Deako and Josh.ai have announced a new integration designed to make advanced lighting control more accessible across residential smart home projects.
The partnership combines Deako’s modular smart lighting infrastructure with Josh.ai’s locally processed, AI-powered control platform, giving builders and integrators a path to deploy scalable lighting automation without the complexity or cost traditionally associated with high-end systems.
According to the companies, the integration allows homes to be built using standard wiring and Deako backplates, making them “AI-ready” at the time of construction. Advanced automation through Josh.ai can then be added during the build phase or as a future upgrade, reducing barriers to entry for both builders and homeowners.
“Deako was built around the idea that homes should be ready for what’s next,” says Derek Richardson, CEO of Deako. “Partnering with Josh.ai demonstrates the power of our modular platform to support sophisticated, high-end automation without locking builders or homeowners into rigid systems.”
Alex Capecelatro, CEO of Josh.ai, says the integration expands flexibility for dealers and builder partners within the Josh.ai ecosystem.
How the Integration Works
With the integration in place, Deako smart switches and dimmers connect to the home’s local network, where the Josh.ai processor automatically discovers lighting loads and generates a floorplan for system customization. Lighting can be controlled using voice, touch, or text through the Josh App, Josh Edge remote, and other Josh.ai interfaces.
The companies note that two-way feedback ensures lighting status is consistently reflected across all control points.
Unlike cloud-dependent voice platforms, communication between Deako and Josh.ai occurs locally within the home, delivering faster response times, continued operation during internet outages, and a privacy-first control experience.
Why It Matters
The companies position the partnership as a way to bridge the gap between production-built homes and premium automation.
Builders gain the ability to offer smart-home-ready infrastructure without committing to proprietary systems upfront. Custom integrators can more easily reach mid-market projects with premium lighting control upgrades that do not require electrical rework. Homeowners benefit from a scalable system that balances flexibility, performance, and long-term upgrade potential.
