Smart home project springs from fiber network in Westminster

The recent move in Westminster, Md., to build a fiber network will mean faster internet speeds at home, and more data capacity for businesses.
Residents also see new ways to help the community. A year-old nonprofit called the Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory (MAGIC) is looking to bring together together groups around health and education projects that utilize the fiber network.
“It’s our goal to take that fiber and fully realize its potential for our community. So tech enthusiasts and people who are really passionate have really rallied around MAGIC to find new ways for us to leverage this infrastructure,” said Jason Stambaugh, a MAGIC board member.
One such project is focused on implementing smart home technology around healthcare monitoring. People living with disabilities at two homes will have sensors installed that can collect health measurements, as well as behavioral data. It can help health specialists draw conclusions about how to improve quality of life, and ensure safety inside the home.
“If we put a higher level of sophistication into the home, we can start collecting more and more data points,” Stambaugh said.
Along with people who are living with disabilities, Stambaugh believes the project can provide insight for elderly people who are aging in place.
The project was recently awarded a $10,000 grant after Stambaugh pitched at the Point Breeze Credit Union Community Care Challenge.
“MAGIC’s innovative project will provide critical data to the medical community of Carroll County and we’re proud to support them,” Bernie McLaughlin, president and CEO of Point Breeze Credit Union, said in a statement. “It’s crucial that we support forward thinking organizations and we’re looking forward to seeing the community impact.”
Stambaugh said the money will help purchase the initial sensors and networking equipment. With the homes set to be hooked up to the fiber network, the project is expected to come online in the fall. Once it is up and running, Stambaugh said more sensors will be added incrementally.
“We see the fiber network being a transform piece of infrastructure, so we’re trying to get the most out of it that we can,” Stambaugh said.