AutoShades: Smart Window Shades for the Masses!

If you want to automate your lighting, security, air conditioning, or whatever else, there are a wide range of solutions on the market, but one “system” that has lagged behind is physical window shades. Perhaps this is understandable, as even manual shades with their oft-tangled cords and knobs can be difficult to operate — AutoShades has decided to take on this challenge as window coverings designed for automation.

Unlike many blind systems, AutoShades roll up for easy control with a simple motor. This allows for position tracking via an encoder and a custom circuit board. A removable battery box powers the device, with a single charge lasting for months.

As a smart unit, AutoShades are meant to work wirelessly, interfacing with Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Google Home, Home Assistant, and potentially other platforms as needed. On the other hand, you don’t always want to get out your phone, or talk to an inanimate object just to open your blinds, so they also feature manual pull cord activation. Multiple shades can even be grouped together, so that one pull can lift or retract multiple blinds at once.

AutoShades are now available on Kickstarter, starting at $129 for one shade (up to 72 inches), all the way up to eight for $889 — suitable, apparently, for total control of a rather large house!