Every week, industry leaders and innovators gather to tackle the biggest challenges (and opportunities) in smart buildings, automation, and AI. This month, we’re diving into commercializing the vision—how do we turn groundbreaking ideas into real, scalable solutions? From plug-and-play interoperability to AI-driven efficiency, here’s what the experts had to say.
The Big Question: What’s the Vision?
We kicked off with a roundtable discussion where industry leaders shared their perspectives on the future of smart buildings. Here are the key takeaways:
Plug-and-Play Interoperability: The Foundation of Smart Buildings
Imagine a world where integrating building systems is as effortless as plugging in a lamp—no custom coding, no vendor lock-in, just seamless connectivity. That’s the power of plug-and-play interoperability, a vision championed by Anto. By adopting universal standards (much like the 100-year-old NEMA electrical plug), we can eliminate the friction of proprietary systems and enable true automation. The industry is already moving in this direction, with efforts like the Tiger Team’s semantic normalization paving the way. As Anto puts it:
“Plug-and-play isn’t just convenient—it’s revolutionary. It turns buildings from static structures into dynamic, adaptable ecosystems.”
Open Ecosystems: Liberating Procurement & Innovation
For too long, building owners have been trapped in vendor lock-in, forced into costly, inflexible solutions. Tracy Markie envisions a future where open interoperability flips the script, giving owners the freedom to choose, swap, and upgrade systems without barriers. This shift would create a competitive marketplace where vendors compete on value, not proprietary control. The result? Lower costs, better technology, and faster innovation. As Tracy emphasizes:
“Open ecosystems mean owners finally hold the keys. No more being locked into a single vendor—just better buildings, smarter choices.”
A Tech-Driven Industry: Learning from IT’s Playbook
Why does the IT world evolve at lightning speed while building automation lags? Rick argues it’s time for our industry to stop seeing itself as ‘special’ and start adopting IT’s agile, open-source mindset. By embracing frameworks like the Linux Foundation’s collaborative model, we can accelerate digitization and make buildings as responsive as modern software. The key? Standardization, scalability, and a focus on what owners actually want—AI, digital twins, and seamless integrations. Rick’s take?
“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—we need to steal IT’s playbook and run with it.”
AI at Work: Boosting Efficiency & Elevating People
While other industries race ahead with AI, Anno points out that smart buildings are still in the early innings. From predictive maintenance to AI-assisted diagnostics, the potential for 20%+ efficiency gains is massive. But the real win? Freeing up human talent for higher-value work—instead of repetitive tasks. Imagine AI handling routine checks while engineers focus on optimization and innovation. As Anno notes:
“AI isn’t replacing people—it’s making them 10x more effective. The question isn’t ‘if’ but ‘how fast’ we’ll adopt it.”
No More Silos: Data Access as Easy as a Google Search
Today, pulling data from different building systems (fire, HVAC, security) often requires custom APIs and IT wizardry. Steve dreams of a world where accessing any system is as simple as typing a URL—no coding required. With semantic standards and AI-powered data normalization, we could finally break down silos and give owners real-time, unified insights. Steve’s vision?
“Why should accessing a fire alarm system be harder than Googling a recipe? The future is frictionless data.”
IT + OT Convergence: Leading the Charge
The convergence of IT (information tech) and OT (operational tech) isn’t just inevitable—it’s essential. But as Jim warns, IT won’t solve this for us. Instead, the building automation industry must drive the integration, defining how cybersecurity, data flows, and AI analytics work together. The prize? Smarter, safer, and more responsive buildings. Jim’s rallying cry?
“If we don’t own this convergence, someone else will—and they won’t understand buildings like we do.”
Buildings as Living Communities Ken’s Vision
A building isn’t just steel and wires—it’s a hub of people, services, and interactions. Ken envisions a future where buildings function like digital communities, with AI coordinating everything from maintenance to social events. Picture an AI concierge that knows when to adjust HVAC for a rooftop party or alerts the cleaning crew before a big meeting. Ken’s big idea?
“Buildings should feel alive, learning and adapting like a living organism.”
Smarter Everything: Democratizing Intelligence
Danielle says the ultimate goal is to make intelligence accessible to everyone. Whether a janitor uses AI to optimize cleaning routes or a facility manager predicts equipment failures, AI should empower—not exclude. By lowering the barrier to entry, we create buildings where everyone contributes to efficiency. Danielle’s mantra?
“Smart buildings shouldn’t require a PhD—just curiosity and the right tools.”
Final thoughts
The future of smart buildings isn’t just about tech—it’s about people, collaboration, and bold thinking. Which of these visions excites you most?
This month’s discussions are just the beginning. The future of smart buildings hinges on open standards, AI adoption, and seamless collaboration—all while keeping people at the center.
What’s your vision for commercializing smarter buildings? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
