Voice-Activated Motorization

In our final series in the Motorization Playbook, we are going to delve deeper into voice-control options for motorized window coverings. In our last article, “The Language of Motorization,” we learned about the different types of communication forms we use to operate motorized window coverings. We also learned that radio frequency (RF) is the most popular form of communication for motors nowadays. In this article, we are going to learn the basics of how to use voice commands to operate motorized shades.

BY O’D MCKEWAN

Most people are now familiar with the concept of voice assistants like Google, Siri and Alexa even if they do not use them, but very few are knowledgeable about how they actually work. Broken down into the simplest terms, once you activate the voice assistant by calling its name, it uses a microphone to record your voice command. Then, it sends that recording to its server in the cloud, where that server uses voice-recognition software to determine what the command is and what to do with it. After this step, it sends the command to the proper device or app for further action. All this is done via an internet connection. Your voice assistant, either on your phone or in a device, must be connected to the internet to work.

So, how does a voice assistant operate a motorized shade? Technically, it does not. It only converts your voice command to a digital signal. That digital signal must then be sent to some other device that can communicate with the motors. In our industry, that device is called a hub, bridge or gateway. Each motor manufacturer has their own hub that will take the digital signal and convert it to an RF signal that it sends to the motor, just like a remote control does. That signal will tell the motor what action to produce (e.g., move up, down or stop).

The key to understanding this is that the hubs are really doing all the work. Each motor manufacturer designs their hub to be able to do all kinds of different commands for their motors. The hubs are programmed via an app that you download to your mobile device. Each manufacturer has their own app to download for their specific hub. Again, most people are familiar with using apps to operate things from their mobile devices. All of the commands run through the app to the hub and then the hub sends the signals to the motors. Voice assistants just add another layer of communication. Therefore, once you incorporate a voice assistant, you will give a voice command instead of opening an app and pressing a button on your mobile device.

Now, you should be able to understand that there are five things required for voice activation to work. The first is a voice assistant either on your phone or in a device located in the home or building. The second is a manufacturer’s hub (bridge or gateway). The third is the manufacturer’s app to be downloaded to a mobile device for programming and controlling the hub. The fourth is a compatible motor that works with the hub. And, lastly, an internet connection allows all the devices to communicate with each other. Once you have all five items, you can complete the system by following the directions in the app to allow the hub access to the internet. Link the motors to the hub and then the voice assistant to the hub. Then, you should be able to operate the motors via the app or via voice control.

Now, let us take a look at the system in action. You speak to Alexa and ask her to raise your kitchen shade. Alexa’s microphone records your voice and sends the message to its online server (similar to a voice to text message). Alexa’s online server deciphers the message using what they call Skills (the Google Assistant calls them Actions) and determines that it is a message for the hub. It then sends a message via the internet to the hub (think of it as an encrypted email from the server to the hub). The hub takes the message and converts it to an RF signal and sends the signal to the corresponding motorized shade (just like a remote control would). When working properly, all of this is done in a second or two. This is less time than it would take to get your phone, open the app, select the motor you want to operate and then press the button to operate that motor.

So, what are the pitfalls of using voice control? The big one is the use of the internet and Wi-Fi signal strength. If there is a poor internet connection or the Wi-Fi signal is weak, the system will be vulnerable to communication errors. Since the hubs must communicate directly with the motors and with the internet, sometimes it can be difficult to find a good location to place the hub so it can communicate with both. Some hubs must be plugged into the internet router via an Ethernet cable, and some should be connected to a Wi-Fi signal. Either way, there are limitations to how far the signals will reach. For this reason, manufacturers suggest either using a signal repeater or additional hubs to make sure there is a strong signal throughout the system. Much like you would use a separate remote in each room, you might have to have multiple hubs or repeaters to reach all the motors. The larger the system, the more devices are required.

Another common issue to be aware of is the use of nomenclatures. When you are programming the manufacturers’ app and naming the motorized coverings, it is important to use names that will work well with voice control. “Mstr bd” is not the same as master bedroom. Make sure you use descriptive terms that your clients will remember. When using voicecontrol commands, voice-recognition software is very specific. If some of the names of the shades sound similar, the system may get confused or it may ask for clarification, both of which can become annoying. Ask your client what they would call that window and use that term when labeling it in the app. Also, do not make the name of the shade too long (e.g., master bedroom left of TV shade). If you have multiple shades in a room, you can list them by position or number (e.g., dining room left, right door, living room middle, or master 1, master 2, master 3). The important thing is to make sure your client is able to clearly state the name and can remember it.

Lastly, when it comes to voice control, it is extremely important that you manage your client’s expectations. This is still a new technology and it is not a perfect system. It is getting better and easier to use all the time, but it might not be the best option for certain clients. Make sure you explain that it is not a flawless system, but that the more they use it, the more comfortable they will become with it.

Now that you understand the basics of how voice control works, I suggest you start becoming more familiar with these systems by setting them up in your home or showroom. The more you use these systems, the more comfortable and knowledgeable you will be, and the more systems you will sell. Just remember: If your clients are asking for voice-activated window coverings, they are probably already using voice activation and are comfortable with it, so you should be too.

O’D McKewan, the product coach for Window Covering World, is a master of motorization and a leader in the motorized window covering field. He has over a decade of hands-on experience with motorized window coverings, including fabrication, installation and selling. Interested in learning more about motorization? Sign up for the Window Fashion Certified Professional FastTrack course on motorization at wf-vision.com.

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