Smart building solutions for the B2B sector: How we integrate IoT and AI
The digitisation of buildings, offices and homes is a major trend. In November 2025, leading hardware manufacturers such as Apple, Google and Amazon, as well as the furniture giant Ikea, joined forces in the so-called Matter Alliance to drive forward the Internet of Things (IoT). In the B2B sector, too, many companies are seeking bespoke solutions based on NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other technologies to connect apps with furnishings or to integrate artificial intelligence (AI). Please contact us so that we can support you in achieving your goals in the field of building automation.
Maximum interoperability for smart buildings: The future with Matter, NFC, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
When digitising traditionally manually controlled items, such as blinds, which can be repositioned depending on the angle of sunlight or the indoor temperature, there is a whole range of different technologies that can be used. Some examples of these are: NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and the Matter protocol. We have experience integrating these standards into apps and can work with you on a case-by-case basis to decide which approach makes the most sense. Here is a brief overview of the most common protocols and standards:
NFC: Intuitive interaction and secure access
Near Field Communication (NFC) has become indispensable for short-range communication. In smart buildings, NFC enables seamless access control via smartphone or smartwatch, even without the need for physical keys. Furthermore, NFC greatly simplifies the ‘onboarding’ of new hardware: a quick tap with your mobile phone is all it takes to securely integrate a new device into your home Wi-Fi or Matter network. Handy: With the iOS 18.1 update, Apple has enabled third-party platforms to offer digital wallets via the Secure Element (SE). This allows banks, fintech companies and retailers to establish themselves as alternatives to Apple Pay.
Matter: A widely used protocol for home devices
In November 2025, leading hardware manufacturers such as Apple, Google and Amazon, as well as the furniture giant Ikea, joined forces in the so-called Matter Alliance to drive forward the Internet of Things (IoT). Matter is designed to help overcome two major hurdles in the implementation of smart building concepts: the high energy consumption of Wi-Fi-enabled devices and the fragmentation of different protocols. The new Matter standard, driven by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), is set to finally change this. Ikea, for example, gave the go-ahead in November 2025 for the development of 21 household products, all of which are Matter-compatible.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): The robust backbone
Wi-Fi provides the necessary bandwidth and range for data-intensive applications such as security cameras or centralised building dashboards. Bluetooth Low Energy stands out thanks to its extremely low-power mode and is suitable for battery-powered sensors (e.g. for temperature or humidity) as well as for direct, local communication between a smartphone and an end device, without relying on a network connection.
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Reference project: Building automation app for the smart building experts at Kieback&Peter
The SME Kieback&Peter commissioned us to develop an app to improve the control of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. The aim of the project was to enable Kieback&Peter’s customers to control their systems reliably and energy-efficiently.
With the K&P DDC SmartAccess app developed by Hybrid Heroes, the company’s technicians will in future be able to simply use their smartphones to configure systems: a seamless connection is possible via NFC and Wi-Fi. The new automation station can thus be commissioned quickly, configured easily and operated with ease.
Devices that benefit from Smart Upgrades
We can support you with the technical development of a wide range of devices. Whether it’s highly secure smart locks and digital access control systems for office complexes (keyword: Smart Office), solutions for connected and automated smart garage doors that integrate with modern logistics or fleet management systems, or complex smart hubs for energy management: We develop the right software solution for your hardware. Furthermore, we guide you through the complex CSA certification process and, if required, develop so-called Matter bridges to transition your existing (legacy) products – which are still based on Zigbee or Z-Wave – into the new Matter ecosystem.
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
1.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Highest data security and GDPR compliance in building automation
Collecting sensor data in residential and commercial buildings comes with significant responsibility and strict legal obligations. At the same time, connected devices have become attractive targets for cyberattacks. For manufacturers, security by design is not optional. It is both a legal requirement and an ethical responsibility.
We develop IoT solutions and mobile apps that meet the stringent requirements of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). From end-to-end encryption of data exchanged between hardware, the cloud, and mobile applications to secure authentication and role-based access control, we implement state-of-the-art security architectures. We also integrate over-the-air (OTA) update mechanisms, ensuring that your products remain protected against emerging threats long after installation while allowing new features to be deployed seamlessly throughout the product lifecycle.
FAQ – The Buildings of the Future
If you still have questions, you'll find the most important answers here at a glance.
What are smart buildings?
Smart buildings are buildings that use digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate and optimise building operations. Sensors and connected devices collect data on factors such as temperature, occupancy, and natural light levels to intelligently control heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and security systems, making buildings more efficient, secure, and comfortable.
How can manufacturers make their products Smart Home compatible?
To make products Smart Home compatible, manufacturers need to equip their hardware with connectivity technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee and build the supporting software infrastructure. This includes developing embedded software, connecting devices to a cloud backend through secure APIs, and creating an intuitive mobile app. A specialised development agency like Hybrid Heroes can support the entire software development process, from embedded systems to cloud services and user-facing applications.
What role does Artificial Intelligence (AI) play in smart buildings?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the "brain" of a smart building. While IoT sensors collect data, AI analyses it in real time to generate meaningful insights and automate decision-making. It identifies user behaviour patterns, predicts energy demand, and enables predictive maintenance by detecting potential issues before they lead to equipment failure. This helps reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs, and improve the overall efficiency of building operations.
What IoT standards and protocols are relevant for smart buildings?
Open standards are essential in building automation to ensure seamless communication between devices from different manufacturers. Key protocols include KNX and BACnet for commercial buildings, as well as Zigbee, Thread, and Wi-Fi for connected devices. Matter is becoming increasingly important as a universal connectivity standard, enabling interoperability across major smart home ecosystems such as Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.
We look forward to your project!
Would you like to open up new digital worlds with your company or organization? Send us a message or give us a call! We will get back to you within a few hours.