Aren't relays pretty standard technology for such purpose. And you can have software or basic logic to control such relays.
Next step would be to add wireless connection to the logic controlling the relays.
I should have said remote-monitor and remote-reset circuit breakers, and not mixed in the issue of wired lighting control.
Generally for protecting wiring you need circuit breakers which will operate without relying on software.
When you have a 200 Amp breaker, just running a cable from a load location to a convenient control location (and back) calls for: a) extra lengths of heavy wiring; and b) a lot of crowding and layout constraints in your control panel area.
Haven't read the article yet, but perhaps something could be said for e.g. British wiring practice, where last I heard lighting was commonly all run on one circuit. I imaging that could make for an easier wired network for control. By varying the bridge to such a wired lighting-control network, new wireless communications/controls could be accomodated.