This week we continue our research into the major players in the home automation world. CABA ( Continental Automated Buildings Association) is an international not-for-profit industry association dedicated to the advancement of intelligent home and intelligent building technologies. The organization is supported by an international membership of nearly 400 companies involved in the design, manufacture, installation and retailing of products relating to home automation and building automation. Public organizations, including utilities and government are also members.
CABA is dedicated to advancing integration of automation for residential and commercial buildings, helping members create increased market opportunities, supporting multi-disciplinary partnerships, while serving as a preferred global source of information, knowledge and networking for key stakeholders.
Over its 23-year history, CABA has carved out a niche for itself in the most unlikely of areas: home automation. This field deals broadly with the creation of “smart” or “connected” technologies in the home and it is a sector with which the common consumer is largely unaware. Yet, according to CABA officials, this technology is the way of the future.
CABA does not advocate a particular methodology or product, but focuses on promoting the best of the new smart technologies. In a recent talk, Ron Zimmer, the president and CEO of CABA explained, “Home automation encompasses everything from safety and security technology, to climate control, to lighting, to energy management, and even to entertainment and multi-room AV systems,” he said. CABA remains undaunted, though it has ta ken on such a diverse number of platforms. The organization has taken a ‘full court press’ approach, aggressively researching each platform with marked skill and expertise.
On the CABA website you will find dozens of research papers on the entire range of home automation. My favorite paper on the site is “iHomes and Buildings.” Start with this well-written overview document and then dive into the website.
