AUSTIN, Texas — Smart home technology for lights, TVs and appliances is growing in popularity. And some of the work to keep that new tech coming is happening right here in Austin.
NXP in South Austin manufactures semiconductor chips and works with companies that make the end product for Smart Home Technology, furthering their work with a recently opened innovative lab.
College students and engineers will be working in the lab to explore ways that chips can be used in products for the everyday consumer.
"[They] can enhance how house energy is used, how the electric car is managed with the grid and use energy and make it more efficient in your house," Ron Martino, the executive vice president and chief sales officer at NXP Semiconductors, said.
Daniel Wrodawski is a home and appliance writer for Consumer Reports. He said these labs are an important part of the wave of future for technology.
"[It's a] great way to keep a pulse on what's coming next with technology," Wrodawksi said. "If they are going to be partnering with engineering students in the local area, that's a great, great way to train them and get to understand what's new."
Wrodawski said the labs can really help companies in a market that is competitive and growing, and he expects Smart Home Technology to continue to grow in popularity over the next few years.
“As a whole, there is a lot competition, especially as these [produce] more commodity products,” Wrodawski said.
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