In a world increasingly driven by technology and connectivity, the concept of a smart home has become more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle choice. Smart home devices offer convenience, security, and a touch of modernity to our living spaces. One company at the forefront of this revolution in India is Qubo, the brainchild of Hero Electronix, the consumer technology arm of the renowned Hero Group.
Launched in 2018, Qubo has set out on a mission to provide Indian households with a range of smart home devices designed to enhance security and elevate the aesthetics of modern living. From doorbells and indoor cameras to smoke sensors and car dash cameras, Qubo’s extensive product lineup encompasses over 30 offerings, making it the largest smart home and devices company in the country.
According to Nikhil Rajpal, CEO of Hero Electronix, all of Qubo’s products are not only interconnected but can also be conveniently controlled through a single smartphone app. This seamless integration sets Qubo apart from the competition and has garnered attention from users looking for an efficient way to manage and monitor their smart devices. Rajpal notes that while Indian homes are often designed to be secure, the rising incidents of violence and illicit activities have amplified the need for enhanced security measures.
The Indian market for smart home appliances is burgeoning, with both global giants like Google, Apple, and Philips and homegrown brands like Wipro and Zebronics vying for a piece of the pie. The industry itself is valued at upwards of $58 billion in 2023, according to estimates by Future Market Insights, making India and Japan the most lucrative markets for home automation products.
What sets Qubo apart is its commitment to providing a cohesive user experience by seamlessly integrating various products into a single smartphone app. This approach has resonated with users, encouraging them to explore additional Qubo products due to the convenience of managing all their devices in one place.
One of the most significant challenges Hero Electronix faced when venturing into smart home devices was skepticism about the feasibility of building hardware in India. India heavily relies on imports for crucial components like semiconductors, posing a considerable challenge in terms of perfecting the supply chain. Qubo’s first product, a smart camera integrated with Alexa and a home hub, faced hurdles in gaining traction despite three years of research.
Nikhil Rajpal emphasizes that a critical lesson learned from this experience was the need to strengthen the technology behind their devices to ensure reliability and foolproof performance. Today, Qubo controls and designs its components, sourced from around the world, through three production facilities in Bengaluru, Noida, and Tirupati. Furthermore, all of Qubo’s technology, including software, apps, and cloud infrastructure, is developed in-house to ensure end-to-end data security.
Qubo’s product range starts at an accessible price point of Rs 2,500, and the company generates a significant portion of its revenue from online channels, including popular marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart, as well as its own website. Moreover, Qubo’s presence in over 1,500 offline convenience and hardware stores plays a pivotal role in attracting customers who prefer a hands-on experience before making a purchase.
In terms of sales volume, Qubo ships more than 40,000 products every month, with an average ticket size of Rs 5,000, reflecting the strong demand for their smart home solutions.
In conclusion, Qubo by Hero Electronix is not just shaping the future of Indian homes with smart devices but is also contributing to the growth of homegrown technology. With its commitment to providing reliable and interconnected smart devices and a vision for enhancing security and convenience in Indian households, Qubo is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the smart home ecosystem in India. As technology continues to advance, Qubo remains at the forefront of innovation, empowering consumers to transform their houses into smart, secure, and modern homes.