Swatch Group and CSEM develop ecosystem for connected objects

 

The watch manufacturer Swatch Group and the micro- and nanotechnology R&D centre CSEM, both based in Switzerland, are working on the development of a unique Swiss-made ecosystem. It will be designed especially for the needs of small connected objects (Internet of Things) and, naturally, first and foremost for watches. This platform will be built around a tailor-made operating system that is completely new.

The main special features of this operating system will be as follows:

• Swiss made
• Security and absolute protection of data owing to the operating system’s independence and autonomy  as opposed to large international software corporations, mainly American.
• Ultra-low power, in other words a system with ultra-low energy consumption which provides even greater self-sufficiency.
• Durability, to counteract the planned and programmed obsolescence in the world of consumer electronics. The system is designed to last and does not need regular updates.
• Transmission technologies using ultra-low-power Bluetooth.

The ecosystem, which is bespoke and designed right from the start for miniaturisation, will consist of a combination of an operating system, integrated circuits for data processing and transmission, as well as development tools, all of which are optimised to operate together to maximise self-sufficiency and guarantee security. According to Swatch and CSEM, this will be the first time that such a holistic approach has been used anywhere in the world for connected objects. The partners are aiming to launch the first products by the end of 2018.

The operating system developed in partnership with CSEM is only the first stage and new future low-power-consumption applications are already planned by the two partners, thanks to their expertise in integrating small objects.