How One Platform Supports The Latest Tech While Enhancing Lighting And Fan Safety
Gyms, pools, dog parks, concierge services — for years, providing these amenities was considered one of the best ways to attract top tenants to multifamily properties. But today, renters’ priorities have changed.
A 2023 survey conducted by security technology company Allegion, which spoke to more than 1,000 renters, showed that smart home technology, including smart locks, resident portals and cameras, was at the top of respondents' minds. The global proptech market is projected to grow from $36.5B in 2024 to $89.9B by 2032, and as demand for this technology rises, so does the need for solutions that allow developers to install it seamlessly and safely.
“Today’s homeowners and renters expect their space to be delivered to them smart already,” said David Pamer, president of wholesale and retail channels for SKYX Platforms. “In the past, multifamily and single-family developers would simply build a home without worrying about the technology — that was something the homeowner or renter would deal with later. The new generation of residents wants spaces that are wired and ready to work with their tech from Day 1.”
SKYX Platforms’ All-In-One Platform is a comprehensive plug-in solution. Within minutes, you can have a smart platform to run all your smart devices. The SKYX All-In-One Platform works as a WiFi extender, smart speaker, intercom system, and emergency smoke and carbon monoxide detector, all while accepting a light fixture into the integrated SkyOutlet in the center. It is compatible with Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
It’s designed for multifamily and single-family homes, as well as the hospitality industry, where demand for smart technology is also on the rise. The global smart hospitality market is projected to reach $133.7B by 2031, up from $18.8B in 2021.
The goal is for users to have technology consistency across all their living spaces, whether it is the home they have purchased, the apartment they are renting or the hotel where they are spending the weekend, Pamer said.
“Technology is constantly evolving, and SkyPlug technology creates what I would call an open architecture platform that gives people the opportunity to add new features, functions and products as they become available in the future,” he said.
Along with its core feature enabling the ability to install lights, fans and smart devices in mere minutes, SkyPlug technology was designed with safety in mind, SKYX Chief Operating Officer Patty Barron said. The SkyPlug Smart Lighting Canopy works as an easy-to-install “smart base” for light fixtures. It comes with a receptacle that is the equivalent to a standard wall outlet, except it is weight-bearing and round, so it can be attached to any standard light fixture or ceiling fan with an attachment fitting and is certified to hold up to 50 pounds.
It allows users to easily attach these fixtures to their ceilings and swap them out whenever they need without ever having to make contact with the branch circuit wiring, reducing the risk of electrocution. Since installation only takes a few minutes, it reduces the amount of time people need to spend on ladders, which is also an important safety measure, Barron said.
The SkyOutlet or Weight Supporting Ceiling Receptacle has been included in the National Electrical Code Handbook, which determines electrical safety installation requirements nationally. Mark Earley, a consultant for SKYX who served as the secretary of the NEC for 30 years, said SKYX technology has been cited in the official code handbook since 2017.
Along with being featured in the NEC Handbook, SkyPlug technology has been mentioned in other electrical industry publications, including the Independent Alliance of the Electrical Industry Analysis of Changes training manual and IAEI Magazine, for its safety features and ease of installation. These are brand-neutral publications that simply recognize when a product is a good example of how to help keep people safe, Earley said.
“The technology is highlighted as a model of how to perform code-compliant installation of fans and lighting,” Earley said. “It creates a safer environment, safer installation, and then beyond that, it creates an easier installation and a lower-cost installation because it can be done in a matter of minutes.”
Developers, builders and designers who are interested in installing this technology can click here or contact Leigha Lugo at leigha.lugo@skyiot.com.
This article was produced in collaboration between SKYX Platforms and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.
Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.
