I am a Electronic/Computer Engineer and I absolutely love tech toys. I build my own too.
I see some value having Alexa, or any voice activated speaker controlling things.
However I wouldn't trust voice recognition for certain things that I want Hard coded Strict controls (like Lights, or return pumps etc), since it could lead to potential damage to system.
One would have to put some very deep planning, controls, and logic to make things bullet proof. Proper Resets to steady state.
Personally I don't think the general user has the skills to do that. Possibly Neptune will do that (hard thinking/designing) for end users.
Over the last few months, I've played with every technology out there for home automation. Wifi Outlets, Zigbee, Proprietary, and the various Comercial Hubs, IFTT, etc.
There are plenty of challenges to think through such as Internet Stability, Wifi Stability. Effect of losing Power, and Time Synchronization.
Also when all working fine, comes the response time of the Servers providing the Skills to Automation/Alexa.
I landed on a mix of technologies, and they work independently, intelligently, and yes Alexa has access to some.
What I find most frustrating is how Alexa can become unresponsive. Sometimes confused. To me that's a no-no for a fish tank unless something simple.
EXAMPLE of FAILURE:
Last night, I constructed a simple (single wifi Plug OUTLET) controlled by Alexa, to turn off my Return Pump at a time that I would normally reach for a switch.
This procedure is part of a water change.
Too far to reach switch, and hands wet. In past, I had ways to deal with this (phone app nearby).
I practiced to make sure it would work (At my DESK). The OUTLET turned ON and OFF Reliably. Maybe slight delay, but acceptable.
I then moved Alexa over to my Sump Room where I do the water change.
When I started the water change, came the time for Alexa to turn off the Outlet.
I said "alexa pump off". Nothing Happened. Few times. I had to break my WC Siphon stop.
I learned that Alexa wasn't picking my voice command since the gurling, splashing sounds of my sump were interfering.
THIS IS JUST one example. Plenty of other ways things can go wrong.
Point is Automation is tricky, and has to be well thought through. Voice recognition, and multiple points of relay between systems make it tricker for reliability.
I'm sure user experience feedback, testing, and improvements will make this wonderful technology better. (Along with some Good User Manuals with Cautions to Eager users)
