United Arab Emirates-based Evoteq has signed a partnership with U.S.-based Johnson Controls to launch what Johnson Controls says is the first integrated artificial intelligence platform-as-a-service in the Middle East region.
The main aim of this new platform is to digitally transform offices and operations into next-generation workplaces. The first project that will be pioneered with this technology is Middle East sustainable solutions provider Bee’ah’s fully AI-integrated “office of the future” in Sharjah, Johnson Controls said.
The new system is scheduled to be deployed in its pilot phase during the last quarter of 2019 to coincide with the official inauguration of Bee’ah’s new headquarters. Once delivered, the PaaS-based AI enabled platform with its smart building services will be made available to governments and the public domestically and internationally, the firm added.
Evoteq also said that it will be expanding its smart service and solution suite to a broad range of sectors and businesses in the Middle East region.
“This project will set new building technology standards which future intelligent buildings in the region will be measured against,” Claude Allain, vice president for the Middle East and Africa, Johnson Controls.
“Evoteq is combining its proven track record and expertize in the digital sphere with Johnson Controls to bring to market the UAE’s first advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform,” said Jihad Tayara, CEO of Evoteq. “The series of services will take smart living to new heights and digitally transform offices, and how people work, to maximize productivity, convenience, business excellence and sustainable practices.
“This marks the start of a long and fruitful journey by bringing AI based services to cater for the needs of the public and private sector and we look forward to replicating the success that we achieve with Bee’ah’s ‘office of the future,’ by assisting other organizations in achieving their strategic digital integration and sustainability goals,” Tayara said.
“Through this project, we are showcasing how artificial intelligence can tap into data from physical spaces to drive better engagement with building occupants and achieve new levels of efficiency and sustainability,” Marcus Schumacher, vice president GCC, Johnson Controls added. “In partnership with Microsoft and Evoteq, Johnson Controls is transforming traditional building systems with services that merge the physical and digital worlds. This landmark project will accelerate our learning to transfer the developed technology know-how to future intelligent building projects in smart city environments.”
Earlier this year, Microsoft, Johnson Controls and Bee’ah had announced an agreement to enhance Bee’ah’s new headquarters in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, with an array of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart building solutions powered by Microsoft.
Using its Digital Vault offering and extended capabilities built on Microsoft Azure, Johnson Controls will work with Microsoft to outfit the new building with intelligent edge systems, devices and software designed to optimize energy efficiency, make the best use of available space and help the building’s occupants be more productive through AI technology.
From digital workspaces to smart back-office integration, and from smart lobby-visitor management to smart security, employees and visitors at Bee’ah’s new headquarters will experience a diverse range of AI features through multiple touchpoints across various functions including HR, customer care, procurement, administration, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, the companies said.