FLOATING TRANSPARENT TELEVISIONS, beds with built-in screens, and controlling your home’s functions remotely seem like something out of a science fiction film, right?

Well, the reality is these type of gadgets aren’t too far away – in fact, a lot of this sort of technology for your home is already available and just waiting for you to find out about it. Here’s some of the most interesting technology you’ll no doubt find in your home in the next few years.

1. Transparent television

This television, demonstrated by Panasonic at the start of the year, is installed into a bookcase, can slide up and down in height according to who’s watching the television and can be made transparent so the bookcase behind can be seen when the television is not in use.

Not only that, it can keep you up to date with the weather and news, takes voice commands, plays music and be used as a digital photographic display.

It’s basically real life Minority Report.

2. Wireless, keyless locking system

Lockitron is a wireless, keyless bolt you fit over an existing lock that lets you control the locks in your home from your phone. It would be particularly handy for people who forget their keys often, or can’t remember if they’ve locked the front door. It senses your proximity to your home and unlocks the door for you.

3. A fully customisable bed with entertainment system

BritCo BritCo

If you already find it hard to get out of bed in the morning, look away now. This HiCan bed is the modern version of the four-poster canopy bed with remote control blinds, a built-in HD projector and audio system, Xbox and adjustable lighting and mattress levels.

We warned you.

4. A robot alarm clock that can outsmart you

Lifehack Lifehack

Speaking of getting out of bed being a struggle, this robot alarm clock runs away from you and hides, continuing to beep as it does so until you get yourself out of bed to turn it off. Ingenious and despicable in one.

5. A robot butler – sort of

Irobot Irobot

You’re probably aware of the Roomba by now, the automated vacuuming robot that you leave to wander your floors cleaning up as it goes. The next generation of this is a robot with arms that can pick up items, tidy up, operate some machines and serve drinks. It answers to voice commands and programmed gestures. It’s not available to buy yet, but it can’t be too long before you have your very own robot butler.

6. Smart refrigerator

Lg Lg

This fridge can be linked with your smartphone via an app and has a touch screen monitor on the door. It keeps an inventory of all perishable food and has a couple of apps that can help you make a shopping list based on what’s in your fridge already. And if that wasn’t enough, it keeps track of the fridge’s energy consumption too.

And finally…

Another amazing bit of technology you’ll want in your house immediately is the Nest from Electric Ireland. The beautifully designed Nest thermostat allows you to control heating and hot water remotely via your smartphone and even knows when you leave your home so it can turn the temperature down to save energy. Head over to Electric Ireland to find out more about Nest.