Touchless Intelligence
Amaresh Anand, Founder- Principal, Khosla & Anand talks about the growing popularity of touchless fixtures and integrating them in bathrooms
Technology has become integral to our everyday lives. Wherever we go or whatever we do, we leverage and rely on technology. The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) is pushing the boundaries of next-gen technology now more than ever before.
Not only do we see numerous smart appliances and innovations in new and existing structures, but their use in the bathroom space is redefining the future of bathrooms. Hygiene, convenience and individual luxury are driving innovations in the field.
Functions such as water flow regulation, temperature control, and spray adjustments are now integrated into push-button controls, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. These innovations enhance usability, particularly for older users or those with mobility limitations.
Increased focus on hygiene
Post-pandemic, people have become more conscious about hygiene. “Individuals are now opting for stylish homes and modern bathrooms that are beyond functionality and have a wellness quotient attached to space. The pandemic has certainly created inroads for innovative and smart technology irrespective of the size of the washroom. And, the tech-savvy and younger clients are the early adopters,” shares Amaresh Anand, Founder, Khosla & Anand.
While public and semi-public facilities have widely adopted such fixtures, even in private washrooms the use of touchless fixtures is on the rise. “I would say the touchless features would work in powder rooms in private bathrooms. In other bathrooms too features like pre-setting the water temperature are useful. However, I would look at it as an additional feature,” adds Anand.
Bath fixtures going touchless
The concept of a smart and connected home has really caught on the fancy of modern-day consumers. The usage of smart devices like Bluetooth speakers, smart showers, smart toilets, connected dispensers, occupancy trackers and the like are on the surge.
Other than the hygiene factor, these touchless fixtures can also enhance the user experience. “Definitely the way it looks and the design matters significantly. Functionality and aesthetics are the two primary considerations when I select a fixture,” shares Anand.
According to a leading player in the bath and sanitaryware segment, in the post-Covid market scenario, there is a spike in demand for feature-rich bathtubs, steam generators, intelligent toilets and touchless sensor-based products.
In the luxury segment, a smart water closet is a popular choice. A smart toilet essentially is an advanced toilet using built-in smart technology, or technology capable of interacting and connecting with the user. The majority of smart toilets can warm the toilet seat to fit user preferences. The automatic lid enables the toilet to open or close the lid automatically, leaving the experience completely touch-free. The smart toilet comes with a bidet which allows the user to adjust the spray pressure and water temperature.
Another category where technology has made inroads is the shower. Packed with sophisticated technologies like water saving, spray control and music player etc, the modern-day showers are meant for providing experiences like bathing in an actual waterfall or rain that leaves the user feeling elated and refreshed.
Amaresh Anand
Founder-Principal, Khosla & Anand
“I would say the touchless features would work in powder rooms in private bathrooms. In other bathrooms too features like pre-setting the water temperature are useful. However, I would look at it as an additional feature.”
What’s next?
The bathrooms are getting smarter by the day no doubt with connected LED mirrors, gesture-based flushing systems, smart toilets, and the entire showering experience connected through the app.
Anand believes that voice control will probably be the next big thing in the bathrooms. “I have already started integrating music in bathrooms; some have TVs as well. Voice control can turn on the shower. Also, functions like remotely activating the preheating of water via a smartphone app could work well. For example, it would be very convenient for the user in case the app can run the water in the tub and have it ready by the time the user reaches home.”
While in modern and contemporary bathrooms or a smart home set-up, the use of smart fixtures is quite common. Even the traditional washrooms and the ones in the heritage buildings can benefit from the use of smart fixtures. “It would be nice to have modern amenities in a heritage building or a traditional washroom. Irrespective of the age of the building the comforts of the inhabitants will matter most,” opines Anand.
Additionally, smart solutions also help in optimising water and energy consumption in bathrooms. In fact, watering saving and increasing the comfort or relaxation quotient – these two have been the key aspects driving innovations in the modern bathrooms of today. “There is a delicate balance that we need to achieve to make luxury responsible as well. Recycling bath water and washbasin water can optimise the use of water. The use of solar power for the heating requirements will reduce the energy footprint.