ABB shows off a selection of smart home products at IFA 2019-- including the ABB-free@home Alarm-Stick and certified integration with Sonos using the ABB i-bus-- together with the open API platform allowing integration with 3rd party apps and solutions.

According to the company, the ABB-free@home platform sees almost 5 million components installed worldwide. The home automation system provides over 60 functions, and allows installers to integrate up to 150 devices per system. Both wired and wireless connectivity are available, and the new API allows expansion through 3rd party systems. A Geofencing function activates predefined scenarios when the homeowner enters or leaves a specific area, such as switching off all devices when all residents leave the building.

Meanwhile the Alarm-Stick adds smoke, heat and Carbon Monoxide detectors to the ABB-free@home system. It connects to the System Access Point via USB, and communicates wirelessly with the detectors using the VdS 3515 certified detector protocol. In case the fire alarm goes off, all detectors give acoustic feedback and send a push notification to the owner's mobile phone complete with cause of alarm and the room the incident was detected in. Users can also take additional measures, such as switching on all the lights or opening the blinds. Off-site notifications are also available via subscription to the MyBuildings Portal service.

The updated System Access Point 2.0 connects up to 150 wired and wireless devices in one ABB-free@home system. It provides a commissioning interface and full visualisation for homeowners, from lighting to heating and ventilation, and enables the use of cloud services. The ABB-free@home system is connectable with ABB-secure@home, the intrusion and alarm system for residential properties, making the smart home even more secure.

The ABB Busch-ControlTouch KNX app solution is now certifed for integration with Sonos wireless speakers, making it the first "Works with Sonos" KNX product. Users can type commands into the Busch-ControlTouch device to be read by the Sonos speakers, and the system can turn down the volume or play a defined tune on the speakers in case of certain events, such as the doorbell ringing or the presence detectors sensing someone approach.

In addition, the device offers a visualisation feature with room pictures and small button controls, 16 internal room temperature controllers and easier commissioning via built-in wizards. The Busch-ControlTouch KNX also dims and switches lights, controls blinds and integrates IP cameras, Sonos speakers and Philips Hue lamps in room scenes.

ABB also launches a next generation of switch actuators-- a portfolio enabling reliable switching of different electrical loads in ABB i-bus KNX installations. The Combi Actuators offer both switching and shading functionality in a compact device, and are aimed for use in residential projects. The range includes devices with a rated current of 6, 10 and 16A, each with 8, 16 and 24 switching outputs.

Another IFA launch involves a holistic door entry systems using IP connectivity for easy commissioning and usage for enhanced security and communications at home. The systems integrate smart home and building automation control using the ABB-Welcome IP Touch 7-inch panel. Meanwhile the ABB-VideoControl enables the video surveillance system to work with different cameras to stream remotely accessible 24/7 footage. The system can store videos on local Network Video Recorder (NVR) or the cloud, and provides remote access to door locks.

“With the latest raft of enhancements, ABB now offers the most comprehensive range of smart home solutions in the marketplace,” the company says. “Through the launch of our new open API and links with our well-established partnerships, including Sonos, Amazon Alexa, B/S/H, Miele and Signify with its Philips Hue products, we are well placed to take smart home automation to the next level, so that we make our living spaces more comfortable, welcoming, environmentally friendly, and secure for the future.”

Go ABB Showcases Next Level in Smart Home Automation at IFA 2019