Atul Date, Chief of Planning and Architecture at Rustomjee Group, offers a comprehensive perspective on the integration of advanced technologies in real estate development. Under his leadership, Rustomjee Group has seamlessly incorporated building automation, home automation, and smart lighting into their projects. Date’s insights reveal a growing trend towards technology-driven homes, highlighting how these innovations not only enhance operational efficiency and living experiences but also significantly influence market dynamics and property values.

How would you describe the current level of adoption of Building Automation, Home Automation, and Smart Lighting technologies in your projects?
We’ve rolled out building automation, home automation and smart lighting across our projects. These are now standard features that improve operational efficiency and living experience. Smart lighting, automated HVAC and security features are most prevalent.

Have you observed an increased demand or preference among homebuyers for properties equipped with these technologies? If so, how has it influenced market dynamics?
Yes there’s been a significant demand for properties with these features. Homebuyers are valuing the convenience, efficiency and security that automation brings. This has driven the market towards tech-savvy homes which has been positively impacting property values and sales.

Can you share examples of your projects where you have used the above-mentioned technology? Can you share the brand and smart solution used?
In Rustomjee Elements Juhu we have implemented NCC telecom smart lighting, and Toshiba CRC solutions with advanced HVAC systems for Common Areas.  In Rustomjee La Fontaine, we have used US based Lutron Home Automation including Lighting Control, Shade Control & AC control. 

Have you noticed any positive impact on operational costs and long-term sustainability goals through the implementation of the Building Automation System?
BAS has brought down operational costs drastically. Energy consumption is down by Approximately 30% and maintenance costs have reduced due to predictive maintenance. These systems also help us in our long-term sustainability goals by reducing waste and optimizing resources.

What training or support do you provide homeowners to help them understand and use these smart technologies effectively?
We provide full training sessions and user manuals for homeowners to understand and use these smart technologies effectively. Our support includes in-person training, video tutorials and a dedicated helpline for smooth adoption and usage.

Have you collaborated with technology partners or vendors to implement these solutions? If so, can you share details about these partnerships?
We work with several technology partners including Philips for smart lighting, Honeywell for building automation and Godrej for digital locks. These partnerships ensure we get the latest and best technology in our projects.

Have you seen any impact on property values due to the integration of smart technologies?
Smart technology has increased property values. Homes with automation systems and smart solutions have higher market value as they are more appealing and functional to modern homebuyers.

Can you discuss any case studies or success stories where the implementation of these technologies significantly improved the quality of life for occupants or the efficiency of building operations?
One example is our Rustomjee Elements & Rustomjee La Fontaine projects where smart home technology has improved the life of residents. Automated systems for lighting, security and climate control have not only made life more comfortable but also reduced energy consumption and operational costs.

Are there any specific standards or certifications you aim to achieve when incorporating these technologies into your projects?
We aim to get certifications like LEED and IGBC Green Homes for our projects which includes incorporation of sustainable and smart technologies. These certifications ensure our projects meet high environmental and technological standards. Rustomjee Crown at Prabhadevi, Mumbai has been awarded the prestigious IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) certification for its commitment to sustainability and green building.

How do you balance the cost of implementing these technologies with the benefits they provide to homeowners?
We balance the cost of these technologies with the benefits they provide. We focus on areas that have the highest impact on efficiency and comfort and ensure that the investment in smart technologies gives value to the home owners without increasing the overall project cost.

Can you share any insights on how the adoption of these technologies has evolved over the past few years in your projects?
The integration of smart technologies in our ventures has changed considerably over the years. Initially focusing on the high-end market, these technologies are becoming common place within all our housing projects. This evolution is influenced by both technological improvements and more evident customer knowledge as well as desire for smart residences.

The post In Conversation with Atul Date, Chief of Planning and Architecture at Rustomjee Group appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd., a global leader in consumer electronics and home appliances, announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Carrier Commercial Refrigeration from Carrier Global Corporation. The technologies related to commercial refrigeration that the company owns or is licensed to use, including carbon dioxide technology, will contribute to environmental improvements, promote green transformation in enterprises, and benefit society. This acquisition further enriches Haier Smart Home’s diverse product portfolio and signifies an enhanced strategic positioning in the global commercial refrigeration market.

“We are thrilled to welcome the 4,000+ Carrier Commercial Refrigeration employees into the Haier family,” said Li Huagang, Chairman and CEO of Haier Smart Home. “This transaction not only broadens our product portfolio but also provides a unique opportunity to create a better and more sustainable solution provider from industrial & food retail refrigeration to cold storage. The well-known brands such as Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Profroid, Celsior, and Green & Cool, along with their outstanding teams and key customers, will play a crucial role in our efforts to deliver more comprehensive and innovative product solutions to our increasingly diverse clientele.”

“Joining Haier represents a fantastic opportunity for our business and team,” stated Marcus Eisenhuth, CEO of Carrier Commercial Refrigeration. “Our team is astonished and touched by Haier’s strong commitment and dedication to ensure a smooth business transition and obtaining all necessary approvals within the expected timeframe. During the joint process, we gained a better understanding of the unique Haier culture, the RenDanHeYi model, and the way Haier enables each individual. We look forward to the synergies this partnership will undoubtedly create.”

The acquisition enables Haier to broaden its reach from home refrigeration to the commercial refrigeration market, enhancing its ability to offer comprehensive refrigeration solutions to a broader clientele in the industrial, food retail, and cold storage sectors.

https://www.haier.com

The post Haier Smart Home Successfully Completes Acquisition of Carrier Commercial Refrigeration  appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Schneider Electric has created a new Building Decarbonization Calculator, an innovative online tool that empowers building owners and operators to quickly test and explore a range of Energy and Carbon Conservation Measures (ECCMs), easily identifying their best options based on simulated data. As pressure mounts to meet decarbonization targets, this solution enables users to efficiently evaluate and prioritize retrofit scenarios, helping them navigate the complexities of balancing cumulative costs and emissions from now through 2050 to define their best path to net zero.

With a dataset of close to 500,000 building performance models that span various building types, sizes, and geographies, the Building Decarbonization Calculator allows users to assess the carbon and financial return on investment of ECCMs and compare their decarbonization pathways to New York City’s Local Law 97 fines or the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) pathway.

“As regulatory requirements tighten, especially in cities like New York and Boston as well as in countries like France and the UK, the Building Decarbonization Calculator is a powerful consultative tool that supports compliance with local mandates, while providing a clear path for operational improvements,” said Mike Kazmierczak, global vice president of digital energy for Schneider Electric. “This innovative digital tool is designed to assist building owners and operators in reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and cutting operational costs, which will ultimately help owners accelerate action and increase the rate at which buildings are being retrofit.”

A recent analysis of a large office retrofit project in Boston utilized the calculator to estimate $3.7 million in energy savings and $1 million in avoided fines over the next decade, achieving a seven-year return on investment. The analysis included modern building management systems, power monitoring software, LED upgrades, power factor correction, and the integration of photovoltaic systems with battery energy storage and microgrid technology.

https://www.se.com

The post Schneider Electric’s Calculator Empowers Building Owners to Lower Carbon Emissions appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Kolte-Patil Developers are at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Home Automation Systems (HAS) into their projects. Rahul Talele, Group CEO, Kolte-Patil Developers Ltd shares insights into the transformative impact of these technologies on enhancing functionality, efficiency, and overall living experiences within their projects. 

What is your experience of incorporating Building Automation systems (BAS) and Home Automation Systems (HAS) into your development projects?

Kolte-Patil has successfully integrated building automation systems (BAS) and Home Automation Systems (HAS) into their projects. These systems are no longer just add-ons but essential features that enhance the living experience for residents. This aligns with the real estate industry’s growing focus on smart and sustainable features. 

How do you perceive the role of Building Automation and Home Automation in enhancing the overall functionality and efficiency of buildings and residential spaces?

Building and home automation significantly improve functionality and efficiency in buildings and residences. They automate repetitive tasks like lighting control and temperature regulation, streamlining operations. This optimization of resource usage, combined with remote monitoring and management capabilities, leads to cost savings for residents and property managers. Industry analysts predict significant growth in the smart home market, highlighting the potential of automation in shaping real estate’s future.

What specific features or functionalities of building automation systems do you find most valuable in your projects (e.g., HVAC control, lighting automation, access control, energy management)?

Features like HVAC control, lighting automation, access control, and energy management are particularly valuable in our projects.  These create a comfortable living environment while ensuring efficient resource utilization. Smart thermostats, for example, can learn resident preferences and adjust automatically, reducing energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. This aligns with the construction industry’s growing focus on sustainability, where energy-efficient solutions are becoming a key differentiator.

 In what ways do Building Automation Systems contribute to sustainability and energy efficiency goals in your projects?

Building Automation Systems plays crucial role in achieving sustainability and energy efficiency goals. By optimizing energy usage with features like smart lighting and occupancy sensors, these systems significantly reduce energy waste. Additionally, the ability to integrate renewable energy sources like solar panels further strengthens environmentally conscious development practices. Forward-thinking developers recognize the environmental and economic benefits of sustainable practices, making them a core focus in new projects.

How do you approach the integration of Building Automation Systems with other building systems and technologies (e.g., HVAC, lighting, security)?

At Kolte-Patil Developers, we take a holistic approach, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems like HVAC, lighting, and security. Collaboration with tech partners is key to achieving this synergy, maximizing the benefits of automation. This focus on integrated ecosystems is a growing trend within the industry.

What are the main challenges or barriers you encounter when implementing building automation systems in your projects, and how do you address them?

Building automation systems offer significant benefits, but their implementation presents distinct challenges. These include technological complexity, interoperability issues between disparate systems, and fostering user acceptance. We recognizes these challenges, and tackles them through meticulous planning, stakeholder engagement, comprehensive training to the users and our engineers, and continuous system refinement based on user feedback. This ensures a smooth implementation and empowers users to fully benefit from building automation

How do you ensure that building automation systems are user-friendly and intuitive for occupants and end-users?

User experience is paramount in our design and implementation of BAS. We understand the challenges residents can face with complex interfaces. Therefore, we ensure our systems are intuitive and user-friendly, with features like voice control and smartphone app integration becoming increasingly common. User training, clear documentation, and ongoing support mechanisms are crucial components of our approach. Industry leaders recognize that resident education is essential for successful adoption of automation technologies.

What considerations do you take into account when selecting building automation technologies and solutions for your projects (e.g., scalability, compatibility, cost-effectiveness)?

While selecting building automation technologies, we prioritizes several factors. First, scalability is crucial. The system needs to adapt and grow alongside future demands.  Compatibility with existing infrastructure is equally important for a seamless integration process.  While cost-effectiveness is a consideration, it cannot come at the expense of reliability and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, we seek flexible and future-proofed solutions that can adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of smart home and building automation technologies.

Can you provide examples of successful projects where the implementation of building automation systems has had a significant impact on building performance, occupant comfort, or operational efficiency?

At several projects in our portfolio across our key operating geographies of Pune, Mumbai and Bengaluru, we’ve implemented a comprehensive suite of features and building automations systems including security systems, lighting automation, HVAC & fire alarm systems.  Some examples include, Aros, 24K Espada, and Sound of Soul within our flagship township project ‘Life Republic’ in Pune. Likewise, various projects under our premium luxury brand ‘24K’including 24K Altura and 24K Manor in Pune have these systems.  K52 project in Khar, Mumbai, is another such example. We have seen tremendous response from customers for all of these projects. The primary advantage is that this automation allows facility managers to remotely monitor and control building systems through a centralized interface or mobile app, enabling quick responses to emergencies and real-time adjustments for optimal building operations. BAS integration with other systems creates a unified platform for facility management, improving coordination and overall building security and safety. 

How do you see the future of building automation and home automation evolving in the real estate development industry, and what opportunities do you foresee for further innovation and adoption?

The real estate development industry is experiencing a surge in building and home automation. We see exciting possibilities for the future, with AI personalizing experiences, data analytics optimizing performance, and enhanced IoT connectivity fostering voice-controlled homes and seamless device integration. Kolte-Patil Developers is committed to leveraging these advancements to deliver cutting-edge, sustainable living experiences for our customers.

Learn more about Kolte-Patil by clicking the link below: https://www.koltepatil.com/

The post Interview with Rahul Talele, Group CEO of Kolte-Patil Developers Ltd.: “User Experience Drives Building Automation Systems.” appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Honeywell has announced the launch of INNCOM Direct, an easy-to-install energy management system that uses automation to help improve energy efficiency in mid-market hotel properties. The launch of INNCOM Direct supports  Honeywell’s alignment of its business around three compelling megatrends, including automation and the energy transition. 

“As hotels become more carbon-conscious, they are taking meaningful steps to show they care about their impact on the environment,” said Billal Hammoud, President and Chief Executive Officer of Honeywell Building Automation. “Until now, mid-market hotels faced fewer options when it came to better managing their HVAC systems with automation. Now, INNCOM Direct is leveling the playing field with an affordable, cloud-based energy management system.”

The INNCOM technology was previously only accessible to high-end hotel operators. Now, this combination of hardware, software and cloud monitoring provides mid-market, also known as limited-service, hotels with quick setup and portfolio analytics that can be accessed from mobile devices or a dashboard and can be used either on a single property or across an entire portfolio.

Since empty rooms and common areas do not need the same level of heating or cooling, INNCOM Direct uses a proprietary detection system to identify empty spaces and autonomously adjust the temperature without impacting consumer comfort. Similarly, unrented guest rooms can be set to a specific setting that can be heated or cooled to a more comfortable temperature once a guest checks in. If a guest leaves a room for an extended time, INNCOM Direct can change the temperature to an eco-friendlier temperature that is then automatically adjusted when the guest returns.

When it broke ground on its fifth hotel in Spring Hill, Tenn., Halifax Hospitality wanted ways to control its HVAC use, which can consume as much as 25% of the power bill, so it signed on to use INNCOM Direct. At 92,000 square feet and 159 rooms, this hotel is double the size of what the company would have developed a decade ago, leading to higher operational costs.

“Hotel rooms are getting bigger and bigger, and we needed something that will deliver energy savings, especially when guests aren’t using the room or a common area is empty,” said Hitesh Patel, vice president of Halifax Hospitality. “Utility costs are going up just like anything else. We’re always looking to find the next big thing to cut costs where we can.”

For More Information: www.honeywell.com/newsroom. 

The post Honeywell Launches INNCOM Direct To Help Mid-Market Hotels Reduce Their Carbon Footprint appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Light + Building 2024 illuminated Frankfurt am Main with a grand showcase of cutting-edge advancements in smart home automation, sustainable building technologies and lighting. The recently concluded event had industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts converged to explore the latest trends, innovations, and solutions driving the future of the built environment. 

Light + Building 2024 attracted a staggering 151,000 visitors from 146 countries, underscoring its global significance as the premier platform for showcasing advancements in building technology and lighting design. Industry luminaries, including Christian Kruppa, Global Product Manager at ABB Electrification Smart Buildings, and Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, shared their perspectives on the pivotal role of innovation in driving sustainable building practices and enhancing the user experience in smart homes.

KNX Showcased Sustainable Solutions and KNX IoT Solutions.

KNX showcased sustainable solutions for Smart Homes and Buildings. They showcased the latest developments in KNX IoT products and solutions. The KNX booth featured 25 KNX members showcasing their innovations alongside more than 140 KNX Members with individual booths, emphasizing the versatility and effectiveness of KNX on a global scale. Under the theme of IoT, Energy Management & Security, KNX unveiled a range of working KNX IoT devices at its main booth. These devices embody the latest technological advancements, focusing on human-centric lighting, digital twin modeling, and indoor air quality improvement. Additionally, new energy management applications were highlighted, promoting sustainable energy practices within smart buildings.

Innovative Lighting Design

The event served as a beacon for lighting enthusiasts and design aficionados, offering insights into the latest trends in lighting design for 2024/25. Designer Annetta Palmisano from the bora.herke. Palmisano Style Agency presented captivating trends, while the Design Plaza showcased an array of high-quality lighting solutions designed to elevate indoor and outdoor spaces with sustainability and efficiency in mind.

The Designplus Awards by Light + Building

Eleven winners were honored with the prestigious Designplus Award. An independent jury consisting of industry experts Amandus Samsøe Sattler (ensømble studio architektur, President DGNB e.V.), Annika Egloff-Schoenen (Managing Director, Fachverlag Dr. H. Arnold GmbH), Katja Winkelmann (owner of Licht 01, Lighting Design), Ulrike Brandi (Managing Director Ulrike Brandi Licht), and Stylepark (magazine & platform for architecture and design) carefully evaluated the submissions in a two-stage selection process. Applicants had the opportunity to submit their innovative solutions in four categories: Light + Creation PLUS, Sustainability + Efficiency PLUS, Smart + Connectivity PLUS, and the newly introduced Sustainable Exhibition Stand category. Five winners were selected in this category, demonstrating outstanding achievements in the field of sustainable stand design.

The Design Plaza and Special Events

The Design Plaza was dedicated to lighting topics when the Lighting Association of the German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI) took the stage. This brought together lighting experts for roundtable discussions on the topics of sustainability, efficiency, and digitalization. For the first time, the IALD – International Association of Lighting Designers – was also present, providing high-quality content. Additionally, on International Women’s Day, the ‘Women in Lighting’ project celebrated its 5th Anniversary at Light + Building.

BMWK Areas with Newcomers and Special Exhibits

Entrepreneurial newcomers to the industry had a special place at Light + Building Autumn Edition. The Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) organized a joint stand in Hall 9.0 in the Electrical Engineering product area and in Hall 4.1 in the Technical Lighting product area. At the E-House of the electrical trades the focus was on the topics of ‘energy efficiency’, ‘sustainable energy supply’, and ‘smart health’, showcasing innovative integrated energy management systems.

Exhibitor Stage and Special Presentations

For the first time, there was a stage for specialist lectures and presentations by exhibitors and experts who took turns imparting know-how on selected topics from the built world. Additionally, the ‘BIM Cave’ allowed visitors to experience BIM live and discover the benefits of this digital planning method.

Conferences and Forums

The 12th International Conference on Improving Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings and Smart Communities (IEECB&SC’24) and the European ESCO Conference brought together all the key players in the field of commercial buildings and neighborhood planning.  

The ZVEI Technology Forum focused on the electrification and digitalization of the building sector, with experts exploring innovative solutions and changes to standards.

Light + Building 2024 was a remarkable event that showcased the latest innovations and advancements in smart and sustainable building technologies, lighting design, and industry trends. With prestigious awards, engaging discussions, and specialized exhibits, the event underscored its pivotal role in driving positive change and fostering collaboration within the built environment sector. Looking ahead, anticipation is high for the next edition in 2026, where industry stakeholders will once again converge to shape the future of smart and sustainable buildings worldwide.

Click here to read full March issue- https://www.smarthomeworld.in/magazine-march2024/

The post Light + Building 2024 – Shaping the Future of Smart and Sustainable Buildings appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Digital transformation has been one the main strategy topics on company board meeting agendas for the last few years. The opportunity to develop digital services from cloud-based applications requires Internet protocol (IPv6) based network connections to edge devices that become the customer interface. Business of all shapes and sizes in commercial building automation have been asking for wireless IoT solutions to make this happen, KNX responded to this challenge by releasing KNX IoT Point API (KNX IoT).

The basics

To ensure backwards compatibility with the other KNX media, the KNX IoT specification in the KNX system specifications group (3_10_5 KNX IoT Point API) describes:

• A new transport layer based on IPv6, e.g. WiFi, Ethernet and Thread-based networks.

• A new communication/message protocol that allows:

• The configuration of device is talking to which device.
• The support of S-mode message
• Capable of the following communication modes
  • Point-to-Multipoint, Connectionless (Multicast)
  • Point-to-all-Points Connectionless (Broadcast)
  • Point-to-all-Points Connectionless (System Broadcast)
  • Point-to-Point, Connectionless
  • Point-to-Point, Connection-Oriented

• Using the same functional blocks as the other KNX transport layers (volume 7).

Note that the KNX devices without configuration are servers. E.g. the configuration of the devices will cause that the xxx will send 

The Technology stack

IPV6, the IPV6 means that the devices can be communicated with IPv6, regardless of the used physical layer. Hence it means that Ethernet (including PoE), WiFi and Thread is supported. Note that Thread is IPV6 based.

Discovery

To communicate over IP, one needs to know the IP address and port of the KNX device. To obtain this data, 2 different discovery mechanisms are used. 

mDNS discovery is a protocol that uses multicast DNS (mDNS) to find devices and services on the local network without knowing their IP address. It is also known as zero-configuration, Bonjour, or Avahi. It is widely implemented for smart home devices, wireless Arduino devices, printers, speakers, network storage devices, etc. It works by sending packets to every node on the network to resolve host names and query for services. It can be used with DNS Service Discovery (DNS-SD) to browse and resolve services based on either the host name or the service. It only works for the .local top-level domain (TLD).

mDNS discover allows discovery by:

• Serial number
• Individual address
• Programming mode

The CoAP discovery is a special CoAP request, to discover the resources of a known host. To discover the host, a multicast request may be used, but must be supported by the server. “localhost” is the address of the device itself.

CoAP discover allows discovery by:

• Serial number
• Individual address
• Programming mode
• Discovery of a device contains a specific data point
• Discovery of a device that contains a specific functional block

Telegram transports

The next level up is communicating over IPV6 using Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP). This is the layer that transports the KNX telegrams from the sender to the destination. This is achieved by using URLs. The easiest way to look at CoAP is that it is equivalent to HTTP, implementing sending messages in with the request and response paradigm, between a Client (initiator) and Server (responder). The main difference between HTTP and CoAP is that the CoAP headers are in binary format and that CoAP works over UDP.

The verbs for issuing the messages are the same:

• GET, for retrieval of data
• POST, for partial update of data
• PUT, for full update of data
• DELETE, for deleting a resource

And OBSERVE, a new function that is similar as HTTP long poll. The Observe can be used to obtain multiple responses. For example; when the data changes a new response is send to the observe request. To have the same reliability as HTTP over TCP, the CoAP protocol implemented confirmed transfers. Hence the resending of the packets when not acknowledged is part of CoAP and therefore CoAP confirmed request are as reliable as HTTP over TCP.

The payload of a message is determined by the content type, e.g. different formats can be supported, similar as HTTP.

Payload types

The KNX IoT specification is using 2 content formats, each for a different function.

The listing of the URLs (data points/functional blocks) to interact with and the interaction with the URLs.

The Application-Link format 

This content format allows to describe hosted resources, their attributes, and other relationships between links. Based on the HTTP Link Header field defined in RFC 5988, the Constrained RESTful Environments (CoRE) Link Format is carried as a payload and is assigned an Internet media type. A well-known URI is defined as a default entry point for requesting the links hosted by a server.

Typical response example:

<auth/at>;rt=“urn:knx:fb.at“;ct=40,

<dev>;rt=“urn:knx:fb.0“;ct=40,

<swu>;rt=“urn:knx:fb.swu“;ct=40,

<f/rts>;rt=“urn:knx:fb.321“;ct=40

Each line contains 

• The hosted URL (between <>)
• The resource type (rt), designating what it is.
• The content type, e.g. 60 for CBOR and 40 for Application-Link Format

This allows the client to interact with the device on URL basis.

Interacting with a device

The URL can be seen as a data point that can be interacted with via key value pairs. The Key value pairs are described with Concise Binary Object Representation (CBOR). CBOR is a binary data serialization format loosely based on JSON. Like JSON it allows the transmission of data objects that contain name–value pairs, but in a more concise manner. This increases processing and transfer speeds at the cost of human readability. However this opens up the documentation: define the payloads in JSON to increase human readability of the specification and have the binary format on the wire. 

The data for an S-mode message it can be defined in JSON:

{ “s”: { “st”: “the st value” , “ga”: “the ga value”, “value”: “the value” } }

The JSON keys can be replaced with integer values to shrink the message even further in size:

{ 5: { 6: “the st value” , 7: “the ga value”, 1: “the value” } }

Security

OSCORE (RFC 8613) encrypts the application layer request/response messages between endpoints: not only the payload containing the value associated with a resource is encrypted, but also the request method, the identifier of the resource, and the content format of the payload. In this way, the application relevant data and semantics of the request/response can be protected in a way which is decoupled from the transport of the messages, while being lightweight in terms of overhead.

In addition to CoAP, OSCORE also uses the Concise Binary Object Representation (CBOR) for compact encoding and the CBOR Object Signature and Encryption (COSE) for encryption and key derivation structures – both designed for constrained device operations – and further compressed with OSCORE by omitting redundant information. OSCORE has built-in identifiers enabling end-to-end operations over multiple different paths with or without IP.

The message overhead is minimal since OSCORE protects only the relevant application layer information and the amount of data added to the size of the original CoAP message can be as low as 11-13 bytes with built-in identifiers. OSCORE has been instrumental in defining the level of overhead for lightweight communication security and outperforms state-of-the-art transport layer security.

Bringing everything together

Now all communication mechanisms are explained. KNX IoT device has a set of URLS to List which functional blocks and data points are implemented and have URLS to configure the device.

For example, there are resources (datapoints) for configuring the device. Existing concepts as Load State Machine (LSM), programming mode (PM), individual address (IA) and Group Object Table are modelled with the above-described mechanisms.

As a result, the following IETF specifications are referenced in KNX IoT Point API specification:

Summary

The advantages of KNX IoT are that the new technology is IP-based and can therefore be used over IT networks. It has been developed with guaranteed interoperability with existing KNX technology, and it uses latest underlying internet-based technologies in its specification, thereby making KNX IoT secure by design.

The specification has been designed with embedded devices in mind, and the open source stack implementing KNX IoT has been shown to be quite small, running with as little as 512kB of storage memory and 96kB of memory. 

Bruno Johnson and Wouter van der Beek are the CEO and COO respectively of Cascoda Limited. Cascoda is a communications company that manufactures secure IoT semiconductor radios and modules, and leads the development of secure IoT communications standards for smart building and smart city. Its products solve range, reliability, security, power and scalability issues for industrial and commercial IoT through patented innovations and the latest most secure standards, all integrated into inexpensive ultra-low power IoT modules.Smart City,Io

Click here to read full February issue – https://www.smarthomeworld.in/magazine-february2024/

The post Unlocking Smart Building KNX IoT Connectivity appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

At Light + Building 2024, KNX takes center stage with its booth (hall 12.0, B91) from March 3rd to March 8th, aiming to demonstrate the latest developments in KNX IoT products and solutions. The KNX booth featured 25 KNX members showcasing their innovations alongside more than 140 KNX Members with individual booths, emphasizing the versatility and effectiveness of KNX on a global scale.

Under the theme of IoT, Energy Management & Security, KNX unveiled a range of working KNX IoT devices at its main booth. These devices embody the latest technological advancements, focusing on human-centric lighting, digital twin modeling, and indoor air quality improvement. Additionally, new energy management applications were highlighted, promoting sustainable energy practices within smart buildings.

In line with its commitment to sustainability, KNX has designed its booth using recycled materials, reflecting its dedication to environmental responsibility. The booth is crafted for versatility and longevity, ensuring components can be reused across multiple events.

Attendees can also explore updates in ETS (Engineering Tool Software) at the KNX booth, including previews of ETS6.3 and opportunities to engage directly with developers. The KNX Championship offers participants the chance to win an ETS6 Professional license.

KNX will host presentations, conference sessions, and discussions led by industry experts, catering to both beginners and experienced professionals. The KNX Community will share insights into KNX technology, training opportunities, and the KNX NextGen education program for students.

For More Information: www. knxatlb.knx.org 

The post KNX Showcased Sustainable Solutions for Smart Homes and Buildings at Light + Building 2024 appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Shelly Group, a provider of IoT and smart building solutions based in Sofia, Bulgaria, announces the launch of its highly anticipated Gen3 products at the Consumer Electronics Show 2024. The new IoT devices are designed to reshape how users interact with their smart homes and businesses, offering more memory, compatibility, and extended functionalities.

More memory, More Power 

The Gen3 series ensures quality and reliability by using Shelly’s own powerful new chip. Boasting 8MB of memory, this dramatically improves device performance and efficiency. This significant increase in memory not only guarantees smoother and faster operation but also equips the Gen3 series for the introduction of new capabilities. 

Unified Control with Virtual Components

The Gen3 Series introduces “virtual components”, transforming how users manage and control 3rd party devices. Within the Shelly Smart Control app, consumers can now create virtual devices, integrating non-Shelly products into a unified control system. This feature provides streamlined control of all users’ smart devices, regardless of brand, from a single interface.

On the Road to Matter

Each Gen3 device is engineered to be upgradable to Matter – an industry–unifying standard, promising reliable and secure connectivity. With double the memory, ^* all Gen3 devices guarantee a smooth update process, while paving the way for new smart capabilities and integrations. 

With a focus on enhancing the user experience, Shelly has listened to the needs and feedback of its growing community of users. Through its dedication to innovation, the company takes the next important step towards revolutionizing the way users live and work, creating a space where convenience, security, and energy efficiency go hand in hand.  

“We are thrilled to showcase our next generation products at CES 2024.” said Dimitar Dimitrov, Co-CEO of Shelly Group. “With increased memory capacity and enhanced capabilities, users can experience enhanced product functionalities and reliability of our devices. These new products mark a significant milestone for us as we continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions that empower our users to create truly smart homes and businesses.”

“We feel confident in achieving our targets not only in terms of annual revenue, but also in the number of products that we delivered. We are growing faster than the market, and that puts us in a position where we can offer our clients and partners the best solutions for their needs due to our short idea to market process. In 2023, we achieved our medium-term targets of revenue of more than EUR 200.0 million and we are well positioned to achieve EBIT of more than EUR 50.0 million by the end of 2026.”, adds Wolfgang Kirsch, Co-CEO of Shelly Group. 

At CES 2024, Shelly Group will present more than 10 products, some of which with Z-wave wireless communication protocol, to answer the growing needs of its US customers. 

One of the flagship products is Shelly H&T Gen3, the next generation Wi-Fi humidity and temperature smart sensor that accurately tracks temperature and humidity, both essential for a healthy home environment. It features an e-paper graphic display, for seamless climate control in your living space. Shelly H&T Gen3 will amaze users with exceptional experience. Equipped with the Shelly chip, featuring 8MB of memory, it doubles the efficiency and responsiveness of the previous generation. The leap in memory capacity prepares Gen3 devices for extended features, provides smoother operation and quicker responses, ensuring your environment is monitored with unparalleled precision and ease.  

Another highly anticipated product series that Shelly Group will present are Shelly Mini Gen3 Series. Designed with convenience in mind, these mini relays have all the capabilities of the Gen3 devices but in a space-saving form. With their size reduced to 35% of the Shelly Plus devices (e.g. Shelly Plus 1 Mini), the products are perfect for those tight spaces where traditional relays simply won’t fit. Despite their small size, the Shelly Mini Gen3 devices do not compromise on performance or functionality. Among the smallest relays in the world, these Gen3 devices allow users to automate their lights, garage door, irrigation system, or other small electrical appliances in less than 10 minutes and control them from anywhere. Small enough to fit behind any wall switch or socket, these Shelly Mini Gen3 devices can be retrofitted and are highly compatible with many existing smart ecosystems.   

Shelly Qubino Wave Plug US is the Z-wave product that will hit the U.S. market following CES to meet the needs of local users. Shelly Qubino is a line of innovative microprocessor-managed devices that allows remote control of electric appliances with a smartphone, tablet, PC, or home automation system. They work on Z-Wave wireless communication protocol, using a gateway. With Shelly Qubino Wave Plug US users can control a wide range of home appliances and office equipment (lights, power lines, security systems, heating radiators, air conditioners, etc.) from anywhere with even greater use.

For More Information: www.shelly.com/en-us

The post Shelly Set to Launch Next Generation Products at CES 2024 appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Digital transformation has been one of the main strategy topics on company board meeting agendas for the last few years. The opportunity to develop digital services from cloud-based applications requires Internet protocol (IP) based network connections to edge devices that become the customer interface. Businesses of all shapes and sizes in commercial building automation have been asking for wireless IoT solutions to make this happen.

The wait is finally over and the opportunity is right here, right now, with the launch of KNX IoT Point API (KNX IoT). This is a new addition to the suite of KNX physical transmission media. The transmission medium is IPv6 (the later Internet protocol standard) thus future-proofing KNX as it can be used on IT equipment and all common IP physical transports.

KNX Association contracted Cascoda, a-UK based IoT semiconductor and communications company, which has spent 12 years building industry-leading knowledge in this area, to develop the KNX IoT Point API open-source software stack, thereby catapulting itself into the leading wireless IoT solution for commercial building automation. The new open-source software stack is based on the robust, tried and tested Thread Mesh LPWAN wireless standard. This has been extended with banking-level security and all that is required to be a perfect product market fit for KNX users.

What is Thread?

Thread is a IPv6-based low-power wireless mesh network-layer protocol. Thread enables direct IP-based device-to-device and device-to-cloud communications. It reliably connects hundreds (or thousands) of products and includes mandatory security features. Thread mesh networks have no single point of failure, can self-heal and reconfigure when a device is added or removed, and are simple to setup and use.

Why is IP important?

IPv6 vs IPv4

With IP communications, each device has a global unique identifier called an IP address, which allows it to be uniquely addressable over the internet. There are two systems in use, namely IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 uses a 32-bit address space, which equates to 4.3 billion, while IPv6 has a 128-bit address space which equates 340 undecillion global unique addresses. Thread uses IPv6, thus allowing seamless scalability.

IT vs OT

IP-based infrastructure is already installed in buildings and forms the IT network. IP technology has become fast enough and reliable enough to run our Operation Technology (OT) infrastructure. Since IP technology is also the basis of the internet, IP-based technology is at the heart of any digital transformation strategy.

No gateways

By contrast, non-IP based protocols require a gateway to connect to the IT network or the internet. The setup, configuration and maintenance of such gateways is complex and often requires an on-site engineer. IP-based technology however simply requires a router.  IT professionals are highly proficient at setting up, configuring and maintaining IP-based equipment and tools for performing such work remotely are commonplace.

Multi-protocol support

The other major advantage of IP-based technology is that multiple applications can share the same wired or wireless IT infrastructure. This means that for example a Thread network can be installed in a building for the DALI+ lights to be configured, and the KNX IoT HVAC system can later be installed, sharing the same Thread infrastructure of routers. Such sharing of infrastructure is normally not the case with proprietary technology.

Why is wireless important?

Wireless connectivity is important because the cost of wiring-up infrastructure is costly and time-consuming.  However, the most common IP-based wireless technology, Wi-Fi, has been designed for the streaming of large packets of voice and video data, rather than the occasional transmission small packets of sensor and actuator data.

Moreover, Wi-Fi is based on a star topology to each access point and even Wi-Fi mesh is based on a star-of-star topology, which limits the maximum number of nodes. Also, Wi-Fi has not been designed to support sleep-modes and it consumes too much power for long-term battery operation.

Proprietary wireless protocols have been developed to overcome many of the above issues, but they are not IP-based.

Thread mesh

Self-managing

Thread forms a self-managing, self-healing, mesh network. Thread devices can upgrade themselves to routers and downgrade to end nodes dynamically, as the needs of the network change. This allows Thread networks to be installed by unskilled professionals and minimises the need for mesh network management.

Energy efficient

Thread devices can sleep to minimise power consumption, and securely re-join the network at any time. Since Thread has been designed for sleeping and re-joining, the process is seamless and very fast, which is important for power-constrained devices.

Secure

Thread has been designed with security from the ground-up, and mandates established Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) security standards. The use of established IETF security standards future proofs Thread against forthcoming cybersecurity standards.

Below is an example of a Building Management System (BMS), using IP-based connectivity, including Thread.

KNX IoT and Thread

The KNX IoT specification and the associated open source software stack have been developed specifically with small low-power embedded devices in mind. This means that the choices made in both the specification and the stack work very efficiently on Thread devices. 

Indeed, Cascoda has implemented KNX IoT on its Thread-certified wireless modules, which run with as little as 512kB of storage memory and 96kB of memory and implemented the security with ARM^® Trust zone^® constructs. 

Figure 2 – Cascoda’s Thread-certified wireless modules

Summary

The advantages of KNX IoT are that the new technology is IP-based and can therefore be used over IT networks. It has been developed with guaranteed interoperability with existing KNX technology, and it uses latest underlying internet-based technologies in its specification, thereby making KNX IoT secure by design.

Cascoda will shortly be releasing a KNX IoT over Thread development kit, and later a series of reference designs for particular applications. This development kit has been designed for flexibility and allows a huge range of commercially available sensors and actuators to be used, thereby covering thousands of use cases.

Bruno Johnson and Wouter van der Beek are the CEO and COO respectively of Cascoda Limited. Cascoda is a communications company that manufactures secure IoT semiconductor radios and modules, and leads the development of secure IoT communications standards for smart building and smart city. Its products solve range, reliability, security, power and scalability issues for industrial and commercial IoT through patented innovations and the latest most secure standards, all integrated into inexpensive ultra-low power IoT modules.

For More Information https://www.cascoda.com

Entelechy are Distributors and Partners for Cascoda in India. For More Information www.desiiot.com; Contact Bhavesh Doshi +91 9820629675) 

Click here to read full January issue – https://www.smarthomeworld.in/magazine-january2024/

The post The Advantages of KNX Integration with Wireless Thread Protocol in commercial Building Automation appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.