On House

Home automation Smart Living IoT Interface

Project

On House is more than a startup prototype—it is a vision for the democratization of smart home technology. Conceived during the fourth semester of the Information Systems program at ESPM São Paulo, within the Interdisciplinary Project course, the initiative represents the convergence of academic rigor, entrepreneurial spirit, and technological empathy. Developed by a team of four students, On House emerged in response to a compelling challenge: how can we make home automation truly accessible—technically, financially, and socially?

In a world where smart living is often reserved for high-income households and corporate environments, On House delivers a clear and necessary message: innovation must be inclusive. The project introduces a modular, low-cost, and scalable automation system designed specifically for small homes and offices—spaces typically overlooked in the smart tech revolution due to high implementation costs and infrastructure complexity.

At its foundation, On House harnesses the Internet of Things (IoT) to create a connected ecosystem. Users can control lighting, power, and essential home utilities remotely through cloud services and Wi-Fi. The system is built on the Arduino open-hardware platform, chosen for its affordability, flexibility, and robust global developer community. From its earliest stages, every design decision was guided by principles of simplicity, replicability, and human-centered functionality.

Yet, On House moves beyond conventional automation. A pivotal evolution in the project came with the integration of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology, powered by the Myo armband—a wearable device that captures electromyographic (EMG) signals to interpret user intention through muscle movements. With this integration, the system allows users to control their environment with intuitive gestures—such as opening a hand or rotating a wrist—redefining accessibility and enabling new forms of interaction for individuals with motor disabilities or reduced mobility.

Project Objectives

Democratize access to home automation using affordable, open-source technologies.
Integrate BCI-based control to enable intuitive, touch-free interaction.
Empower users with physical limitations by removing dependence on conventional interfaces.
Develop a modular architecture that evolves with new devices and emerging sensors.
Promote socially responsible innovation that addresses real-world accessibility gaps.

To validate the idea, the team built a fully functional prototype combining IoT infrastructure with gesture-based control. In initial testing, the system successfully managed connected appliances through both a cloud dashboard and BCI-triggered commands using the Myo armband. This dual-mode capability demonstrated not only the technical viability of the solution, but also its potential for scalability and broader application in diverse residential and care environments.

More than a matter of convenience, On House is about inclusion. By enabling users to control their environment through EMG-based gestures, the platform provides a new sense of autonomy for individuals who may struggle with voice commands or touchscreen interfaces. For people with physical disabilities, this seemingly simple interaction can dramatically improve daily life—offering control, comfort, and above all, dignity.

The project also serves as a powerful case for tech-for-good innovation, bridging the divide between emerging technologies and underserved populations. It highlights the urgent need for ethical design within the IoT landscape and raises the bar for what inclusive engineering can achieve.

From the outset, On House was built to scale. Its modular and open-source design enables rapid adaptation and expansion into new environments. Looking ahead, the roadmap includes:

Multi-device automation: Integrating control over lighting, fans, blinds, HVAC, and security systems.
Context-aware environments: Using environmental sensors to automate behavior based on presence, temperature, or light.
Voice assistant compatibility: Integration with systems like Alexa and Google Assistant.
AI-enhanced learning: Personalized automation powered by behavioral patterns and gesture recognition.
Interactive dashboards: Visualizing usage, energy efficiency, and device status in real time.

In parallel, the team envisions strategic partnerships with assisted living centers, rehabilitation facilities, and NGOs focused on accessibility—bringing On House to the communities where it’s needed most.

On House is more than a product—it’s a proposal for a new way of living. A home environment that adapts to you, guided by your movements, your needs, and your intention. By blending IoT infrastructure with neuro-driven interfaces, the project invites us to reimagine the boundaries between technology and the human experience.

In a time shaped by smart cities and hyper-connectivity, On House offers a vital reminder: innovation should begin where it matters most—with the individual, with dignity, with care.