So we also automate our house. However, via a wireless system. It is completely sufficient for our scale. We automate blinds (with a safety switch at the patio door) and the lights.
Why automation? Because I can and want to. Yes, it is possible without it, but it really saves me time and yes, I buy myself convenience. Example: My mother still raises her blinds manually the traditional way. Since every evening all the blinds are lowered on the ground floor, she spends a good 5 minutes on it. With a switch, one could reduce that to 1 minute. Through automation it costs me one press of a button via app or it runs on a timer. Furthermore, I can perform a presence simulation while on vacation or simply let the cats out. For the lights, it really is about convenience. How often did I have to get up from the couch again and toggle the light or get out of bed with effort because I forgot to turn off the light in the hallway. This luxury just costs.
By the way, without light automation and rain sensor on the car I would be pissed off. Without parking assistance (rearview camera and beeper) I would have already given the car a new look. I’m into my central locking and automatic window lifters.
Yes, it is possible without it. But that’s the eternal discussion. It is also possible without electricity if you want, and yet everyone uses it like crazy.