Smart homes are getting smarter — but are they getting more ethical?

In this episode of Master Integrator, I’m joined by Dr Stephen Hart, founder of Roboethics Australia, to explore the emerging field of roboethics and what it means for integrators, designers, and homeowners.

We unpack the ethical challenges of AI, automation, and IoT in residential spaces, including bias in algorithms, privacy concerns, and the question of consent in always-on environments.

Stephen shares practical steps integrators can take to design and install systems that not only work well, but also respect the rights and wellbeing of the people using them.

Whether you’re specifying a simple lighting system or a fully autonomous home, this conversation will make you think differently about the technology you choose — and the impact it has.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• What “roboethics” means and why it matters in residential tech
• The blurred lines between automation, AI, and robotics in the home
• Ethical challenges in IoT, from surveillance to predictive systems
• How bias can creep into home automation algorithms
• The importance of informed consent and user control
• Practical tips for integrators to build ethical considerations into their projects
• Future trends and why roboethics could become part of regulation

Thanks to Our Sponsors:🔹 Kordz Australia (www.kordz.com.au) the Australian distributor of Netvio (www.netvio.com.au)

🔹 Connected Magazine (www.connectedmag.com.au)

Got feedback or questions? Email info@masterintegrator.com.au or follow us on LinkedIn.

In a tightening economy, it’s not enough to do great work — you need to make sure you get paid for it. In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton speaks with Angela McDonald, Managing Director of Optimum Recoveries, and Craig Mason, Principal of SMS Law, about how smart home integrators can legally and financially protect their businesses.

From tightening your terms and conditions to using tools like the PPSR and trade credit insurance, Angela and Craig share clear, practical advice for avoiding bad debts before they start. They also break down common mistakes integrators make — like relying on handshake deals or trying to recover gear after non-payment — and what to include in your contracts to ensure you have legal recourse.

Whether you're running a growing integration company or you're sole trader just starting out, this episode will help you build smarter systems — not just for your clients, but for your business.

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Thanks to our sponsors for supporting Master Integrator!

For Integrate Unlimited, visit www.iunlimited.au

For Kolosseum, visit http://kolosseum.io

For Connected Magazine, visit www.connectedmag.com.au

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For more information about the podcast, visit www.masterintegrator.com.au or email info@masterintegrator.com.au

In a special role reversal, Connected Magazine editor Sean Carroll joins Master Integrator as interviewer, putting Paul Skelton — the podcast’s host and CEDIA’s Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand — in the hot seat.

This episode explores where the smart home integration industry has come from, where it’s heading, and why the time for industry reform is now. From building a nationally recognised apprenticeship program, to pushing for ANZSCO recognition, to expanding conversations around ethical technology design, Paul shares what’s happening behind the scenes — and what’s at stake if the industry doesn’t engage.

They also discuss the growing urgency around industry insurance, the importance of CPD education for architects and designers, and why collaboration with building professionals is key to long-term success.

Equal parts honest, provocative, and absurd (yes, sandwiches and basketball are discussed), this episode lifts the curtain on the work being done — and what it will take to finally get integrators the recognition they deserve.

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Thanks to our sponsors for supporting Master Integrator!

For Integrate Unlimited, visit www.iunlimited.au

For Kolosseum, visit http://kolosseum.io

For Connected Magazine, visit www.connectedmag.com.au

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For more information about the podcast, visit www.masterintegrator.com.au or email info@masterintegrator.com.au