Yeah @jackdub that really makes a great foundation for an automation system. A few things that I have thought of since reading that article are:

• The use of sensors for water pressure (and water flow) to automate water flow/drainage/pumping in any type of water system.

• The use of temperature sensors to power on and power off fans, Peltier devices or other cooling systems for electronics.

• The use of a miniature weather station to gather statistical data about the sun, wind and rainfall.

• The use of something like Serval Mesh to power on when there is no internet or cellular connection. This would make it possible for everyone within range to use their phones to communicate with each other without the need for outside cellular towers or household WiFi. Further reading: http://developer.servalproject.org/dokuwiki/doku.php

• The use of door and cabinet door sensors that turn on/off lights when they are opened or closed. This could be further controlled by time constraints as well so as an example: the porch light only comes on at night when the porch door is open.

  I will probably think of more. :)