BrainBox AI - Experts & Thought Leaders

BrainBox AI, a pioneer in autonomous building technology, announced that it has joined the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Partner Network (APN) to deliver its cutting-edge AI-driven solution to AWS customers in the public and private commercial and retail real estate sectors. The APN is a global community of AWS partners that leverages programs, expertise, and resources to build, market, and sell customer offerings. scalability and flexibility “With AWS at the core of our AI-driven solutions and technology infrastructure, BrainBox AI is honored to join the APN,” said Jean-Simon Venne, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at BrainBox AI. He adds, “Many years ago, we decided to build and host our solution on the AWS Cloud because it offers the scalability and flexibility that is necessary to handle our vast and rapidly growing data volumes, seamlessly integrating with building systems worldwide." security, reliability, and operational standards Doing so has been both a privilege and a testament to our commitment to product and customer excellence" Jean-Simon Venne continues, "Our path to joining this elite network required us to meet AWS’s rigorous security, reliability, and operational standards." He further said, "Doing so has been both a privilege and a testament to our commitment to product and customer excellence, as we continue to deliver on our mission to help save the planet with AI.” AI solution The company’s AI solution leverages internal and external data, proprietary algorithms, and artificial intelligence to completely change how HVAC systems operate in buildings. Powered by AI, it maps the numerous zones of a commercial building, learns, and quickly acts on that data to predict future states, and modulates pieces of equipment autonomously.  Decreased energy and emissions It transforms an HVAC system into one that considers the building’s external environment For example, by predicting the temperature in a retail store based on historical data and external datasets, like weather, BrainBox AI can decrease energy costs by up to 25%, reduce carbon emissions by up to 40%, and improve customers’ comfort by up to 60%. It transforms an HVAC system from one that solely reacts to thermostat readings with no information relating to weather or the energy grid, to one that considers the building’s external environment to make much smarter decisions.  GenAI-powered innovation BrainBox AI also recently announced its collaboration with AWS and Amazon Bedrock for the development of its Generative AI solution, set to be released in the coming weeks. BrainBox AI will bring a new GenAI-powered innovation geared toward facility and building managers that will catapult its platform capabilities to an industry-defining level.  intuitive and autonomous building operations BrainBox AI joins an extensive, global network of partners from more than 150 countries working with AWS The new product will take on the role of intuitive and autonomous building operations co-pilot to further facilitate the work and decision-making processes of building operators and facilities managers.  As an APN member, BrainBox AI joins an extensive, global network of partners from more than 150 countries working with AWS to provide innovative solutions, solve technical challenges, win deals, and deliver value to mutual customers. NRF 2024: The Retail Expo; January 14 – 16 Representatives from BrainBox AI's executive team will be on-site at the National Retail Federation's Retail’s Big Show Conference & Expo in New York City, USA. Conference attendees with inquiries concerning this news release are encouraged to visit BrainBox AI’s booths, located in the AWS Partner Pavilion #6020 or Booth #8045 in the Innovation Zone of the Riverside Pavilion, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

BrainBox AI, a pioneer in autonomous decarbonization for the built environment, is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with Trane–by Trane Technologies, a climate innovator. The collaboration paves the way for the companies to create a one-of-a-kind solution that couples Trane’s cloud-based Tracer SC+ building automation system with BrainBox AI’s autonomous decarbonizing AI-tech to help Trane customers further reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions and unlock operational cost savings. Trane customers HVAC systems are liable for 40% of building energy consumption, 30% of which is wasted Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are responsible for 40% of building energy consumption, 30% of which is wasted. BrainBox AI and Trane’s joint efforts will help address this void by bringing to market unmatched decarbonization and energy efficiency technology, with a focus on existing HVAC systems of multi-site retailers across North America. With BrainBox AI, Trane customers will have the opportunity to benefit from cloud-based optimization solutions that autonomously send real-time control commands to their HVAC systems. Factoring in weather forecasts, control schedules and sequences, as well as occupancy patterns, these commands are based on the AI’s sophisticated predictions of each zone’s thermal behavior and ensure the HVAC equipment only runs when needed while ensuring occupant comfort. Trane’s advanced building controls “Trane is proud to collaborate with BrainBox AI on new solutions that will help our customers accelerate their decarbonization goals and contribute to a more sustainable future,” said Dave Molin, vice president, Product Management, Trane Technologies. Trane and BrainBox AI are deeply committed to advancing sustainable solutions" “Trane and BrainBox AI are both deeply committed to advancing sustainable solutions through innovation. By combining Trane’s advanced building controls and HVAC systems with BrainBox AI’s autonomous decarbonizing technology, we can help our customers drastically reduce their carbon footprint and meet their business goals, while doing the right thing for the planet.” Author's quote “Our mission to better the built environment aligns with Trane’s own deep sustainability focus and bold actions to push the industry toward innovative, climate-friendly building solutions. Our relationship stands on the foundations of complementary technologies that deliver an upscaled layer of optimization and GHG reductions,” said Frank Sullivan, Chief Commercial Officer, BrainBox AI. “HVAC systems are one of the biggest contributors to total energy usage in commercial buildings. Together with Trane, we can further equip buildings around the world with the right tools to improve energy efficiency.”

BrainBox AI, a pioneer in autonomous building technology, announced a US$ 20 million fund-raise to support the continued development of BrainBox AI’s cutting-edge decarbonization technology and its global commercialization efforts.  The company is pleased to name The Government of Québec as a lead investor for 10 million US dollars, alongside ABB, a returning lead investor and global partner to BrainBox AI. Author's quote “We are grateful for this significant investment from the Québec Government and ABB. Having their support propels our mission to provide commercial real estate owners and retailers around the globe with a scalable and impactful decarbonization tool,” shared Sam Ramadori, Chief Executive Officer at BrainBox AI.  He adds, “As buildings account for over 38% of GHG emissions globally, there is no way around the necessity of making buildings significantly more efficient. The convergence of investments from both the public and private sectors clearly shows that the work we are doing is resonating across the board, which we view as very positive as this challenge will require collective involvement to make a meaningful impact given its sheer scale and difficulty.” Investissement Québec Québec Government’s $10 million USD commitment, granted by Investissement Québec The Québec Government’s $10 million USD commitment, granted by Investissement Québec, signals the need for low CAPEX, high impact, decarbonization, and energy efficiency solutions like BrainBox AI’s. This investment further emphasizes the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy’s unwavering support for technologies that contribute to the fight against climate change. With time running out, participation from the public sector is a must. Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development, and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region added, “The technology that BrainBox AI has developed will revolutionize energy consumption in commercial buildings. The adoption by Québec businesses of energy innovations such as the one that Brainbox AI is proposing is indispensable if we are to successfully decarbonize Québec and ensure more efficient use of our resources.” Strategic Partnership BrainBox AI recognizes its role in bringing innovative solutions that aggressively target GHG emissions to the built environment. The strategic partnership between ABB and BrainBox AI is a reflection of the common goal both organizations share in making buildings smarter, greener, and more efficient. It is in this spirit that BrainBox AI is also pleased to announce an agreement to acquire ABB’s multi-site retail (MSR) energy management system integrator business. With the objective of accelerating the decarbonization journey for retailers, BrainBox AI intends to integrate ABB’s MSR business, its experienced team based in New Hampshire, USA, and an installed base of over 12,000 retail locations in its current operations. HVAC autonomous control AI and cloud-enabled HVAC autonomous control will offer retailers an unparalleled ability Coupled with BrainBox AI’s industry-pioneering AI optimization technology, the combined offering will help retailers reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and utility costs without replacing their existing environmental management system (EMS). AI and cloud-enabled HVAC autonomous control, natively integrated with the pioneering on-premise EMS solution, will offer retailers an unparalleled ability to operate their stores and achieve their pressing decarbonization goals. MSR-focused technology “We are excited to announce our intent to bring this MSR-focused technology on board. This complementary acquisition, when completed, will enable BrainBox AI to solidify its position in the retail market, allowing us to offer stronger operational support and know-how to our valued customer base,” Sam Ramadori, Chief Executive Officer at BrainBox AI.  He adds, “Ultimately, the journey of delivering a hybrid cloud and on-premise solution will accelerate the transition to next-generation virtualized EMS offerings that will allow retailers to meet and exceed ambitious ESG objectives at scale with a very cost-effective solution.” Mike Mustapha, President of the Smart Buildings Division at ABB Electrification concluded, “By transferring the MSR business to BrainBox AI, customers can leverage artificial intelligence to achieve better energy efficiency and decarbonization. This fully aligns with our mission to pursue building decarbonization jointly with our strategic partners."

AHR Expo was back in a big way for 2022, reflecting a dynamic industry that not only survived the pandemic but has found new ways to thrive. Technical developments on display in Las Vegas spanned traditional product categories, which continued to display new levels of innovation in a mature market. Also reflecting progress were new digital offerings that increase control and efficiency of HVAC products and link them to the expanding world of data.  Omar Tabba, the Chief Product Officer at Brainbox AI, said “You see a lot of vendors at the show, who are software value-adds to equipment, to systems, to sensors, and there is a more genuine openness and acceptance that this is a valuable thing,” Connected cloud-based applications Omar Tabba adds, “An important driver in the market is the ability to have cloud-based applications connected to buildings. Another driver is an intense scrutiny to come up with environmentally friendly solutions and to reduce the carbon footprint.” Brainbox AI is among the companies leveraging the value of data in the building environment and applying it to increasing energy efficiency and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Brainbox cloud-based system At the AHR Expo 2022 show, Brainbox announced a distribution agreement with ABB The Brainbox cloud-based system leverages data from building systems, analyzes it in the Cloud using Artificial Intelligence (AI), and then guides the system to optimize building HVAC operations in real time. The company has three primary pathways into the market - strategic accounts for large end users, systems integrators/resellers, and through OEM partners. At the AHR Expo 2022 show, Brainbox announced a distribution agreement with ABB, to sell their cloud-based product around the world, thus taking advantage of a large global platform. “The show has been great,” said Omar Tabba, echoing the feedback heard throughout the show from multiple exhibitors, adding “We were kind of apprehensive, given the pandemic, about whether the attendance would be good. We have been blown away. We had a full booth the first two days, and the third day was good as well.” Transitioning to Heat Pumps Electrification is a driving trend in the market and Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US introduced a product that can help to smooth the transition from gas- and oil-fire furnaces to heat pump systems. Their intelli-HEAT Dual Fuel system is a heat pump that is installed on top of a furnace with an intelligent system that enables switch-over back and forth between the two systems to maximize efficiency. Mitsubishi Electric’s intelli-HEAT Dual Fuel system This intelli-HEAT system helps home owners who are comfortable with a furnace system make the transition to a heat pump that provides hyper-heating, down to minus 13 degrees F. Depending on the climate zone, the changeover temperature can be adjusted to ensure efficiency and every hour the heat pump operates, means no burning of fossil fuels, which is good for the environment. At 40% better efficiency, the system provides a return on investment (ROI) within 5 to 10 years. Also, the system creates a pathway for contractors into the home for future business, as the electrification transition continues.  Kumo cloud system At the AHR Expo 2022, Mitsubishi Electric also highlighted the Kumo cloud system At the AHR Expo 2022, Mitsubishi Electric also highlighted the Kumo cloud system, an app-based controller for residential systems that manages every indoor unit from a single app and connects with Google assistant and Alexa for voice control of each zone. Also previewed at AHR Expo was the Lossnay system from Mitsubishi Electric, a new wall-mounted residential ERV (energy recovery ventilator); a fan moves air through opposing channels, with a heat membrane that transfers the heat from one air stream to the other. In effect, incoming fresh air is preheated by the exhaust air going out. Hybrid VRF on display On the commercial side, Mitsubishi Electric offered a hybrid VRF that uses water as a hydronic energy exchange medium rather than refrigerant. A refrigerant loop connects the outdoor VRF unit to the BC controller, while a water loop is provided to each indoor unit. One cost benefit is to avoid the rising cost of refrigerant, while water also avoids the possibility of a refrigerant leak that could impact fire safety, especially in a setting such as a school. HEAT2O system using VRF technology The HEAT2O system from Mitsubishi Electric uses VRF technology to heat water in tanks from 175 to 500 gallons and using CO2 as a refrigerant. Heating water with heat-pump technology allows for just the capacity needed, can prepare for peak flows, or can phase down when demand is low. A shift to concerns about indoor air quality (IAQ) and healthy buildings was evident at the Carrier booth, which highlighted a new certification program called ‘Carrier Certified Quality Air Systems’. “It’s important to educate people about air quality,” said Holly Rhodes, Associate Director for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Products for Carrier Corporation. OptiClean Air Scrubber using long-life HEPA filter The booth highlighted the OptiClean Air Scrubber that uses a long-life HEPA filter for larger spaces The booth highlighted the OptiClean Air Scrubber that uses a long-life HEPA filter for larger spaces, such as school cafeterias; the unit is on wheels and plugs into an outlet for easy deployment. There was also a smaller Room Purifier, available as a consumer product, which can purify air in up to 550 square feet of a home, with prices ranging from US$ 350 to US$ 500. Carrier Corporation displayed at the AHR Expo for the first time as an independent company, since spinning off from United Technologies Corporation (UTC). The Carrier booth assembled all their brands under one footprint at the show, providing one face to the market. Also featured was the Abound cloud platform that unites air handling, air purifier systems and services to enable users to visualize indoor air quality with graphs and a dashboard that balances air quality and energy usage concerns. 19MV Water-Cooled Centrifugal chiller On the commercial side, Carrier displayed a smaller-footprint 19MV Water-Cooled Centrifugal chiller, at 300- to 700-ton capacities, with an EquiDrive compressor for better efficiency and small enough to pass through double doors. A higher-tier product, the 19DV chiller, at 300 to 1150 tons, uses low-pressure, low-GWP refrigerant and leverages “free cooling” (i.e., with the compressor off) to increase sustainability. Complementary Lines for Ducted and Ductless Air and Water Solutions is the new brand that combines the GE Appliances, Haier and Hotpoint brands under an umbrella that combines resources and renews their dedication to the professional side of the business. At the AHR Expo 2022, Air and Water Systems announced reentry into the ducted space for the first time in 40 years; with a full line of the Unitary brand residential products, including heat pumps, air handlers and other equipment. The new line is complementary to their mature ductless line and provides a more complete menu of options. SmartHQ Service diagnostics platform There is also a template that allows installers to pre-drill holes to simplify installation The emphasis is ease of installation and service. For example, a ‘kick-stand’ allows a unit to pull out from the wall to make connections and then pop back flush to the wall. There is also a template that allows installers to pre-drill holes to simplify installation. When changing a PCB, it is not necessary to take the unit apart. The SmartHQ Service diagnostics platform provides visibility into the internal parameters and operation of a system. A plug-in interface tool collects data to provide dealer-installers insights to help with troubleshooting and maintenance, and to analyze historical operation data. Performance, efficiency and enhanced ventilation LG displayed Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology, energy efficient heat pumps, and emphasized indoor air quality and building connectivity products. The LG Inverter Scroll Heat Pump Chiller uses inverter technology to provide hot and cold water for comfort and process applications with new levels of performance and efficiency. The LG Split Compact Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) helps to address ventilation concerns in the age of COVID-19.

Many new buildings are constructed to maximize the efficiency of HVAC systems and to minimize their environmental impact. But what about older buildings? How can they work to achieve efficiency and environmental goals? One answer involves the use of artificial intelligence (AI).  “There are a lot of older buildings, and existing buildings are rarely demolished,” says Jean-Simon Venne, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Brainbox AI. “There are so many of them and they consume a lot of energy and have a big impact on the number of emissions.” Older buildings are reactive rather than proactive HVAC consumes around 50 to 60 percent of the energy used in a building, second only to lighting, whose impact is diminishing with the transition to lower-energy LED lighting. Although older buildings have control systems, they are reactive rather than proactive. Temperature schedules are set according to times and a set of fixed rules. Any changes to the set schedule require a technician who knows the control type and the programming language. Using AI to predict analytics of buildings Brainbox AI provides self-adapting AI to proactively optimize the energy consumption and GHG emissions Brainbox AI provides self-adapting artificial intelligence technology to proactively optimize the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of buildings. The technology connects with existing control systems and extracts information that artificial intelligence (AI) then uses to “learn” how a building reacts to temperature fluctuations. Extrapolating that information, the system can provide predictive analytics; in effect, a glimpse into the future. It’s an approach that quickly provides savings of up to 25% in energy usage and 40% in emissions, even in existing older buildings. Zone-based energy savings An example of how Brainbox AI operates in older buildings can be seen in the Holiday Inn Longueuil in Quebec, Canada, which has over 10,000 square feet of meeting space and a six-story atrium. They sought to reduce their energy consumption and optimize the HVAC systems in the common areas. BrainBox AI calculated energy savings by following the demand of each zone based on the weather and then normalizing the energy consumption based on heating degree days (HDD) and cooling degree days (CDD). Over five months, BrainBox AI was able to achieve an average savings of 34%. The Brainbox system uses machine learning and “deep learning,” which employs neural networks to mimic the activity of the human brain. Brainbox exposes the networks to data so that they can “learn.” This differentiates Brainbox AI from other companies that use technology dashboards to provide insight into a building’s operation but do not provide autonomous operation. Cost-savings while improving environmental concerns In AI and HVAC, spending a fraction of energy on smaller corrections avoids having to spend more energy  Venne compares the approach to guiding a space shuttle. If it begins to go off course, a series of small corrections (such as booster rockets), can guide it back to the target path. In the case of AI and HVAC, spending a fraction of energy on smaller corrections avoids having to spend more energy on larger corrections. A computer analyses all the possible moves, their expected impact and chooses the best path among the possible outcomes. Both energy use and environmental concerns are driving building owners to the new approach. They may be willing to pay a cost to lower emissions, but in this case, using less energy provides cost savings as well as improving environmental impacts. “Now we can both save money and save the planet,” says Venne. “In the last six years, we have become able to do a lot of things at a low cost [using AI], things we were only dreaming of a few years ago. Now we are only limited by our imagination.” Greener energy Another element to minimize environmental impact is to use more energy that has been “responsibly” sourced (such as solar or nuclear power plants) and less energy that comes from high-polluting coal plants, for example. At some times of day, the available kilowatt-hours can be very “dirty;” other times they are greener. Brainbox AI is optimizing its use of greener energy through a partnership with WattTime, a non-profit that offers technology solutions to achieve emissions reductions. In effect, they are incorporating more environmental variables into the AI engine that drives a building’s systems. WattTime is a U.S.-based entity, and the Brainbox partnership is expanding usage to Canada, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world. Effectiveness of AI in HVAC AI engine can detect problems like a defective sensor or a valve stuck open, which might have gone unnoticed  The AI system also helps to maintain an HVAC system. Connecting to a system, the AI engine can detect such problems as a defective sensor or a valve stuck open, which might have gone unnoticed by an operator or maintenance company. The company can provide a “defective list” to a building’s owner. Some will make the repairs immediately, others may not. The effectiveness of the AI system is limited by the equipment that is in place. “We do what we can with what we can,” says Venne. Using self-adapting technology There are about 700 different control platforms in the HVAC market, although a smaller group of about 17 controls about 80% of systems. Brainbox AI interfaces with the 17 main building systems, which include popular protocols such as BACnet, Tridium, Modbus, and Johnson Controls. “It’s important to understand that each building is unique in how it is configured and operates,” says Venne. “There are no copy-and-paste solutions. We need technology that self-adapts. The neural network adapts to buildings and retrains it to evolve without human intervention.” Brainbox AI launched in May 2019 on the commercial side, after a four-year development period. The system has been deployed in 100 million square feet of building space in 15 countries and 70 cities globally, reaching all time zones. There is a large installed base in Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Canada, and the United States. The company is expanding rapidly and has 100 employees.

Artificial intelligence (AI) provides a tool to deliver significant savings and dramatically reduce carbon emissions, enabling a self-operating building. Because of AI’s ability to be proactive in buildings, rather than reactive, a 25% reduction in total energy costs is possible, along with a 20-40% decrease in carbon footprint. "Our mission is to fight climate change by bringing innovation and cutting-edge artificial intelligence to the built environment, making buildings smarter and greener," said Jean-Simon Venne, Co-Founder and CTO of BrainBox AI. BrainBox AI BrainBox AI is at the forefront of a new era in building automation and a leader in the green building transformation. Located in Montreal, Canada, BrainBox AI offers a technology that combines deep learning, cloud-based computing and autonomous decision-making to support a 24/7 self-operating building. BrainBox AI’s solution enables the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system in a building to operate autonomously, in real-time. “Some 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions originate from buildings, and HVAC systems are responsible for over 50% of those emissions. BrainBox AI is comprised of experts in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), data science, real estate, HVAC and energy efficiency, all working to create a better future,” said Jean-Simon Venne. AI technology thrives in logical environments AI technology thrives in logical environments, and HVAC systems are extremely logical" Venne adds, “AI is very stable and super predictive. AI technology thrives in logical environments, and HVAC systems are extremely logical. A fan, for example, will continuously have the same behavior, over and over again.” Due to HVAC’s predictability, AI can study a building and learn how it operates, identify each potential improvement opportunity, and then act on them. AI is also able to monitor a multitude of data points at once, so it’s more reliable in optimizing HVAC systems in real-time than humans alone. Communicating with HVAC controls Communicating with HVAC controls is a requirement of applying AI to the HVAC market. There are over 700 control languages currently being used for HVAC control. Looking at the big picture, about 20 of those 700 languages make up 80% of the market. BrainBox AI’s system focuses on the 20 or so dominant languages. Part of their minimum requirements for system integration is that the HVAC system must speak one of those 20 languages. Autonomous real-time cloud connection BrainBox AI also recently launched a driver for the Niagara Framework, the first AI application to use an autonomous real-time cloud connection to the platform, which is the leading open platform for the building automation market. Their Niagara driver allows the platform to connect to a building’s management system (BMS) through the cloud, thus decreasing the connection time to less than 30 minutes. “If you’re going to use AI, you really need to use the cloud, in order to use the proper computing power,” said Venne, adding "Using a cloud system makes it easier to store and share information. For example, if you’re a building owner, the cloud system can give the building owner visibility into all the data being collected and a holistic view into what’s happening in their buildings.” Autonomous AI HVAC system BrainBox AI's customer AMP Capital is now the first organization to install an autonomous AI HVAC system" Venne further stated, “BrainBox AI's customer AMP Capital is now the first organization in the world to install an autonomous AI HVAC system across its managed real estate portfolio. But how does an automated system adapt to the changing and possibly competing comfort preferences inside a building? It's an excellent question.” The AI solution is all about predictive behaviors, but that sometimes requires compromise. There will always have be someone who prefers to work in 60 degrees and someone else who prefers to work in 80 degrees. "Because BrainBox AI collects thousands of real-time data points such as outside temperature, sun/cloud positioning, fan speed, duct pressure, heater status, humidity levels, occupant density and more, we’re able to report a 60% improvement in occupant comfort thanks to an improved respecting of set points," adds Venne. Airborne Virus Mitigation Program In the age of a global pandemic, airborne viruses, such as COVID-19’s SARS-CoV-2, can be re-circulated non-deliberately throughout building HVAC systems, creating a liability to building owners and operators. To help proactively mitigate the potential spread of pathogens and improve air quality in buildings, BrainBox AI provides commercial buildings access to its Airborne Virus Mitigation Program (AVMP). Through AVMP, BrainBox AI instructs the HVAC system to operate as instructed to minimize the spread of contaminants and improve air quality, based on CDC and ASHRAE guidelines. BrainBox AI’s system focuses on the 20 or so dominant languages Supporting buildings with partial HVAC system shutdown Additionally, many commercial buildings are significantly less occupied than usual during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. BrainBox AI supports these buildings by proceeding with a complete or partial shutdown of their HVAC system(s). BrainBox AI’s cloud-based technology optimally instructs the networked HVAC system to decrease its operations to a minimum, enabling up to 30% in energy cost savings. BrainBox AI's go-to-market strategy is comprised of three different parts. First, the company has its own sales force, which is deployed mainly in North America, but also in APAC and EMEA, where they can sell directly to building owners and operators. The company also uses reseller partners for commercialization, which are usually system integrators or local integrators. These partners are typically already selling controls to different building owners and operators in regional markets. Now, they have the opportunity to provide their clients with BrainBox AI. They are also using this strategy globally. Partnerships with OEMs BrainBox AI is developing partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) Lastly, BrainBox AI is developing partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to help support their individual strategies of implementing artificial intelligence into their existing HVAC and controls products. “We’re just now starting to really see the impact that automating building HVAC systems can have,” said Venne, adding “Buildings have been non-adaptive for such a long time, but now with building automation, we’re really starting to change that. Right now, AI thrives on predictability, based on the thousands of data sets it’s able to collect. That being said, the weather keeps changing outside, with global warming continuously on the rise; building mechanics should react and adapt to that.” AI building blocks Venne further stated, “Humans are also not robots, they gather in different areas in the building and don’t always have the same patterns. It's a challenge to enable and train AI to be more adaptive in that sense. AI building blocks eventually will aggregate together and give more intelligent insights, ultimately creating a more intelligent city and eventually a much more intelligent world that can be operated by AI, under the watchful eye of humans.” “A misconception is that this technology will ‘steal’ jobs from humans and replace them,” stated Venne, adding “Naturally, that makes people a bit scared. Right now, every building has only a few people operating the building system. They are so frequently called to change an office’s thermostat that utilizing AI actually makes their job easier.” Controlling and optimizing building HVAC systems We’re reaching a very interesting time in terms of AI and technology in general" He adds, “By allowing BrainBox AI to control and optimize the HVAC systems in buildings, the building operators are able to spend more time running the building, rather than flipping switches and changing temperatures. We’re reaching a very interesting time in terms of AI and technology in general." Venne further stated, “All my life I was given limitations, hearing 'no, we can’t do this, the computers can’t handle this, etc.’ But right now we’re reaching the point where we’re not limited by our technology capabilities, we are only limited by our imagination." He concludes, “It’s just a matter of breaking that imagination wall to find a way to create even more value with the existing technology today. Things are accelerating and we’re going to need to move forward. We shouldn’t be scared, but rather embrace it and accelerate forward.”