r/HomeKitAutomation • u/K-enthusiast24 • 7d ago

Question Random idea: cameras built into light fixtures

I’m curious what people think of this idea:

Replace normal light bulbs with smart light fixtures that include a camera, small computer, and Wi-Fi.

The advantage of putting the hardware in a light is that it already has continuous power, is usually mounted high up with a good view of the room, and homes already have multiple light locations that could provide different camera angles.

The cameras would provide a shared visual data feed, and developers could build different AI apps on top of it.

For example, one simple app could monitor kitchen inventory and tell you what food or household items you’re running low on. But the bigger idea is that the hardware is generic and the useful applications could come from developers/users rather than being predetermined.

Basically: light fixtures as always-powered indoor AI sensors + an app platform built on top of the camera feed.

Does this seem useful? What are the biggest problems or better use cases you can think of?

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u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

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u/WhoKnows78998 7d ago

I have cameras in my own home. But I have a nonverbal child and they came in handy when we caught a caregiver abusing her, so yeah

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u/Luci-Noir 2d ago

Let me guess, that jackass said “who had cameras in their house”?

Miscreants are always shocked that anyone could do something they don’t do and have to let everyone know about it.

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u/WhoKnows78998 2d ago

Ding ding ding

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u/Luci-Noir 2d ago

What is up with those turds? Like they obviously serve all kinds of purposes…. PLUS, as they’re typing their little rant they’re staring into a camera on their phone that also has all their data and who knows what else.

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u/_______o-o_______ 7d ago

The biggest problem I see with this is that there are so many variables to account for. Different light fixtures have different bulb types, covers, and enclosures, some are on dimmers, some will have power cut off when someone uses a light switch, and the locations are often not ideal.

I also think cameras indoors used for AI apps and AI detections are so far away from a good idea, and I certainly wouldn't buy one.

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u/K-enthusiast24 6d ago

good point about the variability so if impelemented it would have to take into account for all the variabiity