You may be familiar with using a local server device to host node red, and then using that to create very advanced automations that run locally. Here’s the project thread on that:
Unleash the Power of SmartThings with Advanced Automations Using Node-Red
And of course, a lot of people use the third-party SharpTools rules engine to get more advanced automations with a very nice UI, but it’s cloud based.
For those people using both HomeKit and SmartThings, and I know quite a few community members here do have that, there’s now a new local option, which is the “hub mode“ in the third-party Controller for HomeKit app.
The terminology and rules architecture is somewhat similar to node red (a lot of discussion of workflows), but because it’s based on HomeKit, you get access to pretty much everything that the HomeKit architecture provides. It also has webhooks. And activity logging, which can be really useful.
The main problem with it is that the documentation is terrible, so you’ll need to go to a third-party blogger to figure out how to use it. Shane Whatley has an excellent 25 minute video that will walk you through the product:
REQUIRED HARDWARE FOR THE SERVER
Before going any further, we should note that like most local rules engines. This will require setting up a dedicated always on server for the rules engine, and in this case, it needs to be a HomeKit capable device, so probably an iPad or iPhone. (There is an Apple TV option, but it’s Limited). And the server device has to be capable of running iOS 17, so pretty recent. And I would recommend one that runs iOS 18.
iPhone models compatible with iOS 18 - Apple Support (CA)
If you’re willing to take a risk on future incompatibility, you can probably get a used iOS XS in good condition for under $200.
Or you might just want to use an iPad as a wall mounted dashboard control center and let that one be the rules engine host.
CONTROLLER APP
The controller for HomeKit app itself is pretty expensive. It’s available on a monthly or annual fee, or a lifetime license of about $100.
The app has a number of interesting features, including the ability to back up and restore your automations, a way to save your HomeKit and matter QR codes, and a nice floorplan display. So it’s been a popular dashboard solution for HomeKit power users for a while. But hub mode is a whole new level of automation options.
Definitely not as easy to use as sharptools, and you’ll only be able to use it with devices that you can bring into Apple Home whether that’s via matter or Homebridge, and you’ll have to be willing to search the Internet for instructions because the documentation is terrible, but if you fall into that power user group, and you do use both HomeKit and SmartThings, this one is worth a look.
