In the past, Philadelphia-based BuLogics attended the International CES, the worlds largest consumer technology tradeshow, primarily as a solutions provider. Last week, the company made waves at the 2010 version in Las Vegas, with a product of its own that some have described as one of the most promising home energy management platforms.
BuLogics is billing it as the markets first smart grid-compatible Z-Wave wireless controller that is designed to create a communication bridge between Z-Wave home area networks and advanced metering infrastructure that uses the ZigBee Smart Energy profile. Known as the Smart Grid Home Controller and available for both home and commercial use, BuLogics says its affordable, proven and easy to install, and it can be managed locally or via the web.
BuLogics started in 2003 with the intention to make energy-optimizing products, but began providing engineering expertise to companies to pay the bills. It had developed an automated home controller, but before the advent of TiVo and iPods, there wasnt a market for a set-top box. With the rise of the aforementioned in-home and office devices and a market clamoring for energy savings, the time is right.
Weve been around for six years and were ready to explode three years ago, says BuLogics chairman/CEO Mirka Walczak. Weve had the luxury of time to create the core technology thats applicable to all these markets and weve created something thats extremely robust.
The company, which employs eight full-timers and up to eight part-timers–mostly Drexel University engineering grads–got major validation closer to home through $150,000 in funding from Ben Franklin Technology Partners. BuLogics hopes to find a partner who can brand the product and manufacture it, but isnt opposed to doing it themselves.
The (Ben Franklin money) tipped the scales, now were mostly working on our product, she says. We went from concept on paper to actually making the product in two months. We were ready for it.
Source: Mirka Walczak, BuLogics
Writer: Joe Petrucci