Smart home automation enhanced as ABB-free@home® integrates Matter standard and new partner Add-ons

12 Mar 2024

• ABB’s smart home system enhanced with Matter connectivity standard compatibility and new partner Add-ons, unveiled at Light + Building 2024

• Extended interoperability of the ABB-free@ home® system offers greater network of centrally managed devices within smart homes

• Supported by wireless protocol Thread, Matter is the emerging, open-source connectivity standard for advancing smart homes

Residents are set to benefit from more extensive – yet easier to manage – home automation as ABB Smart Buildings updates ABB-free@home® with the introduction of Matter and further partner Add-ons. This enhances interoperability, providing users with greater flexibility and the ability to choose from a wider range of smart home devices, making it easier to expand and customize their smart home setups. With the Matter firmware, an emerging, opensource connectivity standard for smart homes, ABB-free@home® can become part of other smart home ecosystems such as Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung and more. Conversely, as a second step later in the year, the wide range of Matter-enabled devices will be added to the ABB-free@home® system, allowing control not only via the app but also through smart switches or panels on the wall.

Christian Kruppa, Global Product Manager at ABB Electrification Smart Buildings, said, “With the integration of Matter into ABB-free@ home®, we are laying the foundation for a more open and flexible smart home experience. The integration of valuable partner solutions provides comprehensive, centralized control for a wider range of devices and functions, enhancing overall convenience.

With our Add-on Development Kit, we’re inviting more partners to join us in enabling users to seamlessly integrate additional devices through our Add-on library and simplify the process of expanding their systems.

” In pursuit of reducing the need for multiple smart home apps, ABB has recently incorporated its ABBWelcome door entry system into the ABB-free@ home® Next app. This aligns with the overarching concept of Add-ons, further solidifying ABB’s commitment to simplifying home automation. Among the latest showcased integrations are the highly anticipated EV charger and utility meter Add-ons, which collectively optimize charging based on available solar energy. Additionally, the new Velux Add-on offers users multiple control options by adding motorized windows through wireless connection to ABB-free@home® via the Velux gateway for the first time. The expanded ABB-free@home® system will be showcased at the 2024 Light + Building trade fair in Frankfurt from 3rd to 8th March (Hall 12). EM