As longtime readers may have noticed, Smart Buildings Technology covers a lot of verticals in the smart infrastructure space. This selection of recently launched products includes solutions in the fields of architecture, development, security, vertical transport, microgrids, and electric vehicles.
Autodesk Forma, Autodesk
The San Francisco–based software developer has launched Autodesk Forma as a cloud solution for AECO professionals working in early-stage project planning and design. After a user submits their proposed project location, the software pulls in localized contextual and terrain information in which users can then sketch site and building layouts, draw floor plans, and parking lots. The software automatically calculates information needed for a pro forma, such as square footage and parking spaces, and simulates how the site experiences daylight, wind, wind comfort, and microclimate. Users can compare different site and massing studies and export the selected proposal into Autodesk Revit for further design development. Forma was previously known as Spacemaker, the namesake product of a Norwegian startup that Autodesk acquired in 2020. autodesk.com
DC Fast Charging Stations, EvoCharge
To serve the expanding electric vehicle market, this Minneapolis-based provider of EV supply equipment—also called an EV charging station—is launching a line of Level 2 charging solutions that can serve passenger automotives as well as medium- and heavy-duty and commercial EV applications. The product line offers 50- to 600-kW power capacities and up to 240 kW of continuous power output per port. All charging stations can be integrated with EvoCharge’s network charging station management solution. evocharge.com
EOX, TK Elevator
Designed for two- to 10-story buildings, this new elevator platform incorporates AI and machine learning while reducing energy consumption by up to 45%. Features include API connectivity to interface with user apps and building management software; a regenerative drive to capture and send energy back into a building; in-car multimedia display to entertain and inform passengers; an eco-mode setting to reduce the elevator’s speed and acceleration during times of low traffic; and in-car sensors to monitor entrance safety and ride quality. EOX is assembled domestically using 100% renewable energy and comes standard with TK’s cloud-based predictive management software solution Max. tkelevator.com
Rhombus Access Control, Rhombus
Specializing in cloud-managed enterprise physical security, Rhombus is offering a new product suite through which companies can manage video security, access control, sensors, and alarms from a web-based dashboard or mobile app. With the suite, which comprises the DC20 4-Door Access Control Unit, DR20 Door Reader, and the DR40 Video Intercom, organizations can remotely manage building access and credentials and pair access-based events with data from other feeds, such as video surveillance, environmental sensors, and alarm monitoring. For example, the integrated system can send an alert with video footage when a person’s face doesn’t match their identification badge. rhombus.com
EcoStruxure Microgrid Flex, Schneider Electric
With sustainability and energy resilience becoming top priorities for companies, Schneider developed a standardized microgrid system that can be deployed in months by reducing the typical number of engineering hours required. The packaged solution includes a battery energy storage system, software and analytical tools for the system’s full life cycle, Schneider’s Energy Control Center to help optimize energy resources, and services for operating, maintaining, and optimizing the microgrid. Once commissioned, the system can be optimized through a data-as-a-service model in which the microgrid’s data plugs into AutoGrid’s AI-powered Virtual Power Plant platform, a third-party VPP network, DERMS, or with Schneider’s own software. se.com
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