The way we control these devices still seems to be the missing link, while most of the smart products are relying on their own bridges to control the devices it is becoming increasingly necessary to create a Hub for controlling all the devices centrally. It would not be something appalling and convenient if every IoT manufacturer comes with their own app.
ADRC
ADRC (Auto Discovery Remote Control) is a new platform from Xped that will allow smartphone users to control most of the electronic devices in their everyday environment with a simple tap. The ADRC requires a NFC enabled smartphone which automatically discovers the device and sets up a secured wireless network and builds up any sorts of resources needed to display its user interface. The IoT devices usually employ several custom transport protocols for different applications, however the ADRC neutralizes the ambiguity by introducing a common protocol which will standardize the application layer. This is done by using a Resource Control Protocol which will allow the devices to support the ADRC natively.
On boarding the ADRC
So just like all the other controllers you need to configure your devices with the ADRC. This can be done by hovering the NFC of your phone over the tag on the devices, voila! You have setup the device successfully. The Smartphone companion app will allow the users to choose between different UIs one which is simple and another one meant for pro users and service engineers. The ADRC will be a boon for manufacturers since all they need to do is design an UI for the app without the need to write it from scratch. Further the ADRC environment will allow manufacturers to go beyond the fixed profile standards and push in innovative features as and how they want to. The ADRC will facilitate a better and more transparent communication channels with the customers and it will also lead to easier error diagnostics for the service engineers.
Support and Compatibility
Since not all devices come with integrated IoT chips, it becomes a point of concern to know whether this new control hub will be compatible with all the legacy devices. John Stefenac, CEO of Xped explains that the devices natively supporting IoT won’t have any issues supporting the ADRC but the company also seems to offer a conversion package. A bundle containing a SmartPlug and an IR Blaster will convert your legacy devices to support the Hub. The company also seems to be developing a solution making use of Zigbee or ZWave technology. Manufacturers can simply buy the ADRC development kit and integrate the solution on their devices.
Possibilities
The ADRC doesn’t seem to be all about aggregating the devices and blending them to the single point of control instead it seems to be focussed on bringing more devices on board and thus helping users choose the device they want to control with a simple tap on their smartphones. If successfully implemented in future devices, the ADRC can easily prove to be a disruptive technology that will help people use IoT. The new aggregator Hub can be employed in several scenarios including the control and monitor of medical equipment’s a situation where response time is scarce and of essence and the same time. The video below will walk you through graphically on how the ADRC works.
