Siemens returns to the lighting industry in the way of the Internet of Things
In October last year, Siemens sold its stake in Osram. Since then, in addition to IoT-related activities, Siemens has little to do with the field of lighting. However, in May of this year, Siemens acquired the American sensor company Enlighted and returned to the field of lighting. This time, Siemens has released an open operating system for the Internet of Things (IoT), further integrated into the Internet of Things and part of the lighting field.
The operating system, called MindSphere, is Siemens' cloud-based open IoT operating system that connects products, plants, systems and machines, enabling companies to leverage the data generated by the Internet of Things (IoT) for advanced analytics. These products and systems can include LED lighting for IoT connections. In addition, these products and systems can integrate sensors and use Enlighted's sensor platform to upgrade sensors.
Siemens MindSphere - an open IoT operating system
Multiple systems can work simultaneously, using sensors to gather information. Therefore, the same sensor used to control the illumination can also be used to control the blinds. Other sensors can be independent of lighting, but the luminaires can be fitted with these sensors for ease of operation.
Although Siemens does not own a stake in the company that manufactures LED lighting, it now manufactures sensors and provides an IoT operating system.
As Siemens re-enters the lighting sector, it will now compete fiercely with its old subsidiary OSRAM, and OSRAM itself is looking for opportunities for the Internet of Things.
One of the challenges for lighting suppliers is that IT companies themselves are competing for the same smart buildings and smart city opportunities. Therefore, lighting companies and technology companies are competing. In this sense, Siemens is more likely to return to the lighting from the IT camp with its engineering and technology orientation.