ABB : free@home® thermostat wins prestigious iF Design Award

The world's oldest independent design organization, iF International Forum Design GmbH, has recognized ABB's innovative ABB-free@home® thermostat with a coveted Technology Design Award.

ABB-free@home® thermostat, which was launched to the US market at CEDIA Expo last year, picked up the Technology Design Award.

The thermostat beat off stiff competition from over 6,400 entries and more than 50 countries, to claim the stamp of quality. Judged by a 67-member jury of independent experts from all over the world, the iF Design Award has been recognized as an arbiter of quality for exceptional design.

Oliver Iltisberger, Managing Director of ABB's Smart Buildings business explained: 'At the heart of our philosophy is a focus on blending the latest technology with modern design, to develop solutions that enhance the home, both in terms of looks and functionality. We are delighted that ABB-free@home® thermostat has been recognized with such a prestigious design award.'

Making home automation easier than ever, ABB-free@home® transforms any house or apartment into an intelligent home. Since its European launch in 2014, the solution has constantly evolved to meet consumer demand, with 16 firmware upgrades and the addition of new features including compatibility with Philips Hue, Sonos, Amazon Alexa and remote access.

The ABB-free@home® home automation system, which is now tailor-made for the US market, facilitates the control of such functions as climate, lighting, door communication and entertainment from a touch panel or a range of in-wall controls as well as via a tablet or smartphone.

Designed to be simple and straightforward to install, the system connects directly to the homeowner's Wi-Fi network and integrates a variety of smart devices. Its touch panel and in-wall controls are intuitive and simple for installers to understand, enabling them to quickly learn the benefits of the system and provide a quality installation.

In addition, ABB has built on its collaboration with other market leaders to deliver an integrated system for consumers to control all of the latest technology for convenience including voice command via Amazon's Alexa to switching on the lights, sound system controls in multiple rooms and energy-efficient lighting.

For enhanced climate control, the iconic ABB-free@home® thermostat features a compact, simple design that incorporates a precision machined, glass-bead blasted aluminum frame with a tempered glass front. This provides a stylish look with unparalleled stability and enhances the visualization of its primary function to regulate temperature up or down.

The thermostat also won the Good Design Award in 2018, for its simple and iconic shape which blends seamlessly with its intuitive user experience.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in power grids, electrification products, industrial automation and robotics and motion, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner in ABB Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com