March 6, 2015: Bluetooth Group to Set Course for Home Automation

Mesh Networking to be Used for Bluetooth-Enabled HVAC Systems, Smart Locks, and More

KIRKLAND, Wash. — The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has announced the formation of the Bluetooth® Smart Mesh Working Group. This working group will develop standardized mesh networking capability for Bluetooth Smart technology. As more Bluetooth Smart sensors are used in the home, mesh networking will become an important component to ensure Bluetooth-enabled HVAC systems, smart locks, lights, and appliances work together in the smart home.

“The Bluetooth SIG is very good at standardizing its technology and creating platforms that ensure product interoperability, while allowing members the flexibility to innovate,” said Mark Powell, executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. “Our members are extremely interested in mesh networking, not just for the smart home, but for every vertical using Bluetooth Smart. Given the sheer number of companies coming into the working group, this is clearly a priority for our members.”

Over 80 member companies have volunteered to serve on the Bluetooth Smart Mesh Working Group, among the highest of any SIG working group and demonstrating the industry backing for this initiative. The group is comprised of companies from an array of industries, including consumer electronics, home automation, and industrial automation. Rather than focusing on one specific use case, the objective of the group is to build a common platform. The group is assessing many user scenarios that would benefit from mesh, including HVAC control, lighting, asset tracking, and security.

“The value proposition for Bluetooth technology in the Internet of Things (IoT) is unmatched — it consumes the least amount of power, is the lowest cost, and most widely available wireless solution enabling the IoT today,” said Powell. “Bringing mesh networking to the Bluetooth specification will propel the technology to entirely new market segments.”

The Smart Mesh Working Group expects to have the specification ready for prototype testing later this year, and the SIG will look to officially adopt profiles in 2016.

For more information, visit www.bluetooth.com.

Publication date: 3/2/2015

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