Integrated Systems

Smart tech for home security

by Mark Rowe

A home insurer has announced a partnership with a smart tech company, Cocoon, to offer what the firms term an all-in-one home security system. They point out that almost one million homes became smarter during the course of 2015 in the UK, with four million households now having some form of Smart Home system.

Cocoon uses Subsound technology to listen for infra-sound – inaudible vibrations in the air caused by movement. Unlike audible sound, infrasound travels across rooms and multiple floors. Because of this, one Cocoon can look after the whole home, it’s claimed – whether it’s a noisy city flat or a country home.

Using machine learning, Cocoon is continually learning the ‘sound signature’ of a home. The product uses this knowledge to send alerts only when there are unusual patterns in what it detects, whether that’s a cracked pipe or a break-in. Cocoon alerts the owner with HD video so they can choose how to respond. It is self-arming and you manage it through the iOS or Android app.

According to the Association of British Insurers, escape of water claims make up 21 per cent of domestic insurance claims and fire 13 per cent. There were an estimated 743,000 incidents of domestic burglary in the year ending September 2015 (according to the ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales).

Zurich Insurance says that UK customers can purchase a Cocoon device at a discounted premium and also receive a 10 per cent discount on their home insurance when purchased via an approved broker.

Helen Jales, Head of Innovation at Zurich, said: “Smart devices for the house – for example, thermostats, leak detectors and security alarms – have the ability to help customers understand and manage risks to their home much more easily and quickly than ever before. Many are easy to install, allow earlier detection of a problem, and can send a notification to your mobile phone meaning that even if you are away, you will be notified of an issue. This is an exciting time to be partnering with such a pioneering business and we look forward to hearing how our customers use them.” 


Sanjay Parekh, CEO and co-founder of Cocoon, added: “This partnership with Zurich helps us reward those taking a smarter approach to protect their home and loved ones. Cocoon offers a simple, intelligent way to help everyone look after their homes. Whether an inner-city flat or a country house, one Cocoon protects the whole home.”

For more on Cocoon read about their July 2016 launch; visit https://cocoon.life/2016/07/05/launch-party-smart-home-security/.

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