Global revenues from smart home automation systems will grow at a 21-percent CAGR between 2015 and 2020, according to ABI Research. North America will account for the lion's share of the smart home automation system revenues in 2020, contributing close to 46 percent globally, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific.

The venerable factory is an important competitive weapon in the digital economy, according to Smart Manufacturing - The Path to the Future Factory, a report from research firm IDC Manufacturing Insights.