Managing an eco-friendly house with Lego-like technology bricks

Thanks to startup ThinkEE's modular system - which consists of technology bricks linking various connected devices - data from a host of sensors can be collected regardless of the sensors' protocols. It can also be used to control the devices in real time from a single interface. The system recently underwent pre-market testing in the NeighborHub eco-friendly house, which will be Switzerland's entry in the international Solar Decathlon competition. As part of the Solar Decathlon challenge, EPFL-born startup ThinkEE has created a smart ecosystem to control the house - dubbed NeighborHub - that Switzerland will present at the competition in Denver this fall. The ecosystem includes sensors for measuring things like air temperature, humidity and power consumption, as well as a battery. The sensors will be located throughout the wooden house in order to minimize its energy usage. The system is designed to collect data from all the sensors and compile it onto a single platform, making it easier to monitor and manage the house's devices.