces. Each year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) showcases the innovations that will define residential construction trends for years to come. While CES 2021 went virtual, manufacturers still unveiled impressive products that deserve the attention of professional builders and remodelers. From automated entry systems to water recycling technology, these products offer valuable insights for builders looking to stay ahead. For a broader look at what tech buyers expect, see our guide to essential home technology products that professional builders recommend.
Smart Entry and Security Innovations
Smart entry systems were among the most practical innovations at CES 2021. Builders who integrate these products into new construction can offer buyers both convenience and peace of mind from day one.
Touchless Automatic Door Systems
The AutoSwing system from Autoslide brings touchless automation to standard swing doors, a product category that has lagged behind sliding door automation. This system integrates with existing smart locks and can be controlled through a smartphone application. The unit was due for release in early 2021 and represents a significant step forward for accessibility-focused home design.
For sliding door applications, Autoslide already offers a separate automation system. Together, these products allow builders to offer a fully automated door package across an entire home. Key benefits include:
- Integration with existing smart lock ecosystems
- Smartphone-based control and scheduling
- Touchless operation for improved hygiene
- Suitable for aging in place and accessibility applications
Multifunctional Smart Locks
The eufy Smart Lock offers four distinct unlocking methods: fingerprint recognition, a smartphone app, an electronic keypad, and a traditional key. The company states that the fingerprint sensor can unlock the door in just 1.3 seconds. When the door closes, the lock engages automatically, preventing security lapses caused by human error.
This lock carries a BHMA Grade 2 Security Certification, meaning it has been tested through 250,000 locking cycles. It is also designed to withstand extreme temperatures and rain exposure, making it suitable for exterior applications in varied climates.
Shepherd Lock Gen2 takes a different approach to entry security. The device triggers an alarm and freezes the deadbolt if it detects tampering or a break-in attempt. Homeowners can monitor and control the lock through a mobile app, and the Bluetooth proximity feature allows the lock to open simply by touching the deadbolt or looking at the wall-mounted unit when the paired phone is nearby.
ADT Blue Smart Security Hub
ADT’s Blue system serves as a central hub for all ADT security devices and sensors. Homeowners can customize their security setup with indoor cameras, doorbell cameras, and window sensors, all monitored through a single mobile application. The system includes a 24-hour battery backup for power outages and integrates with Amazon Alexa, Sonos, Google Assistant, Lutron, Nest, and other smart home platforms.
Security features available with Blue by ADT:
- Indoor and outdoor camera monitoring
- Doorbell camera with two-way communication
- Window and door sensor alerts
- 24-hour battery backup for uninterrupted operation
- Cross-platform smart home integration
Water Conservation and HVAC Advances
Water efficiency and energy performance remain top priorities for homebuyers. Several products at CES 2021 addressed these concerns directly with innovative technology.
Hydraloop Whole-Home Water Recycling
The Hydraloop system, a CES 2020 Best of Best winner, recycles water from showers, baths, washing machines, hand basins, and air conditioning units. The company claims this system can save up to 45 percent of water use in new homes. Collected water is cleaned and disinfected, then reused for toilets, washing machines, garden irrigation, and even swimming pools.
This technology is especially relevant in water-stressed regions where building codes increasingly favor conservation measures. Builders targeting green certifications can use Hydraloop to achieve significant points toward LEED or National Green Building Standard ratings.
D-Link Smart Water Sensor Kit
The D-Link DCH-S1621KT water sensor kit provides whole-home leak detection without requiring a separate smart hub. The kit includes a built-in hub that communicates with up to 16 wireless water sensors placed throughout the home. Homeowners receive alerts through a mobile app when sensors detect leaks, washing machine failure, or other water-related issues. The system works with Google Assistant for voice-based monitoring.
LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater
LG introduced a heat pump water heater with a sleek design that allows installation anywhere in the home. Rather than generating heat directly, the unit uses condensation heat produced during refrigerant compression and circulation. LG reports that this approach uses 74 percent less water compared to standard electric water heaters. The unit is available in 200 and 270 liter capacities and carries a 10-year warranty.
For builders evaluating HVAC options for new homes, understanding the full range of available technologies is essential. Our detailed analysis of HVAC system selection for builders covers product categories and performance considerations to help make informed decisions.
| Product | Category | Key Efficiency Metric | Warranty | Ideal Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater | Water Heating | 74% less water usage | 10 years | New construction, retrofits |
| Hydraloop Water Recycling | Water Conservation | 45% total water savings | Not specified | Green certified homes |
| D-Link Water Sensor Kit | Leak Detection | Up to 16 sensors per hub | Not specified | Whole-home monitoring |
Intelligent Lighting and Air Quality Solutions
Lighting and air quality products at CES 2021 demonstrated how far residential technology has come in improving everyday comfort and safety.
Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer
The Kasa smart Wi-Fi dimmer brings occupancy-based lighting control to standard residential fixtures. The dimmer works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and SmartThings, and can turn lights on automatically when someone enters a room. A built-in light sensor ensures that lights only activate when natural light is insufficient. The unit offers dimming from 100 percent down to 1 percent with smooth fade transitions.
Builders looking to offer buyers the latest in residential lighting control should explore LED smart technology for residential lighting to understand how these systems integrate with modern home design.
CleanAirZone Air Purifier
The CleanAirZone air purifier uses 100 percent green technology to capture and eliminate volatile organic compounds, mold, bacteria, and viruses. The company states that the technology is the same natural process used to clean the Earth’s atmosphere three billion years ago. The unit requires no replacement filters, relying instead on the BioCAZ Solution, a biological cleaning agent dissolved in water that digests pollutants and leaves no residue.
This product is particularly relevant as indoor air quality becomes a central concern in residential construction. Builders focused on health-oriented design can offer this as an upgrade option or integrate it into whole-home air quality strategies.
Smart Lamps for Aging in Place
CES 2021 featured two notable smart lamp products designed specifically for aging in place applications. The Domalys Aladin lamp offers three primary functions:
- Automatic lighting when the resident gets up during the night
- Fall detection with caregiver alerts sent to a smartphone
- Data analysis of daily activity patterns to identify unusual behavior
The Nobi smart lamp uses a different form factor, appearing as a circular pendant light rather than a wall-mounted unit. Nobi also turns on when an aging adult gets out of bed and alerts caregivers, but adds air quality monitoring for smoke and carbon dioxide. Together, these products signal a growing market for technology that supports independent living.
Kitchen Automation and Pet-Friendly Smart Technology
Two product categories at CES 2021 addressed specific lifestyle needs that builders should consider when designing for different buyer demographics.
Moley Robotic Kitchen
The Moley robotic kitchen was among the most futuristic products at the show. A dexterous robotic system can cook complete meals, monitor ingredient inventory, suggest recipes based on available ingredients, and clean up after itself. The robot requires a specialized range of cookware, and the full system includes cabinets, a fully automated kitchen unit, and appliances.
While this technology remains at the high end of the market, it signals where kitchen automation is headed. Builders designing premium kitchens should track smart appliance trends in new home construction to understand how automation is reshaping buyer expectations.
Wayzn Smart Pet Door and Sliding Door Automation
The Wayzn system transforms any sliding door into a smart, pet-friendly entry. The system can be voice activated, motion activated, or controlled through an application. Homeowners can allow pets to come and go without manual door operation, eliminating the need for pet sitters during the workday. The system installs in minutes and can be transferred from door to door if needed.
This product category addresses a specific but growing demand from homeowners who want smart technology to simplify pet ownership. Builders offering pet-friendly home designs can add this as an optional upgrade during the design phase.
Builders Takeaway from CES 2021
The 13 products showcased at CES 2021 reveal several clear trends for residential construction. Smart entry and security systems are becoming more sophisticated, with multiple authentication methods and integration with broader home automation platforms. Water conservation technology has moved beyond low-flow fixtures to include whole-home recycling and intelligent leak detection. Lighting systems now incorporate occupancy sensing and daylight harvesting, while air quality products are moving toward filterless, chemical-free purification. Aging in place technology is expanding beyond grab bars and wider doorways to include intelligent monitoring systems that support independent living.
For builders, the message is clear. Homebuyers increasingly expect technology integration as a standard feature, not an expensive upgrade. Products that were considered cutting-edge at previous CES shows are now entering mainstream residential construction. Builders who understand these product categories and can explain their benefits to buyers will have a competitive advantage in the market.