Cinder connects a Building Management System (BMS) to an ‘augmented reality’ virtual avatar through which people make sense of their building environment, sensors and data.

Most new buildings have a Building Management System (BMS) to handle its sensors, environmental & sustainability infrastructure, but occupants have little interaction with them. Cinder connects these systems to an ‘augmented reality’ virtual animal through which people learn & make meaningful decisions about their building, nourishing & interacting with the mascot-like animal as it roams the premises.

Read more about Cinder and we how we developed the project in our Case Study: Engage Students in Energy & Sustainability.

Overview of Cinder – shown here as a Cat, but can be rendered in other ways

Features

  • AR mirror hardware & software which connects to existing BMS
  • Backend software, which integrates with existing BMS
  • Engagement sessions with occupants and stakeholders
  • Optional smart phone / Chrome laptop app which connects to existing BMS
  • Custom-made digital character and behavior

BMS data rendered as an interactive Cat
BMS data rendered as an interactive Cat
Chrome laptop app and AR mirror which connects to the existing BMS
Chrome laptop app and AR mirror which connects to the existing BMS

Expected Outcomes

By deploying this system, building occupants will:

  • Be more aware of how their actions affect a building’s environment and energy use
  • Have better understanding of energy behaviours
  • Take action to reduce the building’s overall energy use
  • Feel more sense of agency in sustainability issues

Use Cases

  • New build or existing buildings with sustainability and sensor systems or a BMS
  • Built environment where conventional dashboards have had little effect on behaviour change
  • Multiple-occupancy urban environments where multiple stakeholders need to understand and/or make decisions about energy usage