U.S. government scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory recently launched a program aimed at adapting homes and buildings to use electricity and other energy sources more efficiently. Led by researcher Jeff Muhs, the team is examining power systems from a building or home to the original transmission source to determine better efficiencies. The project focuses on automation, robotics, sensors, and other tools to reduce energy consumption, accounting for a number of variables such as a building’s construction, its ability to regulate temperature, and how outside conditions impact the inside environment. The research is funded by the U.S. Dept. of Energy.