From 3rd to 8th March 2024, the world's leading trade fair for lighting and building technology reopened its doors in Frankfurt am Main/Germany, and of course, we were there once again. Following the last Light + Building in autumn 2022 and the preceding Covid 19 period, the trade fair returned to its traditional March schedule.
An astounding 2,169 exhibitors presented themselves along with their product novelties and innovations. This marked an increase of almost 42 percent in the number of exhibitors. Visitor numbers also saw a significant rise: over the six days of the fair, 151,192 people from all over the world attended, compared to 92,838 at the Autumn Edition of Light + Building 2022. Visitors once again took the opportunity to engage in active exchanges with manufacturers, learn about industry innovations, make new connections, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the fair across its 12 halls.
Our innovations at the PEAKnx stand
At our stand, designed to resemble a modern smart home, the atmosphere was great, and we can look back on a highly successful trade fair. Each day saw a steady stream of visitors, and we received a lot of positive feedback and praise for our sleek stand and products. This indicates that we continue to move in the right direction and have struck a chord with our customers thematically.
The highlight of our product novelties, which we presented to our customers and the trade press, was our new touchpanel Control 12, the innovative and three times faster successor to our previous Controlmini. We had several exhibition copies of the smart panel on display and were able to impress our guests at the booth with the new version 5.0 of our visualization software, YOUVI. The visualisation now features a new user management system and PIN protection for devices. Additionally, there is a new widget for controlling air conditioning via KNX, for example, for Aidoo KNX from our partner Airzone, and a new Bridge module for Airzone Aidoo Pro for retrofitting devices without KNX. The YOUVI Connect module has been expanded to include functionality for Apple HomeKit. Another Bridge module is used for integrating Bluesound devices. We had Bluesound speakers and a soundbar at the stand. In addition to the front door of our smart home, door stations from Siedle and 2N were installed, which can also be controlled with our panels, and the Mobotix M73 surveillance camera and the Fyrtur roller blind from the Trådfri series by IKEA were integrated and controllable at the stand. The YOUVI logic module can also manage access control and commands from the ekey fingerprint solution.
A real eye-catcher was also the prototype of our future Control 16, which we presented - adorned with an elegant gold frame - on our exhibition wall. Demand for this was also high, and we are pleased to announce that the new panel is expected to be released on the market by the end of 2024. Our Controlpro and, of course, our interchangeable front glasses remained very popular, and the Controlmicro was also in high demand.
We also showcased the Home Automation Server, which is installed on the DIN rail and can handle all building control tasks in single or multi-family homes - including visualisation, IP routing, and bus monitoring - and can be controlled with any end device.
Synergetic effects through collaborative partnerships
Our panels were not only visible at our own stand but also at the stands of our partners. For example, at IT GmbH, who ran their open visualisation ELVIS on our Controlpro, or at Airzone, both at the joint stand of the KNX Association and at their own Airzone stand. Additionally, our Control 12 was featured at KNX Professionals Deutschland e. V., and our Controlmini could be viewed at the E-House in Hall 11. The theme of cooperation was emphasized both by us and our partners. "As partners, we have mutually recommended each other's systems to customers, following the motto 'Working with friends - together we are strong, and ultimately it has to fit for the customers'," said Gerald Palmsteiner, our Head of Product Management.
Positive feedback for our products and services
During the six days of the fair, we had many exciting conversations and established numerous new contacts. Our visitors from both domestic and international markets gave us positive feedback on our products and support. More than once, we heard phrases like "Your support is excellent." Some visitors expressed that they had been waiting for a server like the Home Automation Server for some time, and the redesign of our YOUVI was also largely well-received. We have gained new inspirations and ideas and look forward to continuing to bring the future into your homes.
We sincerely thank our guests and partners for their interest, support, and trust in us. We are excited about the next Light + Building in March 2026.
