Furniture retailer, Ikea, is venturing into the smart home tech space, announcing the launch of a lighting collection that enables consumers to remotely control, automate and design their own lighting.

The collection, which will be made available in Australia next year, features smart globes and light panels that can dim and switch between warm and cool light, using either a controller or the ‘TRÅDFRI’ app for phones and tablets.

The range offers a plug and play solution, which removes hardwiring or hiring an electrician.

The global retail giant said the solution can be set up with one integrated light or can be a fully automated system that operates throughout an entire home.

“Ikea smart lighting was designed to enable people to have better lighting at home, in an easy and affordable way,” said Ikea Home Furnishing expert, Helen Longford.

“There are endless possibilities with the collection, for example it can be set up so create a different type of light for early mornings, another setting for late nights and one for working or cooking.”

She added that being able to dim and adjust lighting is one of the things that people look for and appreciate at home, “and for them to be able to do this remotely or via the app with smart lighting would make the collection really exciting.”

Longford said it’s not just about making gadgets, but adding functionality “into their entire product range by integrating technology into their home furnishing offer.”

“We want to use this innovative project to help people use technology in their homes in clever ways to enrich their lives or to simply make things easier. Smart lighting is just the beginning for us,” she said.

Access exclusive analysis, locked news and reports with Inside Retail Weekly. Subscribe today and get our premium print publication delivered to your door every week.