[adpreese]

Sure, but that's hardly the only problem. The simple fact is most people don't have systems in their home that they want/need to interface with through an app or something. Here's a close to comprehensive list of the electronic things in my home: Several computers, Microwave, George Foreman Grill, Rice Cooker, Fridge, Thermostat, Toothbrush, Lights, Dish washer, Washer/Dryer

Mechanical engineering doesn't seem to be blocking point for any of those except maybe the washer/dryer and food related stuff. I could definitely see the opportunity to have a device that could portion out N grams of rice per person and then have it ready to eat when I get home, but for the rest, I don't see it as the stumbling block.

[woah]

Machine vision is also a problem. One of the biggest I think. You could have a tiny tractor that grows you delicious veggies, but machine vision can't deal with plants.

[jes5199]

Yeah, but if we had that we wouldn't be talking about "internet of things" we would be talking about "actual AI everywhere" which a whole next level of difficulty up.