A smart home allows for automated control and remote monitoring of appliances, lighting, security systems, and more using voice commands or a mobile app. The document discusses how smart homes work using receivers and transmitters to detect signals and issue commands, and outlines the key benefits of smart homes including comfort, convenience, entertainment, security, and assistance for elderly or disabled individuals through health monitoring systems. However, the document notes that smart home technologies can be quite expensive and are not widely available in India yet.