Josh.ai Voice Control in Austin
Natural voice control layered over a Lutron system, planned with your keypads, shades, and scenes by Smarter Homes.
Natural voice control on top of your Lutron system
Josh.ai is a voice and app layer for a home that already has a control system. It does not replace Lutron. Lutron runs the lights, shades, and keypads, and Josh lets you ask for them in plain speech, such as "Ok Josh, dim the lights, open the west sheers, and play smooth jazz" (an example from Josh.ai).
Room-aware voice
Each Josh Micro knows its location, so "lights on" affects only the room you are in (Josh.ai).
Brain plus room units
Josh Core is the brain on your network. Josh Micro is a room unit that supports up to 100 devices, and Josh Nano is a small in-room microphone for walls or ceilings.
App on iOS and Android
The Josh app is a required part of the system and gives the same control by touch.
Mostly local
Josh says most processing and control happens locally, but the system requires cloud access and cannot be used while the internet is down.
Privacy controls
Josh states it never sells client data or uses it for marketing. Microphones can be muted with a tap, and chat history can be deleted.
Sold through dealers
Josh is available only through certified dealers and needs a professional installer.
What you can ask it to do
In the Lutron white paper on the integration, Josh discovers lights, shades, and keypads. It can set light brightness and shade height, and on supported systems it can recall scenes you build from keypad button presses.
- Adjust a room's lights or shades by voice or app
- Recall a scene such as Evening or Entertain
- On Ketra, change color, color temperature, and vibrancy
- Combine Lutron with music, video, and other systems in one command
Keypads such as Alisse, Palladiom, and Sunnata stay the everyday control. Voice is an added way in, not a replacement.
Which Lutron systems work with Josh
Support differs by system. This table follows Lutron's integration white paper and Josh's RadioRA 3 announcement.
| Lutron system | What Josh can use |
|---|---|
| RadioRA 3 | Lights, shades, fans, motion sensors, and keypad scenes through the RadioRA 3 processor (Josh.ai). |
| HomeWorks QSX | Lights, shades, keypads, and Ketra color, color temperature, and vibrancy (Lutron white paper). |
| HomeWorks QS | Lights, shades, and keypads. Ketra works only with the Connect Bridge. |
| RadioRA 2 and RA2 Select | Lights, shades, and keypads. |
| Caseta | Lights and shades. A Smart Bridge Pro is required. |
We confirm the exact processor, firmware, and Josh hardware on your project before design starts.
Design the Lutron system first
Josh is only as good as the system underneath it. Rooms need clear names, sensible scenes, and keypads that already work well. We plan those first, then add voice.
- Name rooms and scenes the way people talk, so commands land where expected.
- Keep keypads as the primary control. Josh requires internet access, so a keypad should always work on its own.
- Place microphones for the rooms you actually use, and decide where touchscreens belong.
- Choose the network and rack space for Josh Core with the rest of the equipment.
Josh is sold only through certified dealers. Tell us you want voice, and we will plan the Lutron side so it is ready.
Josh.ai FAQ
What is Josh.ai?
Josh.ai is a voice and app control layer for homes that already have a control system. It works with Lutron and other platforms to turn natural speech into commands for lights, shades, scenes, music, and more.
Does Josh replace Lutron?
No. Lutron still runs the lighting, shades, and keypads. Josh talks to the Lutron processor and sends commands to it.
Which Lutron systems work with Josh?
RadioRA 3, HomeWorks QSX, HomeWorks QS, RadioRA 2, RA2 Select, and Caseta with a Smart Bridge Pro, according to Lutron and Josh documentation. Ketra support depends on the system.
Does it work without internet?
Josh says most processing and control is local, but it requires cloud access and cannot be used while the internet is down. Keep Lutron keypads as the primary control.
Does Josh sell my data?
Josh states it will never sell client information to third parties or use it for marketing. You can mute microphones with a tap and delete chat history.
Can I buy Josh online?
No. Josh is available only through certified dealers and needs professional installation.
What is the difference between Core, Micro, and Nano?
Core is the brain on your network. Micro is a room unit that supports up to 100 devices. Nano is a small in-room microphone that mounts on a wall or ceiling.
Where can I see this in Austin?
Visit our West Lake Hills showroom at 5524 Bee Caves Rd, Unit J8, by appointment. Book a visit.
Plan voice control with your Lutron design
Smarter Homes Lutron Showroom5524 Bee Caves Rd, Unit J8
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
512-775-6101
Showroom visits are by appointment. Bring your plans and we will map products, wiring, and scenes to your floor plan.