In an era where smart homes and automation dominate the tech landscape, Kyle Mona ’27 (Electrical Engineering) doesn’t just follow trends — he defines them. With a strong foundation in electronics, automation, and cybersecurity, Kyle is carving out a path that exemplifies what it means to lead the future of technology.
Kyle credits his family, especially his grandpa and dad, for nurturing his love of learning. “My grandpa used to bring me to my dad’s auto repair shop in the summer and showed me how to use tools and how things worked, which sparked my interest in engineering,” Kyle recalls. Kyle’s fascination with electronics began in high school, fueled by the burgeoning era of smartphone-controlled devices. He developed a deep interest in how automation could simplify daily life. This early intrigue laid the groundwork for his passion project: a home automation system.
When Kyle and his family moved into a new house with inadequate internet coverage, he saw an opportunity to apply his knowledge and skills. “I ran over 3,000 feet of Cat 6 wiring throughout the house and wired over 100 light switches," Kyle recalls, describing how he set up a comprehensive system to ensure robust internet coverage in every room. But his ambitions didn’t stop there. He built a sophisticated home automation system using open-source software. Kyle’s system integrates lighting, thermostats, cameras, surround sound, alarms, and sprinklers, all managed on a virtual machine via his local network. Kyle also hardwired tablets around the house to run his automation browser. The setup is meticulously organized, with each device and room clearly labeled for easy control.
When asked what his parents had to say about this technical home remodel, Kyle says they thought it was “very impressive, even though they needed some coaching on how to use it.”
“My dad uses it to change all the thermostats and lighting because the house has five thermostats and over 100 light switches,” Kyle says. “So you'd have to go through the whole house to ensure everything is off or at a certain temperature, and it's easier for him just to click one button. He's got everything right in front of him. So he's starting to really like it now. And then I also integrated surround sound so he can select any music he wants right from the panel to anywhere in the house.”
Like any significant project, Kyle’s endeavor was not without its challenges. One notable obstacle was time synchronization errors between the camera server and his computer. This issue required extensive troubleshooting, which Kyle tackled with characteristic persistence. “Once a problem comes my way, it’s hard for me to back down from it. I get really invested in it. I have to figure it out. I cannot go to sleep unless I figure it out,” Kyle says.
Kyle is applying that problem-solving attitude during his Co-op term at Wixom, Michigan-based LightGuide Systems. LightGuide provides an augmented reality (AR) platform to help companies improve manufacturing and assembly processes. Recently, Kyle’s work came full circle as he delivered and installed a TrainAR Workstation donated by LightGuide in Ƶ’s new Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Lab.
Looking ahead, Kyle envisions expanding his system outdoors to include more access points and to enhance connectivity in areas like the backyard. He’s also working to add motion-sensing floodlights to his system, improving security around the house. Kyle’s end goal is to integrate the alarm system so that all lights in the house flash if the alarm is triggered.
Kyle also sees potential in turning his passion for home automation into a business. “I could see myself setting up similar systems for other people,” he says. Kyle says his brother shares his passion for cybersecurity and believes they could one day start a company that combines their expertise.
Kyle’s advice to other Ƶ students looking to take on their own challenging projects is clear: “Don’t hold yourself back. Even if you’re unsure at first, once you start with the right tools, you’ll find you can do it.”
