US technology company Microsoft has created a “digital twin” of its offices in Singapore, which it says offers a blueprint for the future of smart buildings.
At Frasers Tower, Microsoft worked with French equipment manufacturer Schneider Electric and American software developer Bentley Systems to install 179 Bluetooth beacons, and 900 sensors for lighting, air quality and temperature.
The data points are linked to Microsoft’s Azure cloud software, and can be used to optimise workspace, air-conditioning, and lighting, and improve energy efficiency. In particular, sensors could monitor carbon dioxide, noise levels and energy use. Microsoft says this has already reduced costs by 25% at the firm’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington.
Ricky Kapur, Microsoft Asia Pacific’s sales, marketing and operations vice-president, said: “The workplace of the future is about embracing innovation into the very fabric of our space, so that we create multiple touchpoints of connectivity, are intentionally inclusive and accessible, while being very mindful of sustainability and the environment.
“At Frasers Tower in Singapore, we worked closely with Bentley Systems and Schneider Electric to implement sensors and telemetry to create a connected workplace, that allows us to adjust the space based on usage, therefore improving energy efficiency.”
Damien Dhellemmes, Schneider Electric’s Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei cluster president, said: “Our partnership with Microsoft offers a real model on how connected devices combined with contextualised sensor processing can deliver smart building systems that do not intrude on the privacy of individuals, and can be applied beyond offices, to buildings, malls and even homes of the future.”
Image courtesy of Microsoft
