Home automation involves automated home management systems and intelligent control systems. Leading international vendors have aggressively rolled out control systems combining sensor modules and service platforms for home automation such as Google's Google Brillo and Apple's HomeKit. This report will discuss the main applications of home automation, major countries holding home automation patents, distribution of the patents by sector and field, and key patented technologies such as data processing, network communications, control system, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence; examines the strategic planning and challenges of leading home automation companies including Samsung, Sony, Microsoft, Google and Honeywell. Also included are the insights about market opportunities of home automation solutions for newcomers.