Fujitsu General Australia is taking major strides in smart air conditioning and building controls by providing more Internet of Things (IoT) products to the market, after signing a strategic partnership with IoT devices manufacturer Nube iQ.
Under the partnership, Nube iO will design, develop, and manufacture a range of IoT control devices for Fujitsu, resulting in a suite of smart IoT controls under the anywAiR iO brand.
Fujitsu's Wi-Fi and IoT brand offers advanced control offerings to the market, including an app-based Wi-Fi control that allows users to manage their air conditioner from wherever they are, either inside or outside the home, using a smartphone, tablet, or voice command.
Fujitsu General director of sales, marketing, and product Dave Smith said the partnership was not only a major step for Fujitsu but also for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) sector.
“We are excited to partner with Nube iO, a group with positive, collaborative, and innovative values that align with ours,” he said.
“We cannot wait to see the design and manufacturing process get underway and witness how new IoT controls will not only strengthen and diversify our product capability but represent a huge step forward for the relationship between technology and indoor comfort.
“Air conditioning integrated with smart technology is the future of the industry, so it’s important to embrace rapidly evolving technology as soon as possible to be in the best position for the future.”
IoT describes the network of physical objects that can exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet using sensors and software, allowing the objects to perform automatic data-based functions that do not require physical input, such as human control. This wireless communication removes the frustrations of cabling in legacy automation solutions.
As part of the advanced control offerings to the market, Nube iO will help Fujitsu’s anywAiR iO gateway control various air conditioning equipment, including Fujitsu’s Applied and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, as well as other third-party equipment, including outdoor air fans.
Fujitsu will also be able to offer a range of wireless sensors that will benefit essential conditioning functions such as monitoring temperature and humidity, as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Nube iO CEO Tom Fyfe said the partnership is an opportunity to apply the company’s brand of expertise to the HVAC sector.
“In recent years, there have been significant advancements in IoT, which has led to the technology becoming much more accessible. Smart sensing can be applied in numerous ways to help cool or heat indoor spaces more conveniently and efficiently,” Fyfe said.