Dario Vitali, Sales Manager MEA and ASIA, Eelectron HBA DMCC, shares insights into Eelectron’s remarkable journey and pioneering innovative solutions they offer in various segments. Dario sheds light on Eelectron’s commitment to cutting-edge advancements in electronic devices. 

Can you provide our professional readers with an overview of Eelectron and elaborate on the range of products offered by Eelectron, particularly in hotel automation, home evolution, and building automation?

Eelectron is an Italian company that manufactures electronic devices, hardware, and software on KNX, DALI and Bluetooth standards. Our product range offers solutions for building automation, hotel automation, and home sectors with a deep focus on complex environment management and experience in integrated solutions.

We are a family-owned company, established in 1994, based in Milan, (Italy) ​with offices in Asia Pacific, China, the Middle East and Europe. Our philosophy is aimed at combining the aspects of design aesthetics and functionality, research with the development of highly innovative devices, combining KNX interoperability and compliance with the strictest International quality standards.

As a member of the KNX Association since 2005, how has this affiliation influenced Eelectron’s development and growth?

As a proud member of the KNX Association since 2005, our affiliation has been vital in shaping Eelectron’s trajectory of development and growth. The KNX Association stands as a beacon of innovation and standardization within the home and building automation industry, and our membership has provided us with invaluable resources, networking opportunities, and technological advancements that have propelled our company forward.

First and foremost, our association with KNX has facilitated access to a vast network of industry experts, professionals, and stakeholders. This network has not only fostered collaboration but has also served as a platform for sharing insights, best practices, and emerging trends. Through participation in KNX events, seminars, and workshops, we have remained at the forefront of technological innovation and market dynamics, enabling us to anticipate and respond effectively to evolving customer needs. In short, our affiliation with the KNX Association has been instrumental in catalyzing Eelectron’s development and growth journey. From fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing to enabling interoperability and enhancing brand credibility, our partnership with KNX continues to be a cornerstone of our success in the dynamic world of home and building automation.

How does Eelectron ensure that its products meet the highest standards of quality and functionality?

Eelectron’s offers service for demanding clients who require training activities, assistance on products and continuous development that focuses on emerging needs and applications, energy saving and achievement of simple and efficient solutions for the benefit of occupants and managers.

At Eelectron, ensuring that our products consistently meet the highest standards of quality and functionality is a top priority. We employ a multifaceted approach to guaranteeing excellence in every aspect of our offerings. Firstly, our products are imbued with Italian design sensibilities, reflecting a commitment to aesthetic appeal and ergonomic efficiency. With installations spanning over 80+ countries, our global footprint attests to the universal acclaim and relevance of our designs.

Our commitment to quality extends beyond the manufacturing stage. From the initial design solution phase to after-sales support, we provide comprehensive assistance to our clients, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance throughout the product lifecycle. Central to our quality assurance efforts is adherence to the KNX worldwide certification standard. Our devices are meticulously tested and certified by accredited labs based in Germany, guaranteeing compliance with industry-leading benchmarks for interoperability and functionality. Furthermore, our dedication to innovation is exemplified by our pioneering development and evolution of our own KNX Stack. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as Bluetooth since 2016, and expanding into IoT devices, apps, DALI, and MQTT protocols, we remain at the forefront of advancements in home and building automation.

Tell us about your recently launched OL-U range and its core functionalities and application areas where it can be used.

The OL-U range by Eelectron introduces a new era of home automation technology with switches, thermostats, and socket frames. The OL-U series finds application in residential homes, hotels, and offices, enhancing comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency.

Comprising switches, thermostats, and socket frames, the OL-U series introduces cutting-edge features and a customizable design to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of any home.

Key functionalities of the OL-U series include:

Aesthetic Flexibility: The devices are available in three distinct materials—Plastic, Fenix, and Metal—each offered in a variety of colours. This diverse selection ensures seamless integration into any interior design style, providing users with the flexibility to personalize their living spaces.

Versatile Control Interface: The switches feature up to 8 mechanical buttons, while the thermostats offer 4 mechanical buttons for intuitive temperature control. These buttons are enhanced with RGB LEDs, providing visual feedback and enhancing the user experience.

Innovative RGB Bar: The iconic RGB bar, synonymous with Eelectron devices, has been reimagined in the OL-U series. Now featuring capacitive technology, the RGB bar enables users to execute various actions, expanding the possibilities for personalized smart home experiences.

Compatibility with KNX Data Secure Protocol: In an era where data security is paramount, the OL-U devices offer peace of mind by being compatible with the KNX Data Secure protocol. This ensures robust and secure communication, safeguarding sensitive information and enhancing system reliability.

 Can you elaborate on how OL-U adapts to different environments and scenarios?

The OL-U series is designed to adapt seamlessly to diverse environments and usage scenarios, thanks to its customizable design and versatile functionalities.

 Aesthetic Adaptability: With options available in Plastic, Fenix, and Metal materials, and a range of colors to choose from, OL-U devices can blend harmoniously into any interior design scheme, whether modern, traditional, or minimalist.

Functional Versatility: Whether installed in a residential home, hotel, or office space, the OL-U range offers intuitive controls and features tailored to meet the specific needs of each environment. From controlling lighting and temperature to managing energy usage, OL-U devices provide versatile solutions for diverse scenarios.

Can you elaborate on the OL-U’s Metal Edition, Regular version, and Fenix range?

The OL-U series offers three distinct variants to cater to varying preferences and requirements:

Metal Edition: Boasting a sleek and sophisticated design, the Metal Edition of OL-U exudes elegance and durability. Ideal for premium residential and commercial settings, this variant adds a touch of refinement to any space.

Regular Version: The Regular version of OL-U combines reliability with versatility, offering a practical solution for a wide range of applications. With its understated yet functional design, this variant seamlessly integrates into various environments, from homes to offices.

Fenix Range: The Fenix range of OL-U devices showcases a blend of style and resilience, with Fenix material known for its high-performance properties. Resistant to scratches, fingerprints, and UV rays, the Fenix range is perfect for environments where durability and aesthetics are paramount, such as high-traffic areas and hospitality settings.

Each variant of the OL-U series maintains the same core functionalities and innovative features, ensuring a consistent user experience across different materials and designs.

What are your plans for the Indian Market? 

Our KNX products and solutions can be adapted to market changes and technological advancements, crucial for sustaining growth and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving home automation industry in India.

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Moen is connecting homeowners to the water flowing inside and outside of their homes like never before with an expansion of its award-winning smart water technology to the area of the home where homeowners use the most water ­– the yard*. The Moen^® Smart Water Network already allows homeowners to monitor and control the water inside of their home with several smart water innovations, and now, with the addition of Moen’s Smart Sprinkler Controller and compatible Smart Wireless Soil Sensors, they can easily connect their lawn irrigation system to monitor their water for more control, automation and conservation.

“The Moen Smart Water Network has changed the perceptions of how consumers think about water in their home,” said Mason Hall, Head of Connected Products, Fortune Brands Innovations. “Consumers’ daily interactions with plumbing have been, up until now, limited to the fixtures, showers and faucets. Pipes behind a home’s walls have always been an invisible mystery, only becoming top of mind when a critical problem arises. Today, our innovations provide knowledge and understanding of that system and the ability to control and manage all the home’s water from the palm of your hand while enhancing convenience, security and conservation efforts.”

When homeowners have both the Smart Sprinkler Controller and Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff, they can experience unprecedented control over their home’s water and enhance conservation efforts. In fact, because outdoor irrigation systems account for so much daily water use, the Smart Sprinkler Controller can reduce an average home’s irrigation water use by up to 30 percent, saving the home up to 15,000 gallons of water annually compared to a clock-based controller.

Products in the Smart Water Network include the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff – which acts as the brain of the network – Smart Leak Detectors, Smart Sump Pump Monitor, Smart Faucet, Smart Shower and the Smart Sprinkler Controller with Wireless Soil Sensors – a 2023 CES Innovation Award Honoree.

Each product within the network can work individually or connect with other Moen smart water products through the Smart Water App, providing users with unmatched benefits, including:

·         Automated water security: Water damage is five times more likely than theft, and water is one of the most used resources in our homes, making it pivotal for homeowners to simplify how they manage it. The Smart Water Network makes saving water easy. While homeowners go about their day, the Smart Water Security System is working in the background, 24/7, to monitor for potential water risks and leaks and can automatically take action to notify the user, shut off the water and help protect the home.

·         Water monitoring: A national study conducted by Moen in 2022 shows that most Americans understand that while a water crisis exists – they’re not fully aware of the products and tools available to help them conserve more at home. Not only does the water monitoring alert homeowners to potential issues, but it also gives them more insight into their water usage. Homeowners can now view water usage, room by room, where Moen smart water devices are located. This data also helps users set conservation goals and be more mindful of resources. Additionally, users can control outdoor watering based on their yard’s precise needs to eliminate overwatering with the Smart Sprinkler Controller, which also provides the opportunity to act upon local watering restrictions

·         Personalized experiences: Within the app, users can set custom presets that control the specific temperature and amount of water dispensed by their kitchen faucet, plus personalize preferred gestures for the operation of Smart Faucets with Motion Control.

·         Smart home integration: Users can seamlessly connect their Moen smart water devices to their existing smart home platform and use their smart speakers to activate shower and kitchen fixtures, control water temperatures and dispense specific measurements for completely touchless interactions.

The Moen Smart Water App further enhances the Smart Water Network by elevating the customer experience and product performance through 24/7 alerts. The App features:

·         Winterize: Heading out of town for the winter? Manually trigger the ecosystem to use the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff to shut off the water coming into the home and then purge the water line via the Smart Faucet or Smart Shower.

·         Burst Protect: Reduce the risk of burst pipes. When the system senses that high pressure or low temperatures could put pipes at risk of freezing, this feature is triggered automatically to shut off water to the home.

·         Health Protect: Keep water clean and fresh. Health Protect will flush the water lines through the Smart Faucet or Smart Shower to get rid of the water that can stagnate while users are away for extended periods. 

“Whether the goal is conservation, a beautiful yard, convenience or protection, these easy-to-integrate solutions do the hard work for users so they can enjoy doing what they love most while also making the most of our world’s most precious resource – our water,” adds Hall.

For More Information: moen.com/smart-home

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A new specification for DALI-based input devices that provide sensor information or measurements to the lighting control system has been published as Part 306 of the international standard IEC 62386.

The specification contains a long list of more than 50 quantities that can be detected or measured by a device that complies with Part 306. The list includes temperature, humidity, air quality, concentration of chemicals such as methane, CO_2, and NO_x, and many other quantities. There is also a list of more than 50 units of measurement.

A Part 306 device can sense one or more of the available lists of quantities, depending on the intended application. The sensor device can send the information to the DALI system, or provide the information when polled.

Published in multiple Parts, the IEC 62386 standard is the basis for the DALI lighting-control protocol. The DALI Alliance develops tests that enable DALI-2 product certification. Work will begin in 2024 to add Part 306 to the DALI-2 certification program.

Part 306 can be purchased from the IEC Webstore.

For more Information visit : https://www.dali-alliance.org/

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Smart Home World presents an overview of Smart Home Hubs, and how they have evolved over the years from Centralized Control to Advanced Automation. Read on to know more… 

Smart Home Hubs have become a cornerstone of modern living when it comes to home automation and Smart Home Technology! As India embraces the era of smart living, the widespread adoption of Smart Home Hubs is evident. The growing acceptance of Smart Home Hubs in India can be attributed to their ability to streamline and enhance daily tasks. From controlling lights and thermostats to managing security systems and entertainment devices, these hubs provide a centralized platform for convenient and efficient home automation.

Functionality and Integration with Other Devices 

For those few readers who are not familiar with the functionality and integration, a smart home hub usually has a built-in switch, which maintains the information necessary to determine how and where data is forwarded. Devices may also include computing resources to perform some processing tasks before data is forwarded. The associated smart home app acts as a “universal remote” for all smart home devices, allowing the owner to monitor elements of the smart home network and automate, schedule and control tasks.

Smart home hubs can control many smart home and IoT-enabled devices and systems, including smart sensors on thermostats, lightbulbs, outlets and switches, door locks and sensors, doorbells, garage door openers, energy monitors, window treatments/coverings and sensors. They can also control motion sensors, flood and leak sensors, smart radios and speakers, security systems and cameras, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, irrigation controllers, fans, water heaters and other household appliances.

Many smart home devices come with their proprietary hubs, but these systems often cannot integrate with other smart home systems, disabling devices from communicating — for example, if a smoke detector senses a fire, it may not be able to tell the smart locks to unlock the door for an easier exit or firefighter access. In this instance, a dedicated smart home hub can offer a single point of control. Likewise, if a homeowner uses smart lightbulbs from different manufacturers, each may have its hub with its App. A dedicated smart home hub can combine and simplify the use of disparate hubs.

Though a dedicated smart home hub provides a centralized command center, it doesn’t mean the proprietary hubs can be discarded; a dedicated smart home hub won’t replace the hubs that come with devices, but it connects them all into a centralized location. Getting rid of proprietary hubs can reduce the device or system’s functionality.

Popular Brands 

There are many brands with many advanced features like Control4 is a good choice for your home control system because of how well it integrates with other devices and platforms. Control4’s software platform works with more than 12,000 devices across 300 manufacturers. SAVANT systems offer greater customization. You make these scenes by picking a device or combination of devices and telling them to perform certain functions in certain situations. For instance, an “Away” scene might turn Off all the lights, lower your shades, lock your doors, and turn on your security system as you leave for work. Another option is CRESTRON, their control app, Crestron OS 3, can be tweaked down to the most minute detail. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions for a Crestron system. Lutron is the industry leader in creating powerful, easy-to-manage smart lighting and shading systems. 

Other popular smart home hub products in the market are Samsung SmartThings Hub, LG ThiQ, Philips Hue Bridge, Amazon Echo Plus and Google Nest Hub to name a few. While the other smart speakers and devices that can be used as smart home hubs include Apple HomePod, Apple TV 4K and Google Nest.

Centralized Control to Decentralized Intelligence

The evolution of smart home hubs has been a remarkable journey, transforming from centralized control systems to sophisticated platforms that enable advanced automation. As we delve into the future of smart home hubs, it becomes evident that the trajectory is set toward creating more intelligent, intuitive, and seamlessly integrated systems that cater to the diverse needs of modern households.

Traditionally, smart home hubs acted as centralized control points, managing various connected devices. However, the future sees a shift towards decentralized intelligence. Rather than relying solely on a central hub, smart homes will feature distributed intelligence, with devices capable of making localized decisions. This not only enhances response times but also ensures functionality even if the central hub experiences connectivity issues. 

Expert views on Growth Drivers, Challenges and what advantages they prefer

Key growth factors that will drive the adaptation of smart home hubs in the future according to Rakesh Sachdev, Founder & MD  Acetech Technologies, “Visibility in home automation will undergo a revolution similar to the widespread adoption of flat Screens. As more people embrace home automation, it becomes a sought-after feature for others. Energy saving, is a crucial driving factor, especially with rising energy costs. For the aspirational middle class, the concern over energy costs becomes a significant influence on their decision to invest in home automation. Additionally, sustainability emerges as another key driver. Rakesh emphasizes the importance of low cost, feasibility, easy availability, and energy efficiency in influencing purchasing decisions. He underscores the need for education about these solutions in India, where cautious spending habits are a crucial factor in adopting new products or services.”

Ar. Suraj Mittal, Principal Architect, Future Concepts, “Until we instill that feel-good factor and educate users at large. They will be in two minds whether to invest substantial amounts like 20 lakh rupees or 15 lakh rupees in automation. However, comprehending the specifics of what automation entails can be challenging. In our experience, engaging with over a hundred projects annually, we find that in approximately 65 to 70 percent of these projects, automation is a necessity. Yet, during the initial client conversations about automation, they often have little to no understanding of its components; their knowledge is limited to operating light with their phone, and most likely he can play songs.”

Ashwani Agrawal Aura Smart, Co-Founder & CEO Aura Smart says, “Visibility and reach are poised to be the driving forces behind the narrative. Presently, the reach is limited in India, focusing mainly on architect-driven projects in urban areas. However, there exists a vast, untapped market in houses led by contractors in rural or semi-urban spaces and towns. Currently, our reach hovers around a mere half a percent, leaving a significant portion of the market untapped. This untapped segment represents a potential game-changer where volumes could surpass our expectations. To accelerate this expansion, addressing real and pressing issues, such as water insecurity or simplifying everyday tasks like lighting control, can be instrumental.”

Professional Expectations and Views

Adding his insight on the influence of AI Rakesh Sachdev, Founder & MD, Acetech Technologies, says, “The future of smart home hubs is undeniably intertwined with the integration of artificial intelligence. AI algorithms will analyze user behaviors, preferences, and patterns, allowing the system to learn and adapt over time. This level of sophistication will enable predictive automation, where the smart home hub anticipates the user’s needs and adjusts settings without explicit commands.” 

Priyanka Singh, Founder and Studio Head, Chalk Studio, says, “I wish there were smart devices invented in the future that can effortlessly maintain homes. Picture this: self-cleaning spaces and ingenious devices ensure your plants thrive with automated watering – a valuable addition for our clients. Additionally, addressing common household woes like water leakages and seepage, imagine a groundbreaking tool for plumbing pipes that detects potential damage before it becomes a costly problem. Innovations like these not only enhance convenience but also save both money and headaches for homeowners. The future of homes is poised to be not just smart but seamlessly self-sustaining.”

Rajiv Raj Jain, Founder Play Technologies “My perspective on this subject is quite revolutionary. The potential of AI exceeds our current imagination. AI is set to revolutionize two or three key areas. Firstly, energy conservation will undergo a significant transformation. Secondly, AI’s impact on self-healing processes is poised to be a game-changer. Imagine predicting, preempting, and addressing issues before they even occur. This level of analytical prowess is what AI will bring to the table. Lastly, AI will play a crucial role in ensuring safety, particularly for residential occupants. The future landscape will see AI contributing to energy efficiency, proactive self-healing, and elevated safety standards.”

On the other hand, there are a few challenges in this segment adding his insight on the same Ar. Suraj Mittal, Principal Architect, Future Concepts says “The obstacle isn’t budgetary but rather in the adaptation of Smart hubs across a broad socioeconomic spectrum, given the diverse socioeconomic backgrounds we encounter geographically. The range is substantial, introducing a varied landscape of challenges in the process of adaptation.” 

Forecasting the Future…

Interoperability and Standardization: 

As the number of smart devices continues to grow, interoperability becomes crucial. Future smart home hubs will prioritize seamless integration with a wide range of devices from different manufacturers. Standardization efforts will play a key role in ensuring that devices can communicate effectively, fostering a more interconnected and cohesive smart home ecosystem.

Voice and Natural Language Processing: 

The trend of using voice commands for smart home control is likely to intensify. Future smart home hubs will feature advanced natural language processing capabilities, allowing users to communicate with their homes more conversationally. This not only enhances user experience but also makes smart homes more accessible to individuals with varying levels of technological proficiency. Rakesh Sachdev says, “Certainly, voice commands have gained immense popularity, particularly among senior citizens who prefer a hands-free approach, avoiding app or phone usage. The upcoming interoperability with Matter could lead to Siri communicating with Google Nest or a Google Talk device interacting seamlessly with Samsung, further enhancing its appeal. However, the primary concern I observe today is the security aspect.”

Rajiv Raj Jain adds “In my radical perspective on voice technology, I foresee a significant transformation for Google and Alexa in the coming years. The current limitation lies in the serial processing nature of voice devices, where you have to give instructions before the device executes. Soon, we’ll witness a groundbreaking shift where voice interactions become more natural, understanding context and progressing seamlessly in the conversation.” 

Edge Computing for Real-time Processing: 

To meet the demand for faster response times and increased privacy, smart home hubs will leverage edge computing. By processing data locally on devices instead of relying solely on cloud-based services, smart home systems can deliver real-time responses while minimizing concerns related to data privacy and security.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: 

Future smart home hubs will prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability. Advanced automation algorithms will not only optimize energy usage based on user behavior but also integrate with renewable energy sources. This eco-friendly approach aligns with global efforts towards sustainable living.

Enhanced Security Measures: 

As smart homes become more interconnected, security will be a top priority. Future smart home hubs will implement robust security measures, including advanced encryption, secure device authentication, and proactive threat detection. This ensures that the benefits of automation are not compromised by potential cybersecurity risk.

User-Centric Design and Personalization: 

The future of smart home hubs will revolve around user-centric design and personalization. Systems will be more intuitive, allowing users to easily customize automation scenarios based on their preferences. This shift towards greater personalization enhances the overall user experience and encourages wider adoption of smart home technology.

The growing acceptance of Smart Home Hubs in India reflects a shift towards a more connected, automated, and intelligent way of living, aligning with the global trend of smart home technology integration. As technology continues to advance and become more ingrained in daily life, the role of Smart Home Hubs is likely to expand, further shaping the future of homes in India.

In conclusion, the future of smart home hubs is marked by a transition from centralized control to advanced automation, driven by artificial intelligence, interoperability, voice control, edge computing, sustainability, enhanced security, and a focus on user-centric design. As these trends unfold, smart homes are poised to become more intelligent, adaptive, and seamlessly integrated into the fabric of our daily lives.

(The insights from industry experts are taken from the panel discussion held at the 2023 Smart Home Expo.)

Click here to read full December issue- https://www.smarthomeworld.in/magazine-december2023/

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NOVELDA, the maker of human presence sensors announced the launch of its new ultra-wideband (UWB) Occupancy Sensor. This lighting control sensor enhances energy savings and offers improved user experience, instantly turning on lights on approach and turning them off quickly when they are no longer needed. The sensor’s configurable time-out and precise detection zone marks the next evolution in building lighting automation. Time-out refers to the duration of time a light stays on after someone has left the room. The time-out of 5.8 GHz (HF) and passive infrared is typically set to more than 15 minutes. This results in wasted energy, leading to higher operational costs and poor ESG (environment, social and governance) compliance. The NOVELDA UWB Occupancy Sensor, can set the time-out as low as two minutes while maintaining reliable detection, thereby enabling significant energy savings due to its groundbreaking human presence detection.

These sensors are apt for open offices, schools and meeting rooms. The sensor offers high detection accuracy, low interference and simple integration that outperforms competing technologies such as 5.8 GHz (HF) and passive infrared.

Plus, they also retain its robust, instant detection and prevents reduced performance due to interference from other UWB sensors, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This enables an improved user experience because there is no longer the need to wave at the ceiling lights to turn them on when working late in the office.

Sharing details on the sensors Jan-Bjørnar Lund, CEO, NOVELDA said, “Our UWB-based occupancy sensor offers a reliable solution for detecting an occupant’s presence even if they are sitting still, with significant energy savings in building automation. Through extensive testing in real-life scenarios, our sensors offer instant detection for a variety of use cases, including open offices, meeting rooms and more. Launching this occupancy sensor is part of realizing our vision of making lives easier by creating seamless interaction between people and things. We enable the future of light control by empowering our customers with robust occupancy detection and energy savings through next-generation UWB technology.”

Demo kits for NOVELDA UWB Occupancy Sensor are available upon request. For more information, visit https://novelda.com/contact/

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