In response to increasing demand for smart home systems that allow homeowners to manage their devices in the most efficient and sustainable way, ABB has developed an innovative new solution that enables end-users to ‘smarten’ up any room in their home.
One of its solutions, which will support its customers in operating more sustainably today and in the future, ABB will showcase ABB-free@home® flex and its new ABB-free@home® app ahead of the official launch in October 2020.
ABB-free@home® flex can be controlled by the new ABB-free@home® app, which allows users to manage functions such as blinds or lights via a Bluetooth connection, from their mobile phone. It is ideal for homeowners who want the flexibility to install smart technology in one room and want to invest in a future-proof solution. It can easily be upgraded to the full ABB-free@home® smart home system at a later date, by integrating a System Access Point.
ABB-free@home® flex is designed to help people to use energy where and when they need it. Energy consumption can be easily controlled from a handheld mobile device. It gives users the freedom to control their space, allowing them for example to switch the lights off when the room is unoccupied.
For added flexibility, timers can be used to set lights to come on at key times of the day or night and users can save scenes on the rocker, which will move the blind to a pre-defined position to avoid the sun’s glare in the middle of Summer and, in turn save energy.
For greater control, the app can also link with a movement detector, to program lights to different levels of illumination depending on the time of day, for example, at 30 percent when using the bathroom at night. This not only creates a more appealing user experience, but further reduces energy wastage.
To support the launch, the ABB-free@home® app has been completely redesigned to offer improved functionality, better performance and stronger usability. The new enhanced version will also be available for all existing ABB-free@home® users to download from the App Store later this year.
Oliver Iltisberger, Managing Director of ABB’s Smart Buildings business line, comments: “ABB has a clear vision on how innovative technology can create smarter living spaces, and better user experiences. The ABB-free@home® flex range is an easy way to smarten up any room, that increases comfort levels, as well as helping users to manage their energy use and consumption, which supports our Smart Cities’ Mission to Zero initiative. With demand rising for smarter and more flexible technology options, ABB-free@home® flex will put control firmly back in the hands of the consumer, helping them to switch on to energy savings in homes and offices.”
ABB has been at the forefront of accelerating progress in smart home technology for decades, with almost 5 million components of its connected ABB-free@home® system installed in over 40 countries worldwide.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a technology leader that is driving the digital transformation of industries. With a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB has four, customer-focused, globally leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation, supported by the ABB Ability™ digital platform. ABB’s Power Grids business will be divested to Hitachi in 2020. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 144,000 employees. www.abb.com
ABB’s Electrification business is a global leader in electrical solutions, operating in more than 100 countries, with over 200 manufacturing sites. Approximately 53,000 employees are dedicated to delivering the future of safe, smart and sustainable electrification, for industries, public services and communities. With advanced ABB AbilityTM enabled digital solutions at its core, our portfolio protects, connects and optimizes electrical energy supply. This includes the powering of industry, infrastructure and transportation, from data center solutions to smart buildings and e-mobility solutions; the integration of renewables; and the delivery of intelligent distribution and energy storage. For more information visit https://go.abb/electrification
