Artificial intelligence in building automation
Artificial intelligence in building automation
Where efficiency meets responsibility
Buildings that can think, plan ahead and act autonomously – what sounded like science fiction just a few years ago is now a reality. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the driving force behind this transformation. As a pioneer in building automation, SAUTER is actively advancing the use of AI to make buildings more energy-efficient, climate-friendly and comfortable.
Artificial intelligence is set to fundamentally change building automation. AI can not only capture data and information in real time, but also interpret it. This allows it to identify data-based patterns and relationships in order to make forecasts and automatically adjust systems – whether for power supply, air conditioning or lighting.
The strength of AI is its ability to integrate data from a wide range of sources – from temperature and presence sensors to weather forecasts, energy prices and maintenance information. Intelligent algorithms convert raw data into specific recommendations for action and automate control processes. This enables technical building processes to operate based on actual demand and be continuously optimised. This results in substantial energy savings, a reduced carbon footprint and enhanced user comfort. For operators, it means lower costs, improved operational efficiency and stability, and a future-ready infrastructure that adapts flexibly to change.
From analysis to enhanced value creation
Going beyond conventional AI, generative AI in particular holds enormous potential for building management. By independently learning from analysed data and recognised patterns, it can generate entirely new data and content. This enables it not only to optimise existing processes, but also to anticipate and evaluate possible future scenarios through simulations. Even in the planning stages of building projects, efficiency potential can be identified and operational strategies tested. AI thus becomes a strategic tool that intelligently connects planning and operation, creating sustainable added value.
SAUTER is rethinking buildings – with artificial intelligence
A pioneer in building automation for decades, SAUTER views AI as a strategic foundation. The aim is to use intelligent solutions to support the entire life cycle of a building – from planning through to operation.
For instance, during commissioning, advanced tools like the CMC Manager software enable automated testing and validation of building systems. This reduces errors, increases reliability and significantly brings forward the start of use of the building.
During operation, algorithms analyse the performance of heating, ventilation, cooling and lighting systems in real time, flexibly and automatically adjusting them as needed. They dynamically detect occupancy patterns and changes in energy prices and the weather, always ensuring maximum comfort with minimum energy consumption and cost. Since 2021, the MeteoViva Climate smart data solution has been enabling automatic room climate optimisation using intelligent, self-learning, building-specific simulation.
Another example of AI-powered automation are the self-learning optimisation functions OPT-H and OPT-C. They automatically analyse room usage patterns and proactively calculate the ideal start and stop times for heating and cooling systems. This saves energy, reduces costs and CO₂ emissions and ensures comfort exactly when it is required.
Voice control via common smart home assistants makes building functions especially easy and accessible to operate. Whether in private homes or commercial settings, users benefit from intuitive, convenient and universally accessible control.
AI-powered decarbonisation
Guiding real estate into a climate-neutral future is one of the greatest challenges of our time. With amanteia – a joint development by SAUTER and meteoviva – property owners and managers now have an effective AI-based tool for targeted decarbonisation of building portfolios. The innovative software solution automatically evaluates and calculates optimal decarbonisation strategies. Even with limited building data, intelligent renovation and investment plans can be developed using smart data models and a wide range of predefined action templates. In this way, amanteia supports informed investment decisions, avoiding carbon-risk assets and increasing the long-term value of the buildings.
Focus on people and the environment
Despite all the advances in artificial intelligence, people and the environment remain central to SAUTER’s approach. All AI decisions are transparent, humans retain control at all times, and the technology is designed to support CO₂ reduction. This means SAUTER is already creating measurable added value for operators, users and the environment.
Knowledge in brief: Fundamentals of artificial intelligence
AI refers to the capability of machines to process data, learn from it and make independent decisions.
Key components:
- Information processing – Analysing sensor data such as temperature or movement
- Knowledge acquisition – Identifying patterns and making forecasts
- Automated implementation – Deriving and carrying out specific actions
Generative AI expands these capabilities: It generates new content, such as control logic or simulations, based on learnt patterns. In building automation, this allows predictive control, optimised planning and more efficient operation.
MeteoViva Climate
Optimal room climate with minimal energy costs and carbon footprint – intelligent, self-learning and building-specific simulations automatically optimise building control. This smart data solution addresses the needs of users, operators and investors alike.
- Smart: Accurate, simulation-based determination of precise heating, cooling and air requirements using intelligent data models
- Specific: Optimisation based on various target criteria such as room climate, energy consumption and CO2 footprint
- Sustainable: Potential reduction of up to 40% in CO2 emissions and energy costs
- Secure: Data security and data protection certified in accordance with DIN ISO 27001
- Software as a Service: Maximum system availability and comprehensive service through a subscription model
amanteia
This innovative software solution helps owners and managers effectively decarbonise buildings. The AI-powered tool delivers analyses and specific recommendations, including detailed action planning – all with just a few clicks.
- Intelligent data fusion: Accurate profiling and forecasting by combining building-specific data such as year of construction, building physics and system technology with dynamic data such as energy consumption, climate trends and national regulations
- Simple quick start: Initial analyses possible with just a few basic inputs
- Specific recommendations: Automatic identification of individual investment and renovation strategies using predefined, customisable action templates, taking budget and implementation priorities into account
- Portfolio-level planning: Multidimensional optimisation methods for entire portfolios
- Effective support: Solid basis for investment decisions, avoiding stranded assets and increasing long-term value
- Software as a Service: Full range of services through a convenient subscription model
- Joint development by SAUTER and meteoviva
