ULIS and Schneider Electric unveil new Advanced Occupancy Sensors at IBS 2016

IBS 2016, Paris, November 8, 2016 – ULIS, a manufacturer of innovative thermal sensors, and Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation, are showcasing, for the first time in Europe, the new MIRTIC Advanced Occupancy Sensor (AOS). Designed for the counting of people, the AOS enables services companies and users to gain a greater understanding of occupancy levels and usage to optimize operational costs and occupant services in new or existing buildings.

Advanced sensors are seen as critical in enabling facilities to meet tightening government regulations on energy efficiency and to drastically cut building management costs. The smart buildings market for advanced sensors is projected to reach almost $3.7 billion by 2020 (Navigant Research, March 2014).

AOS integrates the latest generation of advanced, low power consumption, 80×80 pixels Thermal Activity Sensors (TAS) from ULIS. It runs entirely on battery power and transmits occupancy rates at regular intervals (approx. every two minutes), without compromising the privacy of the occupants. The current prototype can cover a zone of 30m² (323 ft²), equivalent to a meeting room accommodating 8 – 10 people.

“As a leader in building energy management, Schneider Electric is striving to simplify complexity in buildings and to guaranty operational efficiency and comfort at optimized costs,” said Gilles Chabanis, smart sensors manager at Schneider Electric. “The Advanced Occupancy Sensor we have developed with ULIS’ technology is easy to deploy. It operates in existing buildings, offering reduced installation and operating costs without infringing upon the occupant experience.”

The module on display at IBS marks the completion of the MIRTIC project, a five-year, €24M European initiative led by ULIS. The aim of the project was to produce a new type of thermal sensor module that will bring new capabilities to building usage diagnostics. The project began in 2011 with partner CEA-Leti, a leading microelectronic and nanotechnology research center, Integrated Systems Development, a global systems integrator, and augmented reality technology developer Metaio (acquired by Apple).

“ULIS is pleased to have partnered with leading players in their fields to bring the Advanced Occupancy Sensor module for smart building applications to a successful conclusion,” said Cyrille Trouilleau, product manager at ULIS. “Schneider Electric provided ULIS with valuable knowledge about the building market expectations. We addressed these through a range of TAS features in an 80×80 pixels format.”

Schneider Electric will field-test the AOS at the end of 2016 prior to entering product development.

The AOS prototype for improved energy efficiency and space management in buildings can be seen at IBS in Paris, November 8 – 9, 2016, at ULIS booth #D24.

About ULIS

ULIS, a subsidiary of Sofradir, specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative thermal image sensors for the surveillance, thermography, firefighting, outdoor leisure and automotive markets. It enables makers of consumer electronics and infrared equipment to produce low weight, low power consumption and cost-effective thermal cameras in high volume.

Founded in 2002, ULIS has grown to become the second largest producer of thermal image sensors (microbolometers). It offers a targeted range of microbolometers that are the key component of many top brands in thermal imaging equipment sold across Europe, Asia and North America. Size, weight, low power consumption and cost reductions drive ULIS innovations, enabling the company to address new trends in smart buildings, road safety and in-cabin comfort of vehicles. ULIS is located in Veurey-Voroize, near Grenoble.

www.ulis-ir.com

About Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is the global specialist in energy management and automation. With revenues of ~€27 billion in FY2015, our 160,000+ employees serve customers in over 100 countries, helping them to manage their energy and process in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. From the simplest of switches to complex operational systems, our technology, software and services improve the way our customers manage and automate their operations. Our connected technologies reshape industries, transform cities and enrich lives. At Schneider Electric, we call this Life Is On.
www.schneider-electric.com