Smart home technology leader, ABB, is entering a partnership with Signify (formerly known as Philips Lighting) by unveiling a new range of smarter light switches at the IFA trade show in Berlin.
Aimed at encouraging companies to develop devices, applications and systems that interact with its leading smart lighting ecosystem Philips Hue, the Friends of Hue program has attracted many of the market’s leading technology providers including Amazon, Apple and Google.
ABB’s new range of Friends of Hue smart light switches will integrate seamlessly with the Philips Hue lighting system via the Hue bridge. This allows users to set up their light switch in the Philips Hue app and control and personalize home lighting and ambience via an ABB Friends of Hue switch.
Paavo Tammisto, Global Product Group Manager of ABB’s Wiring Accessories said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership between Signify and ABB. Both of our companies share a vision for fully connected smart homes with the ability to control every aspect of lighting from a single remote access point.”
The new ABB switches can turn lights on and off, dim specific bulbs and recall stored light presets. A Friends of Hue-specific energy harvesting module is due to be integrated in to the ABB ranges carat®, solo®, Busch-axcent® and future® linear. The new Friends of Hue light switches from ABB will be available in Q1/2019.
About Philips Hue Philips Hue is the world’s leading smart lighting system for the home. It comprises bulbs, strips, spots, lamps and controls. The system is transforming how light is used in and around the home to stimulate people’s senses, light their moments and help provide peace of mind when away from home.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner of Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com
