The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a buzzword of the connected home space which includes all things smart for the home. The 2014 CES was a perfect example with elegantly designed point solutions from light bulbs to door locks and surveillance cameras on display at every turn. Even before CES Bosch announced the formation of a new company, Bosch Connected Devices and Solutions, that will supply electronic components and software designed to add intelligence to and web-enable a wide range of devices. It will initially focus on sensor-based applications for the smart home.
Why Bosch? Robert Bosch GmBH is a global supplier of MEMS sensors – devices that measure acceleration, air pressure, noise, or temperature, etc. These sensors can be programmed using software algorithms and equipped with microcontrollers, miniature batteries, and tiny radio chips, to enable them to process measurements and trigger actuators and communicate with other devices over the Internet. Therefore, it makes sense Bosch would join the party.
Recently (February 5-6, 2014), the company conducted its Bosch Connected World Conference 2014 in Berlin. SA was in attendance and was impressed by the company’s commitment to the IoT market and specifically the Smart Home market. Dr. Volkmar Denner, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch, provided a crisp overview of Bosch’s strategy in the very broad and sometimes convoluted world of IoT. (Download the presentations here) He also reviewed the partnership Bosch recently established with ABB, Cisco and LG for an open platform for smart home solutions. This and Qualcomm’s AllJoyn initiative, among others, are the focus of SA’s Smart Home Strategies’ continuing analysis of technology enablers in the emerging Smart Home market.
One of the most stimulating presentations for us was given by Prof. Dr. Karolin Frankenberger, assistant professor for innovation management at the University of St. Gallen. She reminded us that many of the big successes of the past are based on innovative business models; not on innovative products. Examples include Apple, Amazon, Skype, Netflix and Blacksocks… Blacksocks???? Download the presentation (same link as above) it’s worth the time J
Bottom Line: In the future competition takes place not between products or services, but between business models. And Bosch is positioning itself to enable new, innovative and likely disruptive business models in the Smart Home market… Stay Tuned!