CABA launches Connected Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) and Internet of Things (IoT) study

The Continental Automated Buildings Association, through its Connected Home Council, has launched a collaborative research study entitled "Connected Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) and Internet of Things (IoT)".

MDUs, also known as multi-family residential units, are a category of residential housing where many individual housing units are contained within a building or group of buildings. MDUs come in various shapes and sizes, including large high-rise apartment buildings, row houses, low-rise condominiums and small duplexes.

The goal of CABA's new research project is to provide a comprehensive examination of all the major aspects of IoT related to MDUs, including: state of the market, MDU IoT trends, business opportunities, technical barriers and opportunities, future market direction, issues, case studies and industry recommendations.

The multi-dwelling and multi-family market has one of the strongest growth rates in North America.

— Tom Semler, Manager, Conservation & Demand Management at Hydro One

"CABA aims to produce and provide actionable research results to its membership and the home and building sector at large," notes Ronald J. Zimmer, CABA President & CEO. "Consequently, we are extremely excited to launch a new study focused on potential of the Internet of Things in connected, multi-dwellings."

The study will undertake 60 in-depth interviews and survey over 1,500 individuals within the MDU ecosystem, including OEMs, service providers, tenants and property owners and managers. The research project will also incorporate an extensive secondary research literature review.

The final report will provide actionable data relevant to all segments of the MDU value chain, including, but not limited to: building owners, technology manufacturers, builders and developers, integrators and installers, service providers, insurance companies, industry associations and utility companies.

According to Tom Semler, Manager, Conservation & Demand Management at Hydro One: "The multi-dwelling and multi-family market has one of the strongest growth rates in North America. The growth of IoT in the connected home sector is going to dramatically change the size and types of products in this market. Therefore, Hydro One Networks Inc. has joined the steering committee of this important CABA landmark research project to ensure that our future products services can be developed based on consumer needs."

Don Stevens, National R&D Manager at Panasonic Eco Solutions North America also noted: "A growing preference among consumers for technically advanced broadband-driven products is fueling the demand for connected home devices significantly. The growing interest in these devices, along with the rising trend of smart homes generally, will boost the global demand for Internet of Things (IoT) devices in multi-dwelling and multi-tenant units dramatically. This study will assist us make key decisions in this market concerning our product and service offerings."

The following CABA members are confirmed sponsors of the study: Alarm.com, Inc., American Family Insurance, BC Hydro, BELIMO, Enercare Connections Inc., Hydro One Networks Inc., Hydro-Québec, Intermatic Inc., Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc., Panasonic, Pella Corporation, Schneider Electric, Siemens Industry, Inc., Southern California Edison Company (SCE), Southwire Company, LLC and TELUS.

CABA has contracted Harbor Research to undertake the research and expects the study to be completed by the first quarter of 2017. Harbor Research, a CABA member, is a strategy and technology research firm that works with leading technology innovators, product OEMs and service providers.

This study is a major initiative of the CABA Research Program, which offers a range of opt-in technical and advisory research services designed to provide industry stakeholders with collaborative research and R&D opportunities.