Automation and the possibility of interfacing with integrated management systems (i.e. the evolution of home automation with a view to population ageing, and the development of movement systems to facilitate the use of shutters, windows, doors and gates).
- Given the gradual ageing of the population, among other things, what do you think is the near future of window automation?
“Our group has always been attentive and ready to develop solutions that meet important market needs such as those you’ve highlighted,” says Lorenzo Lafronza, Master’s Chief Technical Officer. “To this end, our Window Automation System APRO has been designed in response to the need to make the windows and doors of any type of building automatic and intelligent, enhancing architectural design with completely invisible automation.
Thanks to the APRO app and integration with the most common voice-controlled building automation devices, an elderly person or a person with reduced mobility, for example, can manage all motorised access points to their home by voice alone, opening and closing the doors to allow access to visitors, and the windows to ensure appropriate air exchange in complete security. But also think about the possibility of planning schedules that can automatically ventilate the house in the early hours of the day, and close everything for security during the night”.
- Can the addition of window and door automation in domestic systems connected to the internet pose a security risk in both residential and non-residential settings?
“All our remote control movement systems use advanced security protocols that are very common both in the field of home automation devices and in access management.
In this regard, the APRO programme was also designed to achieve the goal of maximum security of the closure system. By connecting the devices to the APRO app or your own home automation control unit, any anomalies and malfunctions will be reported. All actuators in the range feature a “High Speed Function” that allows them to be used as NSHEV devices in combination with a smoke and heat evacuation system (SHEV) in line with EN 12101-2.
Connecting to the internet in this way does not constitute a risk, but increases the security of a home or other building, especially if the devices on one window are also connected to smoke, wind, or breach detection sensors“.
Product Innovations
APRO, the Window Automation System by Master
The issue of window automation systems is certainly the most current in an industry where home automation is now the central asset in every manufacturer’s development strategy. In response to these trends, Master created APRO, a Windows Automation System that enables remote management of a building’s windows and doors, to allow natural ventilation of rooms and ensure maximum living comfort, while meeting high security standards.
APRO is designed in response to the need to make the windows and doors of residential, commercial and industrial buildings automatic and intelligent, enhancing buildings with completely invisible automation or design elements that blend in perfectly with their surroundings, thanks to a range of accessories that can transform any window or door into an integrated home automation feature.
The range consists of overlaid or built-in actuators of extremely small size that combine movement efficiency and design, complemented by locking systems and control devices via gateways interfaced with a dedicated app.
With the APRO gateways and the native APRO app or integration with popular building automation devices, you can manage access, create profiles with different permissions, and control all APRO devices directly from your device.
The programme was also designed to achieve maximum security in a building’s window locking system. By connecting the devices to the APRO app or your own home automation control unit, any anomalies and malfunctions will be reported. All actuators in the range feature a High Speed Function that allows them to be used as NSHEV devices in combination with a smoke and heat evacuation system (SHEV) in line with EN 12101-2.
With APRO, the Master group prioritises security, but also comfortable living, as the system is programmed to ensure the air exchange through natural ventilation. Automatic schedules for opening and closing windows can be set, improving the healthiness of air and maintaining a constant temperature.
“For more than 10 years, our company has believed in window automation as a natural development of the window of the future”, says engineer Lorenzo Lafronza, Chief Technical Officer at Master. “It was back in 2010 when we launched the concealed WiCloud system, a motorised opening actuator with inward- or outward-opening movement that can be controlled by radio or push-button. This year, thanks to the great expertise of our in-house design team, we developed APRO, our 100% made-in-Italy Window Automation System , designed and manufactured entirely at Master’s factory in Conversano, Puglia.
In the coming months we will release the first line of automation solutions designed to meet the needs of the residential and non-residential market: the former with a management system controlled by a dedicated app for tablets and smartphones, which can be interfaced with the most popular voice assistants; the latter through the support of a professional gateway that allows integration with the main Building Management Systems on the market.
