Innovation

The Intelligent Building System Trade show was held in Paris on November 6^th and 7^th. This not-to-be-missed event for anyone and everyone in construction, energy and digital focused this year on a sector undergoing a major digital transformation.

Trend #1: digital service platforms

Service platforms are popping up all over and enjoy key digital advantages. Targeting end-users/occupants and building owners, platforms offer a portfolio of new digital services available in real time and accessible via smartphone. Examples abound: room reservations, geolocation-based itineraries, tracking energy spend…

Trend #2: Visualization tools/data processing

Collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources is key when it comes to ensuring technical and service-based performance in buildings and cities. How to best exploit BIM technology and platforms that gather, analyze and stock the technical data from a building’s geographic 2D model were largely covered by this year’s exhibitors. A subject covered not only by those who operate buildings but also by manufacturers/suppliers (SIEMENS, Schneider…) and distributors (BTIB…).

Trend #3: Connected objects and robots/automatons

The presence of field equipment has exploded with the development of connected objects, control devices and robots. Manufacturers are aware of the need for their devices to be accessible and interoperable. Several of them now propose integrated, online services with a Dashboard complete with tracking and control functions embedded directly into devices and robots.

A few examples: Schneider’s WAGO mini-terminal, ABB’s PLUTO (programmable safety controllers)…

This year’s event also gave visitors the opportunity to discover new technologies and solutions: artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance, how blockchain can be used to manage access to energy-related data, technologies innovated by the company ENOCEAN for equipment that needs no batteries nor wires…