Living with Future AI: Studying Experience, Attitudes and Expectations of Greek Smart Home Users

As the European Union advances towards its strategic goal of achieving a cleaner environment, member states are intensifying their energy efficiency initiatives. Among these, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) holds considerable promise for enhancing sustainable energy management practices. While much research has focused on refining the accuracy of AI in enhancing energy efficiency, less has been conducted on exploring users’ perceptions of AI. Our study seeks to explore the perceptions of early adopters of smart home technologies in Greece regarding the role of AI in future smart homes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we have analyzed the views of 9 individuals, who represent a diverse range of living arrangements from single occupants to multi-person households. The in-depth analysis highlights a generally positive outlook on the benefits of AI in energy management. Nonetheless, there is a discernible desire to balance automation and user autonomy within AI systems. Participants preferred AI interactions that do not mimic human behaviour, emphasizing the importance of retaining a home-like ambience rather than shifting towards full automation. Moreover, our findings indicate that the perceived benefits of AI correlate with household size, with larger households showing a greater appreciation for AI’s capacity to optimize energy usage and reduce expenses. These insights provide valuable implications for policymakers and developers aiming to customize AI solutions better to meet the needs and preferences of Greek households, thereby facilitating more effective AI integration in homes.