Bright Idea: SNUPI Technologies & Wally

The so-called internet of things, in which objects transfer data without requiring human interaction, is so hot that Google recently invested $3.2 billion in Nest Labs, which sells a smart household thermostat that learns the owners behavior to reduce energy use.

This infatuation isnt lost on SNUPI Technologies, which is debuting its Wally home-sensing network online (wallyhome.com) and at home shows across the country.

Wallys low-power wireless system detects potential environmental hazards by monitoring moisture, temperature and humidity changes inside a home. Wally provides peace of mind to homeowners, says CEO Jeremy Jaech. If we can set a model for what is normal in your home, we can tell you when its not normal.

SNUPI (for Sensor Network Utilizing Powerline Infrasructure) recently received $7.5 million in capital investment to facilitate Wallys rollout. Its not $3 billion, but Jaech and his cofounders are convinced theres room for many players in the home-sensing arena.

By establishing a partnership with American Family Insurance, SNUPI Technologies intends to emphasize the good sense in preventing disasters like water leaks and mold infestation before they occur, or at least before they can cause significant damage. Jaech notes that, in 2011, 14 million American homeowners reported $11 billion in property losses from water, freezing and mold.

Wally is different from many home monitors already available because its easy to install and needs virtually no maintenance its battery will last 10 years before needing replacement. The system piggybacks off the copper wiring inside the walls of a house, with the wiring acting as an antenna that transmits Wallys signals from sensors placed in areas prone to leaks or humidity buildup, such as behind a refrigerator or under a dishwasher. The base station uploads data to the cloud and sends a text, email or mobile alert if a problem is detected.