NB-IoT Smoke Detector
The team was experienced, self-driven and professional. Despite all challenges, they’ve always been committed and determined to find their way around. The team went beyond expectations in submitting the project deliverables.
Challenge
Traditional smoke detectors often require professional installation, which must be carried out during the construction of a home. This limits their accessibility for homeowners seeking simple, cost-effective safety solutions. OWY, a leading manufacturer of smoke alarms, recognized a significant market opportunity for a low-cost, plug-and-play smoke detector that could be easily installed in existing homes without the need for complex wiring.
Solution
EasyIOT developed an innovative NB-IoT smoke detector that met OWY’s requirements and exceeded market expectations. The key features of the product included:
- Smoke Detection: Capable of sensing various types of smoke with high accuracy.
- Phone Call Alerts: Automatically triggers a phone call to a designated mobile number when smoke is detected.
- Interconnected Alarms: All detectors in a home are connected on a single platform, ensuring that when one alarm triggers, all detectors sound the alarm.
- Mobile Notifications: Alerts are sent to a cloud backend, allowing users to receive notifications on their mobile devices.
- Online Dashboard: A centralized platform where users can monitor all trigger events and manage their devices in real-time.
This low-cost, plug-and-play device could be easily mounted on any ceiling, making it accessible to a broad consumer base.
Execution
Upon reviewing OWY’s existing product, EasyIOT determined that the current hardware and firmware were outdated and incapable of supporting the desired IoT features. The team opted for a complete redesign of the electronics, ensuring compatibility with NB-IoT technology and seamless integration with cloud services.
Key steps in the development process included:
- Hardware Redesign: Developing a new circuit board to support NB-IoT communication and enhance power efficiency for extended battery life.
- Firmware Development: Creating custom firmware to enable real-time smoke detection, alarm synchronization, and IoT connectivity.
- Cloud Integration: Building a robust backend infrastructure for monitoring and managing devices, ensuring scalability for mass deployment.
- Dashboard Creation: Designing an intuitive, user-friendly online platform for tracking trigger events and managing device settings.
Despite the tight timeline, EasyIOT completed the hardware and firmware redesign in just two months, followed by rigorous testing and optimization to ensure reliability and performance.
Results
The NB-IoT smoke detector was ready for mass production within four months of project initiation. OWY launched the product in 2021, achieving remarkable success:
- Global Adoption: Over 200,000 units sold worldwide in the first year, meeting the high demand for affordable, smart smoke detectors.
- Enhanced Safety: The interconnected alarms and real-time notifications significantly improved home safety for users.
- Market Leadership: OWY cemented its position as an innovator in the smoke alarm industry, leveraging IoT technology to address emerging consumer needs.
This collaboration between OWY and EasyIOT highlights the transformative potential of IoT in home safety. By combining advanced technology with user-focused design, the NB-IoT smoke detector set a new standard for accessible, effective fire protection solutions.
