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In the realms of motorisation automation and connectivity, it seems the future has arrived, with leading edge suppliers continuing to innovate their motorisation offerings, while the idea of the connected ‘smart home’ is increasingly accepted as a given. Belinda Smart reports.
ICL (SA)
“‘Z-wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth BLE, WiFi, Automation Bridge, Smart Hub, Smart Implant, Configuration Parameters’, all theses terms seem foreign at the moment but technology is changing rapidly and they will soon become part of everyday language,” says Peter Monkhouse, Managing Director of ICL SA. “Australians are generally avid adopters of new technology and home automation is starting an exponential growth curve. The blind, shutter and curtain industry is part of this process and any retailer or fabricator choosing to believe it is too complicated will be left in the dark, much like those that were slow to go from faxes to online selection and ordering.”
In line with the pace of progress, Monkhouse confirms that over the last four or five years A-Ok Australia has released two smart hubs connectable to Google Home, Google Nest and Amazon Alexa, as well as Zigbee direct connect A-Ok tubular motors.
“ICL(SA) Pty Ltd has been involved with A-OK tubular and curtain motors for 11 years now and experienced the growth created by consumers wanting the convenience of remote control blinds/shutters/curtains. This convenience factor is now progressing from being able to push a button on a remote while sitting on the lounge to being in any room and just telling your device i.e. Google or Alexa to close or open the blinds/shutters/curtains or giving instructions to carry out the command at a later, set time or day.”
“Included in the range of Smart Home devices from A-OK are the AC520-01 Smart Hub, the AC521-01 Mini Hub and the AC142 wall mount Hub all of which are modern, unobtrusive design and fully functional with not just your blinds or curtains but with other smart home devices such as lighting, automated clothes drying rack and sound system.”
“A-OK has a production workshop that exceeds 65,000 Square metres. It holds nearly 180 national and international patents and has been recognised with the government endowed title of National High-tech enterprise for its work in ensuring all of its products meet or exceed mandatory safety certification requirements around the world.”
BM Blinds
BM Binds (previously known as Blinds By Boronia) outfit has seen an increase in the number of motorised products being requested by customers.
“We have always offered choice in systems and styles. For our roller blinds, we use the Blindware system and team this with either Somfy or Alpha motors. We have found that giving our customers choices means that they in turn can select the best product to suit their customers’ situation. This flexibility often wins sales where customers are after a bespoke solution to a unique window style.”
“Apart from motorised roller blinds, we offer the convenience of motorising a variety of blinds including Arena Honeycombs, Verishades and all our varieties of real wood, New York and Cedar Venetian Blinds.
The motorised Arena Honeycomb is known as Momenta and is very popular amongst customers seeking the unique thermal and acoustic properties that only the Arena Honeycombs unique cell can offer.”
“The hugely popular wand or cord operated Verishades are also available with a sleek motor that is integrated into a specialised motorised track. This gives clients the look and feel of a curtain with all the benefits of a blind, a real winner for the modern and contemporary homes of today.”
“Somfy motors are used to power our custom made motorised Venetian Blinds. These offer the classic elegance of a traditional Venetian blind together with the ease of motorisation.”
ROLLEASE ACMEDA
Rollease Acmeda recently released a new version of the Automate Pulse 2 App, which is now available in the Google Play and Apple stores.
The changes made include the ability to capture a ‘scene’ within the app. “When you have multiple shades within a home all sitting at the perfect position, you can now capture this as a new scene in one easy action, which can then be used as part of your daily routine.”
“There is also now a quick and easy ‘pause all timers’ function in the app. In the event of school holidays or an interruption into your daily schedule, you can easily pause all your pre-set daily timers with one easy action, so your morning routine allows for that extra sleep in when you need it.”
Each shade screen now also features battery and signal strength icons, represented by red, amber, or green colouring to signify excellent strength/ full battery vs low strength/charge required.
“You can now update your home screen to feature a personalised image of your choice. For users of one app that could be an image of the family, or those with multiple apps can choose to differentiate with photos of the holiday home or office.”
“The popular Alexa voice assistant will now respond to more natural commands, such as Alexa, open my shades, bringing this in-line with the Google and Siri commands.”
Other features include improved health diagnostics for the installer, an offline notification and faster and easier 60 second set up.
“Our team is already busy working on the next version update which will bring further enhancements to the user. We continue to assess our online reviews and work towards continual improvement.”
AX30 / AX50 MOTORS
Rollease Acmeda’s new Automate AX30 and AX50, offer a high torque ARC motor suitable for extreme systems featuring Impact Detection as well as open bracket and cassette folding arm awning solutions boasting Self Tightening Technology. These universal motors can be used on Wire Guide and Zipscreen Extreme drop roller systems as well as the company’s range of folding arm and drop awning solutions.
“An optional cassette mode ensures it is compatible with open style as well as cassette style awnings, offering a self-tightening function as the awning comes to a close, ensuring a perfectly sealed headbox.”
“Setup is easy, whether using a remote control or app for shade setup, Automate programming instructions are streamlined to have your shades moving as quickly as possible. Precise limit adjustment allows you to set the exact preferred open and close positions, and a metal robust star head offers a secure and stronger fitment.”
“Optional upgrades include our Wind and Sun Sensor, which automatically opens or closes the awning upon high wind or sunlight exposure, offering a true set and forget solution.”
To complete the range of Automate external motors, Rollease Acmeda is also working on two new motors; A80 & A120. A80 will be for Frame and the A120 will power the largest of awnings systems up to 14 metres wide. The company expects to release these by the end of the year.
BLINDWARE
MOTORS
Blindware’s Motolux range of blind and curtain motor products offers something for all segments of the market. The Melbourne-based supplier’s commitment to innovation has seen the range evolve from standard tubular motors to a wide and diverse motor offering, adaptive to sophisticated motorisation projects. The range now includes:
In addition, to round out the range, the first shipment of 50mm outdoor awning motors have recently arrived into stock.
“Consumers demand flexibility and a range that fits their needs. This range does just that,” says Managing Director Grant Norton. “With total flexibility for the motorisation of internal roller blinds, Motolux can operate with a wide range of control devices including the attractive square-line remotes, 16 channel RF Hubs (RS485), Motor controllers and APP control direct from your phone or other smart device.”
“If consumers are after a smaller and more unobtrusive finish, Blindware’s solar panel for the internal battery motor is perfect, while the solar panel with internal battery provides added benefits with much shorter motors and ability to fully power down the motor in event of problems.”
Blindware’s motorisation range is not simply limited to standard tubular motors. Recognising a demand amongst premium buyers, Norton has also developed a newly updated Motorised Roman Track, plus a premium range of S-Fold components for Blindware’s motorised curtain track.
“Like the standard range, both the Roman and Curtain tracks can operate on Blindware’s square-line remotes, 16 channel RF Hubs (RS485), Motor controllers and UFO Hub + APP control direct from the user’s phone or other smart device. The Roman track uses 40mm tubular motors driving an octagonal tube and specially developed threaded cord spools. The result is a system that is much quieter and stronger and ensures the cord remains static in lateral position as the blind is raised and lowered. The track system is designed to work with all brand 40mm motors. To meet the variety of customer and consumer demands, Blindware is manufacturing both Roman and curtain tracks to any custom length.”
THE CONNECTED HOME
Consumers increasingly expect their environments to be fully interactive, says Norton. “They want to be able to operate their entertainment systems, kitchens and air conditioning without needing to move off the couch. They can even adjust their home environment from the office to ensure it is exactly the way they want it when they arrive home.”
Blindware meets this consumer demand with a fully integrated solution for the Smart Home with the Motolux UFO Hub. A powerful system in a stylish, compact unit, the UFO Hub allows all Motolux AC and DC tubular motors as well as curtain tracks, romans and outdoor awnings to be integrated and controlled effortlessly by the consumer.
“With an unlimited number of output channels and motors that can interface simultaneously with all standard remotes and network Hubs, the level of automation the Motolux UFO Hub provides is something special. It brings whole new meaning to the term integration as it works seamlessly with a wide range of other products as standard, like air conditioning systems, televisions, and entertainment systems. Fully compatible with Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri, the UFO Hub will fit seamlessly into any home and operated with a simple command like ‘hey Google, open my blinds!’.”
“In an exciting technical development, Blindware recently completed a direct interface between the popular Motolux 16 channel network HUB and Control4. This development allows the Motolux network Hub to be configured directly within the Control4 programming logic using the click and drag tools that are embedded into the Control 4 Integrator product configuration software. This saves much time and effort when installing Motolux motors into Control4 networks. The software offers users the flexibility of allowing them to select multiple Hubs to be installed on a single RS485 network line and easily manage them through individual addressing. Full RAISE / LOWER / STOP functionality is provided across each individual channel, plus the ability to group channels if required. The development was commissioned by Blindware as part of the sale of Motolux motors into a large commercial project in New Zealand by Blindware customer Russells Curtains & Blinds, based in Nelson NZ.”
SOMFY
With an extensive range of motorised solutions, including its silent Sonesse range and recent additions to its WireFree category, Somfy continues to innovate to meet new and unprecedented customer demands. The company recently complemented its popular WireFree range with the addition of Irismo 45 WireFree, a completely battery-operated solution for curtains.
“We have been very successful with our WireFree offer for tubular motors and were thrilled to complement this offer with a curtain solution,” says Laurine Massiot, Somfy Oceania’s Product Manager.
With the market flourishing and trending towards automated solutions, Somfy has adapted and expanded its offering to stay ahead of the curve.
“We are seeing an increased demand for connected homes as customers are recognising that automated technology not only improves safety, efficiency and convenience around the home, but also adds value to properties,” says Somfy Oceania Marketing Executive, Mary Maidiotis.
“People want to be able to communicate with their entire home and we are constantly working on improving our solutions to make them more flexible for users and cater to their desires. Having a connected home is no longer a luxury or something we dream about having in the future, it’s a must and is becoming as common as smartphones.”
“Somfy customers can experience a connected home through a multitude of options. Easy and convenient operation is on offer, with the ability to link all motorised solutions to a single remote control. Better yet, staying connected to their home, even when they’re away, using Somfy’s home automation solution, Connexoon Window RTS, provides users with ultimate peace of mind.”
“Search data showed that in the early stages of COVID-19, people were interested in home maintenance, and as we moved into the next phase, interest spiked in future home projects,” says Maidiotis.
“Both trends were opportunities for the window covering market to capitalise on and we are seeing the flourishing results of that with many of our manufacturers and retailers.”
“Another trend that we’ve seen come from the pandemic is a high priority placed on ‘contactless’ interactions including contactless payments, data collection with QR codes in public places and even contactless pedestrian crossings.”
“Our industry can make a great push here, with motorisation replacing the need for blind cords handled by multiple users, individual control with Connexoon Window RTS and completely contactless control with voice commands.”
It is expected that by 2024, 46% of Australian homes will feature some form of home automation. This data is reflected in the enquiries Somfy receives from customers, with the majority requesting both automated control and an increasing demand for voice control compatibility.
She points out that over the past two to three years, the Australian market has seen a high penetration of smart speakers, lifting Australia as a country with one of the highest smart speaker ownership rates.
“The number of Internet of Things connected devices has grown rapidly in the last few years, and with the launch of Connexoon Window RTS, we saw an increased demand for voice control compatibility,” said Massiot.
Somfy recently improved its voice control compatibility with Google Assistant devices, making it even easier for customers, with the possibility to directly connect Connexoon Window RTS to the smart speaker.
“The smart home experience is made even simpler with customers able to enjoy all the benefits of voice control via direct connection to Google devices.”
LOUVOLITE
Steve Birtles, Louvolite Director of Business Development says what’s most notable about today’s industry is the wide range of choices. “Today’s consumers are far more aware of the options available to them and, due in no small part to the rapid acceptance and application of electronics, want more bang for their buck.”
Looking back to the 1980s “when fuel was around 50c a litre, Barbara Streisand was top of the Aussie music charts with ‘Woman in Love’ and Malcolm Fraser was Prime Minister,” motorisation was far more common in the external awning, heavy shade and shutter market than the internal blind market, Birtles recalls. “Internal blind automation was, in the main, seen to be expensive relative to the cost of the product it was asked to control. Of course there were exceptions, for example in commercial installations where computer management systems were employed to operate shades at certain lux levels or temperature settings. So too would be the high-end interior designer installations where the cost of motorisation would be seen as relative to the overall cost of the project.”
“Now fast forward to the Australia of today. Motorisation is now an every day option for those consumers who recognise the additional lifestyle and practical benefits that motorisation can afford and see the great value of motors such as the Louvolite One Touch programme.”
“Featuring our new 1.2Nm and1.8Nm motors powered by rechargeable lithium batteries, these motors combine all of the features expected in many high-end products but at prices that allow the blindmaker to open up the product to a much wider audience.”
“Super quiet with a soft start and finish operation to their cycle, these motors punch well beyond their weight. Operated with single, 6 and 16 channel remotes with multiple position stops and favourite positions, the consumer has plenty of options to tailor the positioning for various areas of their home at the touch of a button.”
“Alternatively, with a stylish Louvolite Home Hub you can marry the units to your chosen voice control option and mobile phone within minutes. Louvolite makes this even easier with its library of straightforward, easy to follow videos on the Louvolite YouTube channel and visible QR codes on the reverse of its remotes that link to helpful operational guides.”
“David Kennedy, a Louvolite veteran, is Louvolite’s Australian Technical Sales Manager and well versed in the attributes of the Louvolite One Touch programme. He’s always happy to conduct an in-company training session on features and benefits, operating capabilities and those all so useful hints and tips that can save valuable time on setting a motor or at an install.”
“Louvolite’s General Manager, Andy Burford, and the Louvolite depot team are also at hand to help provide the support service that people would expect from Louvolite.”
“We are being told that work is now operating in an environment that is ‘the new normal’. Motorisation isn’t quite the new normal right now but as the next generation of window shade buyers starts to review its options, I feel sure that motorisation will be an ever increasing part of the industry’s offering – it certainly will be with Louvolite.”
NORMAN AUSTRALIA
State-of-the-art shutter automation is being foregrounded as one of Norman Australia’s key points of difference in the market.
“The digital age is well and truly upon us with consumer convenience and ease of use driving the future evolution of many products. As our lives have become more hectic we seek out new products or adaptations to existing products in the home that will save us time and energy and offer us and our families greater functionality and more comfortable lifestyles. With plantation shutters gaining wide popularity throughout Australia homes over the last 20 years, there have been very few manufacturers who have dared to bring shutters into the 21st century by offering a smart and affordable automation solution.”
“Now with Norman’s PerfectTilt solar charged motorisation combined with the Invisible Tilt concealed rotation system, the perfect shutter automation is now available to Australian home owners.”
“Since launching the G4 (iOS integrated) PerfectTilt shutter automation system on the market, Norman has won international awards for its unique design and functionality. It didn’t come easy as earlier generations of shutter automation introduced by Norman experienced a number of shortcomings and limitations, all of which have been fully resolved in the latest G4 PerfectTilt offering. Motorisation took years to get right in other window furnishing products, mainly due to the prohibitive cost of the previous generation automation technologies. But now due to the rapid pace of technological developments especially with the advent of WiFi, Bluetooth and lithium batteries automation options have become more affordable and more convenient to integrate into existing home automation networks.”
“Manually operated shutters have been around for years in the Australian market. When you think about some of the annoyances of shutters, like banks of louvres tilted at different angles and having to manually micro adjust each set of louvres, this is where Norman’s PerfectTilt comes into its own. PerfectTilt also offers a convenient solution for light control and privacy for multiple shutter panels and those shutter installations that are out of reach, keeping their louvres aligned perfectly for all times throughout the day or night.”
“With the simple twist of a dial or swipe of a finger on your iPhone, all your louvres will be perfectly aligned. Imagine lying in bed and letting the new day flood into your room with everything perfectly aligned. It’s easy now and for much less than the cost of early 240v automation.”
“Norman has put the power to command your shutters in the palm of your hands. You can control a single shutter, a room of shutters or every shutter in your house – exactly how you want it. The PerfectTilt App tracks battery power and when paired with the hub option, enables control through iPhone or iPad. It is the ultimate in seamless and effortless control, PerfectTilt includes an auto switch feature that changes tilt methods automatically.”
“Go from iPhone/iPad tilt to manual hand tilt, to tilt with the premium metal remote control, featuring dial adjustment. There is no need to flip any extra switches or to take any extra steps. Plus, the optional repeater increases signal range for reliable control on large homes.”
Each motor includes a solar panel to extend battery life, sometimes for years on a single charge when installed in sunny locations – for the ultimate in energy efficiency. Plus, get extra child and pet safety with the built-in sensor that stops louver rotation when obstructed.
“The motors come pre-installed and pre-programmed from the factory. You can even select which motors you want paired with which others. All you need to do is to install your Norman shutters, check the operation and instantly you will have a very happy customer.”
“Motorisation is a great opportunity for retailers to increase their average sale value, move away from the race to the bottom selling cheaper and cheaper products, whilst giving you the ability to increase your margins.”
“Motorisation is perfect for hard to reach windows, but as its popularity is growing, more and more customers are seeing the benefits of being able to operate their shutters from their iPhone or iPads, even remotely.”
“For less than you think, your customers can now access world leading technology, design awarded, trouble free shutter motorisation.”
COULISSE
Coulisse’s innovation in the automation space looks set to make light of what were previously considered unattainable goals. “Blinds that open and close automatically, adjust to the light level, can be controlled with an app or your voice, and always work flawlessly. Not so long ago, all of this was considered highly luxurious and futuristic. With the Motion concept, Coulisse has brought this dream of convenience and comfort within everyone’s reach.”
“Automation of blinds, roller blinds and other window coverings: For many people it still sounds more like a luxury than a necessity, like a bit of fun for gadget lovers, and only really useful for those who are physically unable to open and close blinds themselves. But times and insights are changing rapidly. The Internet of Things (IoT) can also make your home into a smart home by connecting smart devices and services, and it makes sense that your window blinds will become part of this. This is no longer a pipe dream of interior designers or wishful trend watchers, but can be realised today.”
“Automated blinds offer clear benefits. Programmed settings, for example, will help you gain much better control of the indoor climate and energy bill. The house always seems to be inhabited, even when you are on holiday. Accidents with cords and playing children are out of the question, and in homes with lots of glass, automatic control of light is time-saving, safe and easy. You quickly and easily get complete control of the right balance between comfort and privacy. And yes, it also gives a nice feeling of luxury when you can darken all the windows at once to watch a movie, or choose whether or not to be woken up by the first rays of sunshine of a new day.”
The specialists at Coulisse have long been investing resources in the development of motorised window blinds. Under the guidance of Bas Klein Tuente and Ruben de Vries, Product Development managers at the Enter (The Netherlands) -based company, development of the Motion concept started in 2016. “With a team of twelve people, we have worked intensively on Motion, with a central premise of simplicity and connectivity,” Bas emphasises. “The necessary technology has been in place for a while, now it’s all about making what is possible actually accessible for everyone. This meant the big challenge for us was to keep it as simple as possible, both for the consumer and the installer. And we succeeded: thanks to MOTION, motorised and automated window blinds are as easy to install and operate as the manually operated blinds we’re all familiar with.”
“Bas and his team were well aware of the psychological barriers in the market. In order to achieve broad acceptance among critical consumers, dealers and installers, motorised blinds must first and foremost be clearly feasible and affordable. A high degree of reliability is also crucial. No one is waiting for a system that sometimes fails or suddenly refuses for no apparent reason. And then there is ease of use. Your window coverings must be easy to operate by anyone in your home, including the cleaner or housekeeper, the children, and your friends or family staying over.”
“Motion combines all the properties that make electrically operated blinds attractive. Each motor has an integrated USB-rechargeable battery. As a result, the system remains wireless and your house does not first have to be equipped with an expensive electrical infrastructure. A remote already puts you firmly in control. Voice control is made simple with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and with the Motion Blinds app on your smartphone it becomes bi-directional: your screen shows that the system knows the current position of your blind and how much power is left. The app allows you to control the system from any location, and because MOTION also works with the free web-application IFTT (If This Then That), the window coverings can interact fully automatically and very easily with other smart devices, such as the thermostat and lighting.”
“Motion is unique because of the decision at Coulisse to maintain manual operation. If you don’t feel like it or don’t have the time to explore the control options, simply pull on the chain or wand that traditionally produces the desired effect. The familiar pulling mechanism is expected to drastically lower the mental threshold, as is the extensive support offered on the motion-blinds.com website. The manuals and videos will mostly be redundant, because Motion is really as simple as the old manually operated systems.”
LUXAFLEX
“Smart homes have transformed people’s lifestyles, enabling users to save time and energy through innovative smart appliances. Approximately 2.3 million Australian homes feature smart home technology, which is equivalent to 24.9 per cent of Australian households, and this is expected to increase to 41.9 per cent by 2023[1]. Seeing the increasing popularity and demand for smart home technology, the Luxaflex Brand has introduced Luxaflex PowerView Motorisation. By seamlessly integrating Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, homeowners can now easily control their lighting, temperature and privacy by voice control or at the touch of a button,” says Vera Meharg, Marketing Communications Manager, Luxaflex Window Fashions.
“The Luxaflex PowerView Motorisation App enables users to program their blinds to operate throughout the day with its bespoke Scenes which uses pre-programmed blind positions. The Scenes include raising to greet the dawn, readjusting to deflect the hot afternoon sun and keep interiors cool, or closing at night to create the perfect bedtime ambience. Scenes can be programmed to personalised settings such as “movie time” or “good morning”, which are activated by voice command on desired smart assistants like Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa, or controlled via smart phone or tablet on the PowerView App.”
“By using PowerView Motorisation, homeowners can adopt a smart environment that works with their own lifestyle, giving them the power to control their home’s privacy, light and temperature with ease. Whether homeowners prefer rooms to operate independently or work together for whole-house synchronisation, PowerView offers precise operation of a variety of different Luxaflex products and styles.
“Child and pet safety are becoming increasing priorities for homeowners, and a motorised operation system offers an ideal cordless solution that combines safety and convenience with sophistication,” says Meharg. “Homeowners now have the ultimate control when it comes to managing shade, energy efficiency and privacy in their home, actively reducing energy consumption and ramping up security.”
External shading, like Luxaflex Evo Awnings, reduces cooling energy costs by up to 60 per cent[2]. With as much as 30 per cent of total heat lost from homes through uncovered windows[3], the simple action of closing the blinds or window shades helps reflect heat and UV rays to drastically reduce a room’s heat gain, protecting furniture from sun damage and fading whilst doing so.
“Luxaflex PolySatin Shutters with PowerView Motorisation are virtually maintenance-free and increasingly popular based on current trends of shutters in the Hamptons style or coastal-chic homes. Offering an exclusive override feature that allows manual operation without causing any damage to the motor, they are a fantastic option for those conscious of energy conservation. The cellular construction creates a layer of energy-saving insulation, trapping air within a distinct, unique pocket. Coupled with the low conductivity characterised by polyresin, this technology greatly reduces heat exchange, keeping the air in, or out as needed.”
“PowerView Motorisation is available in ten Pebble remote collection colours, so there’s a hand-held control system to suit every personality, every room and every home.”
[1] See https://www.statista.com/outlook/279/107/smart-home/australia#market-age for more details
[2] Based on independent modelling conducted by White Box Technologies in conjunction with Peter Lyons & Associates, June 2013. Savings vary based on location, home type and fabric used.
[3] Based on information from NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System). Visit www.nabers.com.au for more information.
