Powering up

Rollease Acmeda

Rollease Acmeda General Manager  Sales & Marketing Tim Way tells WFA the company’s now renowned Automate program has seen “significant growth over the last year and based on our experience in other markets, we see this trend continuing.” 

“We are excited about the product innovations we are developing and believe they will take Automate to the next level in areas such as technology, versatility, convenience, and user experience.

Based in Melbourne, Rollease Acmeda’s Innovation and Design Centre is home to over 25 dedicated engineers, designers, and technicians, all focused on delivering market-leading window furnishing solutions. 

Way tells WFA the company has expanded its team to include several software developers, firmware engineers and project engineers “solely focused on the automation program to ensure we continually innovate and stay at the forefront of smart technology.” 

“Our design process sees us cover consumer needs and compliance requirements to meet stringent US, EU, and Australian safety standards. We have heavily invested in our Innovation and Design Centre with the purchasing of state-of-the-art test equipment which has further expanded our capability. 

“Our testing facilities include a full suite of power supply and radio frequency areas, an audio acoustic room which allows us to deliver the quietest solution and the purpose-built replica home ensures every feature and function meets expectations of daily use and lifestyle.”

“The revolutionary Zero Li-ion Wire-Free series effectively hides the once visible antenna, by cradling the cable around the circumference of the slim motor head, a patent pending design by Rollease Acmeda.

Other features include improved battery technology and 5V micro-USB charging provides extended battery life and convenient charging; an unobtrusive motor cap, designed to cover the motor head and match the shade bracket in colour, paired with a slimmer design enables a minimal aesthetic and a concealed motor.

The product is also noticeably quieter, improving environmental sound within the home. ‘Soft close’ technology slows the motion of the shade resulting in a quiet, gliding finish at the end of the shade’s movement. 

Meanwhile the patented motor head design offers a technology upgrade without re-making the shades, simply swap out the chain control and re-install with the Automate Li-ion Zero Wire-Free motor, saving time, effort, and costs.

“The energy efficient upgrade to a solar panel provides a continuous trickle charge solution you can set and forget.”

 “Simple programming and consistent design are fundamental features of the Push Remote range however, each solution offers different functionality; the current Push 5 and 15 offer multi-channel programming while new additions will elevate the range to a feature-rich, advanced level of functionality.”

Stefan Botha – Software Development Lead explains that Acmeda’s new Automate Pulse 2 App has been created with the end user in mind. 

“Featuring a sophisticated yet easy-to-use interface with a refreshed user experience that seamlessly connects with Automate’s ecosystem – bringing to life a new way for smart shade users to control, manage and automate their shades. 

“The new Home Screen gives quick access to all the user’s favourite Rooms, Scenes and Shades used most. More customisation is available via an extensive icon library and an increased naming area, allowing users to create and personalise all their Shade, Room, and Scene display tiles.   

 “Simple one tap interactions offer quick and easy shade operation; one tap to open, close or deactivate scenes. A double tap stops the shades operation while a long press opens a more customised level of control, while boasting responsive haptic touch recognition. 

“You can quickly view the Health Status of the entire system; the Summary Screen displays battery levels of all shades along with signal strength indicators so users can monitor connection and charging requirements all in one convenient location.” 

Rollease Acmeda’s National Sales Manager Andrew Robson adds that the take up like of technology like voice control and home automation systems continues to influence growth in the sector.

“In a relatively short time, home automation is now in the palm of your hand, and that convenience extends to controlling your window furnishings from the other side of the world or by talking to them.

“While the mechanical functionality of the motors has not changed significantly, there have been huge advances in the connectivity and ‘smarts’ of these products. This has made them and the convenience they provide more appealing and more accessible than ever before, resulting in automation becoming a common solution for everyday homeowners.” 

Meanwhile according to Andrew Kendrick – Electronics Engineer Lead, changes to battery performance over the last five years are another key influence on the market.

“With the ever-increasing advancements in lithium battery technology, we strive to lead the way in the sector and have upgraded the batteries in our Zero Wire-Free motors to 2600 mAh. 

“The upgrade provides extended battery life which allows customers to enjoy longer periods of use from a single charge, resulting in an enhanced user experience as the motors require less frequent recharging. The upgraded batteries are more efficient and more powerful, and the increased capacity has been achieved without compromising the overall weight and form factor of the motor.”

Ozroll

Ryan Charvetto, National Sales & Marketing Manager at Ozroll says the company’s latest developments can be traced back to 2005 and the release of the ODS (Ozroll Drive System) into the global market.

“As a result of this and in response to battery technology advancements, the E-Series was developed.

“The Ozroll Drive system is a low voltage battery operated drive system that is not reliant upon mains power. With operation at the touch of a button this unique system offers a cost effective alternative with many other additional benefits including a more efficient installation, as well as the ability to operate the shutters in the event of a power failure.

 “The E-Series tubular motors can be fitted into the axle, or for smaller openings, a lateral motor is available which is mounted on the end plate, making this system capable of use with curtains under 300mm. Each motor is equipped with a low voltage cable which is connected directly to the back of the wall plate. The wall plate is permanently fixed to the interior of the opening and creates a circuit for the removable battery pack to be inserted into.

“The corner stone to this product range is the E-Series E-Port controller. The E-Port control is a small control unit with an appearance to suit modern decor. An electrical connection is made when the E-Port is inserted into the wall plate, which then powers and monitors the drive motor connected to that wall plate. 

“The controller itself is not dedicated to any particular wall plate, meaning any one E-Port can control multiple roller shutters in the one home. The basic core of the E-Port contains a printed circuit board and a specifically designed rechargeable Li-Ion battery, which can be charged using an AC adaptor.

“As part of our ongoing product development we have updated the E-Port to reach the 18650 model. The E-Port 18650 has a battery capacity of 1600mA/h which is greater than previous models, but although the battery is larger it has been designed to work with the existing wall plate, so it remains interchangeable with existing systems.

The E-Port is available in both Standard (15.600.001) and RF (15.601.001) configuration and now more than 10 years after its inception, the Ozroll Drive System has revolutionised automation, not only within Australia but throughout the world, with successful export into a number of continents, including Europe, the roller shutter capital of the world.

 “The Ozroll Drive System remains to this day our most popular option in assembled roller shutters with the system accounting for a very high majority of all assembled orders. As part of our continued improvements to our ODS, we have recently released our E-Solar Pro 2. A German designed Solar battery system with improvements on its predecessor which now include Push buttons, one for easy remote paring, another to test the level of charge in the panel, taking any guess work out for installers. 

“The system allows for install to happen primarily externally as there’s no need for installers to enter the customer’s home as the wiring is purely motor to solar panel, with no drilling required in the customer brickwork or internally into the home owner’s walls. It’s no wonder this panel has been a success for Ozroll not only in Australia, but the European market as well.”  

“While home automation and smart home integration remains a hot topic, we are keeping a close eye on this space.  It’s exciting to think the next incarnation of the ODS could venture into home automation and app control as the technology, in particular battery life improves, this could become a reality for the ODS.” 

BM Blinds 

“At BM Blinds we have seen a steady rise to the number of motorised jobs requested to be manufactured over the past 12 months,” Director Michael Shaw tells WFA. “These jobs include motorised roller blinds, eZIP track awnings and more recently Veri Shades.”

“Motorised roller blinds have always been a big part of what we do at BM Blinds. We offer three choices of motor brands for roller blinds – Somfy, Alpha and Motolux. Somfy was a natural choice, as they have a big brand presence within the window furnishings industry and have a great support network. 

“The Alpha brand with its user-friendly programming feature has become increasingly popular in the roller blind sector and is often a favourite with installers. The introduction of the Motolux motor to BM Blinds took place a couple of years ago to help cater for the budget concerns surrounding motorised roller blinds. This gave motorised roller blinds an entry level option with the backing of Blindware constant innovations.

“We have seen a huge shift from hardwired motors to battery operated motors as consumers become more familiar with battery products needing to be plugged in and charged. The battery life for roller blind motors has also increased, making it a very quick and easy process to recharge roller blind motors.

 “Battery operated motorised Veri Shades are also increasing in popularity. As windows and stacker doors get larger in homes, consumers are looking for an easier way to operate their shade. A motorised Veri Shades means that at the press of a button a large Veri Shade glides effortlessly across their window, with no need for wands, cords, or chains. 

“The sleek nature of the battery that sits parallel to the Veri Shade track makes motorisation a discrete and desirable option.”

Hunter Douglas 

Hunter Douglas Marketing Manager – Australia, Vera Meharg tells WFA the growth of the motorisation market continues apace, with motorised systems now considered “ the smart way to set up homes in Australia.” 

 “Home automation is widely accessible and cheaper than it has ever been. One driving factor behind the growth of automated blinds is the increasing adoption of smart home technologies. More and more consumers are purchasing smart home devices and they are constantly looking at ways to automate their homes for a more convenient and seamless lifestyle. It is all about simplicity, convenience and energy saving.

Merhag adds that a lot has changed over the last five years in motorisation. “Rechargeable battery motorised systems have continued to grow offering more reliability in the battery life, improving the amount of time that the wireless motor can be without the need of being recharged as well as improving the number of cycles that can be reached without charge. The batteries are designed with more durability in mind to keep it simple for longer.”

Rechargeable lithium battery options are the most popular choice for window furnishings applications, says Meharg, as an electrician isn’t required to install the product and it only requires a few charges throughout the year. 

Hunter Douglas has just released a new motorised system in its honeycomb and sheer shadings range – AMP Motorisation.

“It is designed to deliver next level innovation with a smart, seamless user interface offering convenient operation at the press of a button. This lithium rechargeable battery pack produces 500 up/ down cycles per charge. The motorised solution is compatible with our honeycomb Bottom up, Top down bottom up and Duo-Lite design options. 

AMP motorisation features include bi-directional communication with shade position reporting and battery level status, over-the- air firmware updates, low DC voltage, voice control integration and 15-channel remote. The system includes internal and external lithium battery packs. 

“AMP Motorisation is our hero motorisation product as it has superior energy efficiency, exceptional performance and it supports local Australian made fabrication. Paired with Arena Honeycomb Shades, AMP Motorisation is a perfect pairing. With no complicated wiring necessary, it is easy to install, operate and maintain.” 

“This is a fully motorised control system that offers the ultimate in child safety, convenience and ease of operation. With no complicated wiring necessary, motorisation is easy to install, operate and maintain. This clever wireless technology allows the shades to be operated with the single touch of a button.

“It is designed to deliver next level innovation with a smart, seamless user interface offering convenient operation of your honeycomb shadings via a 15 channel remote control, wall switch or APP using USB Bridge at the press of a button. Voice control integration is also available with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple shortcuts and IFTTT.”

A-OK Australia

Peter Monkhouse, Managing Director of ICL, which offers the A-OK Australia brand. 

“During the Covid years it was not possible to visit the factory. We communicated often through Zoom meetings, phone, email and WeChat, but it was never the same as actually being in the sales office or talking with the R&D department at the factory. 

“Having just returned from a trip to the Huizhou factory and their new and impressive International Sales Office, I was the first foreigner to visit the office on the21st Floor, Tower A, Qianhai Times Square, Shenzhen, China, it was amazing how much had changed and how many new products and technologies were available. 

He says the most exciting aspect of the visit was to hear of the developments in Smart Home technologies.

Monkhouse cites a statement from Stephen Perkins for app and android news platform Android Police. Perkins is a leading journalist in the field.

“Over the past several years, the smart home market has grown exponentially. In a market once dominated by tech-savvy early adopters, the World Economic Forum estimates that more than 130 million households owned a smart home device in 2022. And while smart home devices continue to become more affordable, making those devices work well continues to be a challenge.

“Matter is a new standard for smart homes that solves many of the pain points created by proprietary software and hardware while bringing all our IoT devices together.” Stephen Perkins, Android Police, Jan 5, 2023

Amid such innovations, Monkhouse says the past 12 months have been exceptionally good for A-Ok Australia, with growth in all areas of motorisation, particularly in the roller shutter market. 

“The new AM45 rebound motor, with its easy to set automatic limits has been a big winner, as it reduces cost by cutting installation times. Also reducing cost are the three models of interior roller blind motors with built-in Lithium rechargeable batteries. 

“They are the AM25 1.2Nm, AM28 1.8Nmand AM35 6N.m. By taking away the need for an electrician, there are considerable savings to be made and the batteries will normally last, depending on frequency of usage, up to six months between charges. Your customers can recharge the motors at the same time as doing the Smoke Alarm batteries.

One of ICL’s most recent releases is the A-OK AC153-06 handheld 6-channel programmable remote control. 

“Like all A-OK remotes it is compatible with all motors in their range. The remote can be programmed for an open and close at anytime within the 24 hours of a day and seven different daily programs can be set.”

The AC153 series remotes are available in single channel, 6-channel programmable and a 16-channel version. All of the series is in a stylish, brushed stainless steel case with black LED screen and easy tactile buttons.

Alpha

Matt Davey, General Manager of Alpha Tubular Motors, tells WFA the company has introduced a number of innovations in recent times. 

Matter Ready: “Alpha is simplifying your smart home ecosystem with Matter, this game-changing technology is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Assistant, and other smart home and voice services. Alpha is leading the game through matter technology. Alpha is here to ensure you don’t fall behind and the program will be ready mid-2023.

New App Assistance: “Alpha introduces your instant companion for programming and troubleshooting, making your job easier. Simply install our app via Apple or Android for easy, comprehensive assistance. Our easy-to-use app also gives you the convenience to place orders online. This leads us to our next innovation:

Online ordering: We have developed a state-of-the-art online ordering platform design to make our customers’ lives easier, with a focus on convenience, speed, increased accuracy, personalised recommendations and user-friendliness. 

Product Development: Alpha launching an internal 1Nm rechargeable battery motor to the market.Boasting whisper-quiet performance and efficiency, this motor will last up to 750 cycles per single charge. Alpha’s  coreless DC motors are also available in 2Nm and 3Nm and compatible with the smart app.

The company has also launched its new pre-assembled and extendable motorised curtain tracks. Tracks are supplied with mounting brackets and are available in two sizes covering all solutions, 1.7m – 3m & 2.2m – 4m. Rechargeable battery and 240-volt motors are available for these extendable curtain tracks.

New Facility: The company is currently in the planning stages for building its next 10,000 square metre warehouse, to enable it to further increase stock holding and continue to increase its level of service. 

“Since our launch, hundreds of companies have adopted Alpha, as either a direct replacement for their existing motor range, or to sit side by side with the European giants,” says Davey. “We are currently trading with many of the largest manufacturers and wholesalers in the country and are still growing at an extraordinary rate.

“Alpha’s formula for success is attributed to bringing value and confidence to all customers through high-quality products, with industry-best warranties, at very reasonable prices. 

“We are motivated by a desire to also create partnerships with suppliers and customers, based on honesty, transparency and integrity that truly create the foundation for a successful business. That, and a focus on continuous innovation and improvement, drives the business forward.”

Coulisse

The motorisation market for window coverings has been growing steadily over the past few years, says Rogier Krabbe, Managing Director Coulisse Australasia, adding that this trend has continued over the past 12 months. 

“With the increasing demand for smart homes and automation, more and more people are looking for motorisation options for their windows to increase convenience, energy efficiency, and safety. Our recent technology has improved, making it more accessible and affordable for consumers. Installation has been made easier and more flexible. 

“Window coverings powered by MotionBlinds work in no time. Multiple blinds can be connected together with our smart home devices without the use of a bridge. There is no need for cabling when installing; the integrated battery motors are USB-C rechargeable. Simply scan the setup code and let your smartphone guide you. 

Coulisse launched Eve MotionBlinds a year ago in collaboration with German smart home specialist Eve Systems to expand Coulisse’s MotionBlinds smart window coverings offering. 

“Seeing the gap in the market, the two companies put their designer and engineers together to create the first-ever smart window covering motors that support the latest smart home technologies Thread and Matter and work seamlessly in any smart home. Smart shading increases comfort, enhances security and helps save energy, making it an essential smart home product category. 

“Our latest innovation in window coverings is our upgrade kit, which allows you to motorise your existing roller blinds. During the CES 2023 in Las Vegas, Eve MotionBlinds was named CES 2023 Innovation Award Honoree in the smart home category for its Upgrade Kit for Roller Blinds. 

“Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit for Roller Blinds is another first-of-its-kind product. The retrofit solution enhances basic blinds everywhere with Thread technology and the rich feature set of Apple Home and the Eve App. The kit can be easily installed in existing roller blinds without any wiring or technical know-how. Included are mounting brackets, covers and a set of innovative adapters that make the motors fit into a wide range of roller blind tubes. 

Coulisse will celebrate with new Matter firmware updates beginning this year to make Eve MotionBlinds the first smart blinds motors on the market to use Matter-over-Thread. Following the introduction of Eve MotionBlinds a year ago, these innovations mark anotherbreakthrough in smart window coverings, says Krabbe. 

Christiaan Roetgering, founder and owner of Coulisse, comments “We are extremely proud to be the first company in the world to integrate Matter-over-Thread technology into motorised blinds. 

“This allows our products to work seamlessly with other devices that support the universal smart home standard Matter, which is being developed jointly by Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung, and others. Being honoured with an award is a major recognition of our forward-thinking developments in smart window coverings.” 

“Our smart motor for window coverings is doing what it was designed to do: making life easier, safer and more convenient for smart home users around the world, making it a must for any smart home. Intelligently designed to be user-friendly and connective, this smart device can be connected to any ecosystem of smart home devices. Talking to thermostats, security cameras, weather stations and sensors to ensure the home is fully protected, as well as creating an optimal indoor climate. It is the only device on the market to block incoming daylight and connect with artificial lighting to control heat and light inside your home to save energy and create a happy, healthy and inspiring space to live and work.”

“Window covering motorisation has undergone significant improvements over the last years in terms of battery life and performance. One of the key improvements has been the development of more efficient and powerful motors, which can operate on lower power consumption. This means that our motors can be used for longer periods of time before requiring a recharge. 

“The integrated battery motors are easily rechargeable with a standard USB-C cable. With average use, the motor only needs to be recharged once or twice a year. From your smartphone you can operate your blinds from anywhere in the world with your MotionBlinds app. You can create scenes and set timers to automate blinds, rooms and floors and you can see the real-time positioning and battery status of your blinds.” 

Eve MotionBlinds simplifies installation, setup and control of smart blinds in smart homes through a number of features:

• No need for a bridge, registration or any cloud dependency

• Setup is super easy thanks to Thread and soon Matter

• 100% privacy with local intelligence, all data stays in the home

• USB-C rechargeable motors with integrated battery for cable-free installation

• Manual control with just a simple pull, a valuable add-on to smart automation