The digital age dictates its own rules in many industries. Real estate was no exception. Today, there is an unspoken rule on the market: the smarter the building, the easier and more pleasant it will be to live (rest, work) in because it can adapt to the needs.
Have you ever wondered how buildings are endowed with “intellectual” abilities? Next, we will describe how such technologies function and their use cases and give some unusual smart building examples.
What is Smart Building Technology: Characteristics and Components
In essence, it can be any technology related to the management, monitoring, and controlling of the ecosystem of a residential building, office, commercial or industrial premises.
An integral element of the structure is the IoT. Sensors monitor the condition of the premises, collect data (operational, climatic, etc.), and then “make a decision” about optimization.
Management covers HVAC, lighting, security, and other critical systems. A couple of simple examples: technology can adjust the air during the day based on real-time CO2 readings or turn on lights when someone enters a room.
Several elements (devices, software solutions, communication means) are intended for automation, which are interconnected and form complex smart building solutions.
A smart building consists of 4 components, each with its own functions:
- IoT sensors: monitoring the situation in the premises (air quality, climate, number of people, virus risk), collecting data, and sending it to the cloud. Examples: monitoring traffic in a parking lot or attendance at a shopping center, adjusting air parameters in a home, and analyzing compliance with COVID-19 protocols in a public institution.
- Analytical Solution: Interpret and analyze sensor data with AI algorithms. This data helps to draw conclusions about equipment wear, plan maintenance and repairs, optimize temperature and humidity conditions, etc.
- Control Center: Monitor data from sensors and devices in real-time. The system works on a single platform with a clear UI. The end-user can manage the incoming data from a universal app (PC, smartphone).
- Communication: Internet access for uninterrupted data exchange with sensors. There are two options for network technologies: cellular and WiFi to connect.
Technology helps automate critical processes, optimize space, assess equipment health, and plan maintenance. Integrations with other systems allow you to create an intelligent environment for pleasant living and efficient work.
This is possible thanks to the introduction of advanced IoT, AI, ML, BIM, AR, and VR tools, building automation systems, and aerial drones. Next, we describe each type of technology in more detail.
Types of Smart Building Technology
IoT
The most powerful tool in this smart arsenal. The building operates based on the IoT system: a number of devices are connected via an IP platform, which makes it possible to exchange information and analyze it quickly.
IoT plays an essential role in home automation: lighting, heating, ventilation, video surveillance, security. In commercial and industrial environments, sensors streamline workflows, such as assessing the health of assets, detecting passenger traffic, and alerting when restocking is needed.
AI
AI can acquire knowledge and apply it in practice, imitating a person’s behavior and mental capabilities. For a long time, AI has been used to automate tasks where it is crucial to avoid routine. AI and ML should not be confused as the latter is a method of implementing the former.
AI seamlessly integrates with IoT for deep learning. It is necessary to understand various objects and environments better and adapt to preferences and trends. For example, the system can recognize power problems and notify you when maintenance is needed. Or study the preferences of residents in lighting and adapt to them.
BIM
It is information modeling of a house, road, bridge, utility network, port, or other infrastructure. However, this is not just a set of computer programs or a 3D model. Technology unites people, production, and scientific and technical knowledge intending to improve construction. The main element is the information embedded in the project, which the participants can continuously exchange with each other.
BIM eliminates data silos and provides a synchronized, dynamic approach to project management. Collaboration and rapid data exchange allow you to consider more architectural, engineering, and structural solutions for future buildings. It becomes easier to perform engineering and energy calculations, estimate the cost of construction, and control purchases.
BIM improves the efficiency of not only construction but also the operation of the buildings themselves. The system plays the role of a kind of reference book that reveals the location of assets, talks about the properties of building materials, and makes it possible to simulate changes in space during repairs, e.g., moving a wall.
Building automation
As you might guess from the name, the technologies are designed to automate HVAC control, lighting, security, and other components. The control is done by the BMS and the BAS (automation system). These systems can work effectively with IoT to track temperature, humidity, electricity, etc.
The benefits of automation cannot be overestimated. First of all, it is an opportunity to create comfortable conditions for being in the building. You can improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs thanks to smart settings. For example, ensure that the lighting in the conference room turns on according to a certain schedule: from 10 am to 11 am every Wednesday.
AR/VR
AR allows you to “try on” an unreal object in real space. Combined with BIM, this creates unique opportunities for remodeling and refurbishing equipment. Let’s take an interesting example with a machine room. The repair technician puts on AR glasses and sees additional information above each car, from launch date to troubleshooting instructions.
VR is usually perceived as a gaming technology. However, this is not the case: virtual reality has found its place in smart construction. Designers are using VR to create a digital mockup of a home where you can walk around and understand the conditions before construction begins. This data is easily imported into the software and further used for repair planning.
Aerials drones
Drones are actively used not only to create panoramic photos and shoot videos from a bird’s eye view. They are also excellent assistants inside buildings (shopping facilities, production workshops, office centers), which take on various routine tasks. The device is controlled by an operator remotely.
Here are some examples of using drones: searching for expired products on the shelves, monitoring the status of equipment that is not freely accessible, detecting unauthorized entry into the office. Drones see the smallest details at any time of the day. They are maneuverable due to their small size and thoughtful shape.
As you can see, the possibilities of smart building technology go beyond the familiar smart housing. We want to tell you about 4 narrow areas where systems are successfully used: office, hospital, data center, and life science facilities. Also further, you will find interesting smart building examples.
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The report encompasses data regarding market share and recent developments by key players.
Moreover, this market report also covers regional and country markets in detail.The research report also covers the comprehensive profiles of the key players in the market and an in-depth view of the competitive landscape worldwide.
The major players in the Smart Building Market include Advantech Co. Ltd, Honeywell International Inc., ABB Ltd., IBM Corporation, Siemens AG, Schneider Electric SE, Johnson Controls International PLC, Hitachi Ltd, Sony Corporation, IBM Corporation, and Cisco Systems..
This section includes a holistic view of the competitive landscape that includes various strategic developments such as key mergers & acquisitions, future capacities, partnerships, financial overviews, collaborations, new product developments, new product launches, and other developments.Get more information on "Global Smart Building Market Research Report" by requesting FREE Sample Copy at https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/contact/smart-building-market/download-sampleMarket SegmentationThe broad Smart Building Market has been sub-grouped into the Component, Building Type and Region.
The report studies these subsets with respect to the geographical segmentation.
Smart buildings are required to prevent the deadliest diseases and viruses.
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