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RWE has launched a universal programming language designed to aid development of devices for the “internet of things” available to developers and manufacturers of internet-compatible devices for the first time.
RWE designed the language, called Lemonbeat Smart Device Language, to allow devices to be developed more quickly and provide easier interconnection with other products by removing the necessity for an intermediary interface such as Bluetooth.
The company said the development of Lemonbeat is “an important step in the development of the internet of things” and a “key solution” to the problem of a uniform, secure communication standard.
The German energy giant is actively pursuing innovative technology-based solutions as part of a wider strategy to develop its customer offering beyond energy supply and currently has a six-month presence in California’s technology mecca Silicon Valley.
RWE Npower’s Neil Pennington said in September: “Their mission is to identify new partners, technologies and solutions so we can come up with an initial business model for our markets in Europe.”
And the shift towards customer-facing technology has also emerged amongst other utilities, with both Centrica and Eon announcing a strategy step-change towards supply technology and innovation.
The smart meter rollout due to start next year is expected to open up the ‘internet of things’ to the energy market, with the development of smart home appliances, heating controls and demand side response solutions for the home.
The first consumer product using the Lemonbeat technology will be launched onto the market next year.
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