Ever since Google announced its AI-powered automation creation tool for consumers, I’ve not-so-secretly been waiting for that capability to come around for integrators from one of the pro-channel control platforms, and it seems that time has finally come. At CEDIA Expo 2026, Josh.ai announced the launch of ProStudio, introducing a new Automations builder with AI-generated programming, among other features.
Let’s dig into this new automation builder first.
ProStudio Automations: AI-Powered Programming Tool on Josh.ai
Automations, as the new feature is simply called, brings generative AI directly into the programming workflow. Like how large language models transform natural language into useful general-purpose assistance, Automations aims to translate an integrator’s intent into sophisticated custom home programming.
As Josh describes it, installers need only describe what a client wants their home to do (i.e. open the shades each morning only when it is sunny and Automations generates the programming necessary to bring that experience to life.
Automations is being announced and exclusively previewed at CEDIA Expo 2026, with availability planned for later this year.
ProStudio Updates to Help Center
To round out the delivery of ProStudio, Josh.ai has also redesigned its Help Center to be the primary resource for dealers to successfully deploy and support systems. The changes integrate AI and collaborative support tools, with features like AI-powered search aiming to help installers pinpoint the right articles, setup guides, troubleshooting steps, and technical resources.
Additional updates include notifications for release notes, the ability to follow specific topics, feedback tools to vote or comment on articles and direct support ticket submission within the platform.
Josh.ai has also updated its training curriculum with expanded educational content and more practical learning paths for technical certification, sales enablement and system design.
Why Integrators Should Take Note
“Control systems have traditionally forced integrators to choose between customization and programming time. Our AI changes that,” said Alex Capecelatro, CEO of Josh.ai.
In essence, an innovation like this changes the economics of system design and deployment. For one, something like AI-powered programming allows for more of a dealer’s team to contribute and configure systems, freeing up the more experienced programmers to focus on more complex needs within a system.
This extra freedom can then carry over to the client, allowing for deeper personalization within systems due to the time and labor save. Josh claims that the platform will reduce programming time from hours to minutes (obviously that remains to be seen), but the main message that integrators should focus on is that, if effective, this tool would alleviate the time sink that often goes into more minor automations and scenes.
Nimble DevSuite+
Alongside Automations, Josh.ai has also announced the evolution of its Nimble DevSuite. The Nimble DevSuite+ update, which will be released in stages later this year, expands protocol flexibility and the ability for integrators to program device drivers as needed for an individual client’s needs. The initial launch will start with meta drivers for Home Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Matter.
Josh.ai I/O Box
Nimble DevSuite+ also introduces support for the new Josh.ai I/O Box by Global Caché. Designed specifically for professional installers, Global Caché’s Global Connect platform extends the reach of Josh.ai systems with support for infrared (IR), serial communication (RS232 and RS485), relay control, and sensor inputs.
The Josh.ai I/O Box will be available exclusively in the Josh.ai dealer store later this year as the solution to bridge modern control experiences with legacy technology infrastructure.
Why Integrators Should Note
Nimble DevSuite+ is enabling advanced integrators to develop and program their own custom device drivers for unique client needs. This ideally translates into more scalable Josh.ai systems that, if done right, can flexibly integrate across a wide range of smart home devices.
One thing to note, however, is that these independently created drivers will need to be hosted on an additional hardware module, and will not be officially supported nor certified by Josh.ai. Still, the capability allows integrators with sufficient programming chops to deliver specialized one-off solutions for projects involving unsupported devices.
