Fabio Zaniboni, Founder and CEO, Bubblynet featured on the latest episode of IoT Unplugged to share his insights into the evolution of the smart building market, emphasising the role of technologies such as Bluetooth mesh, to create scalable, secure, and energy-efficient systems.
BubblyNet derives its name from the idea of existing in a ‘bubble’: having the right temperature set to your neesds, the right lighting, the right insulation from noise or other external distractions. These different parameters can be targeted and tailored in a smart building; the question is how to mediate the needs of hundreds of occupants in an office building, for instance.
Zaniboni noted that the smart building market had undergone a “quantum leap” which was accelerated by the introduction of wireless technologies, the improved performance of chips, and the integration of AI tools. The convergence of these three aspects has enabled the creation of truly smart, adaptable buildings.
In an example of where AI can be integrated, Zaniboni cited working with a university based in California to incorporate an AI model into a HVAC system. In doing so, they were able to use, on average, 28% of the total energy that would have been used.
“The interesting thing to mention is … with IoT, you’re getting technology that is more and more powerful, where it can be powerful for the good, but it can also be powerful for the bad,” said Zaniboni. “A big portion of what we are doing is keeping the technology safe, and the way we do it is by keeping as much information as possible embedded on the system.”
Bluetooth mesh was picked by the company as a key technology enabler because of its scalability, and the rigorous requirements BubblyNet must comply with to continue using the standard.
These technologies – AI and IoT – are here with us now, and although Zaniboni noted that it can be daunting to discuss them, it’s a matter of trusting the process and recruiting an engineer who will follow the project to completion.
“The rewards are immense,” he concluded.
To hear more about what Zaniboni had to say about the smart building market, listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at the link below.
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