Building Robotics extends its IoT office solution Comfy to manage third-party services

Intelligent software provider for commercial offices Building Robotics is extending the functionality of its workplace Internet of Things offering, Comfy. Starting today, third-party services like CommScope, Intel, Lutron, and View can be integrated into a new version, +Comfy, that allows workers to adjust the temperature, lighting, windows, and more through Comfy’s app or a web interface.

If you’ve ever worked in an office, you know the environmental conditions are often not ideal. You can walk in one day and it’ll be extremely cold, or the lighting is too dim, or the sun is in your eyes. How we feel while working can affect our performance, which is why Comfy wants us to be … comfy.

“+Comfy lets people easily adjust their environment to their personal preferences,” said Building Robotics cofounder and chief executive Andrew Krioukov in a statement. “We’re excited to offer more ways for people to customize comfort in the workplace.”

Comfy uses a machine-learning algorithm to analyze a worker’s usage patterns in order to help reduce energy use and lower costs. By extending this to now control third-party hardware, Building Robotics would like to help companies better manage their environmental expenses. In short: Happy (and comfortable) workers could equal better performance and lower costs.

Building Robotics said that with +Comfy, employees will have a single app interface from which to manage all the various systems that Comfy integrates with. Additionally, it’ll create a network of intelligent systems centered on making the daily lives of employees much better. Lastly, this offering will create a new experience within the workplace.

At launch, Redwood Systems, Intel, Lutron, and View are supported partners in +Comfy. Intel provides the infrastructure for Comfy to connect to different pieces of building equipment. Lutron will provide access to remote-control blinds and shades, while View will let workers adjust the transparency of its dynamic glass. Redwood Systems controls the intelligent lighting within an office.

While most of the Internet of Things technology we hear about focuses on the home, it’s not far-fetched to think of how it can help improve our workplace as well.

Building Robotics said that it’s always interested in hearing from providers who want to integrate with +Comfy.