Blaze Automation: Pioneering sustainable IoT solutions since 2007. As a trusted ODM partner, we design and manufacture innovative hardware and software for Smart Homes, Energy Management, and Industrial sectors. Driven by a mission to advance eco-friendly technology, Blaze is committed to reducing time-to-market and building a sustainable future with global partners. OUR STORY Blaze's Commitment to Smart Living Founded in 2007, Blaze Automation is a leading Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) in the IoT industry. We partner with a global customer base to design, develop, test, manufacture, and certify a wide range of hardware products and software solutions tailored to our clients' needs. Our unparalleled expertise spans connectivity protocols, silicon platforms, app development, and cloud architectures, allowing us to significantly reduce time-to-market for our customers. Serving industries including Smart Homes, Energy Management, Industrial, Access Control, Utilities, and Consumer Electronics, we are dedicated to delivering innovative and efficient solutions. Connect with us to see how we can help build your next groundbreaking product. OUR MISSION Sustainability at the Heart of Innovation At Blaze Automation, we firmly believe that the advancement of human civilization must prioritize sustainability. This principle is integral to our mission and guides every product we develop in areas such as Energy Monitoring, Energy Management, and Distributed Energy Resource Orchestration. Our unwavering commitment to sustainability drives us to innovate with eco-friendly technologies and practices. Additionally, we meticulously manage our vendors and supply chain to ensure adherence to sustainability principles across all operations. By embedding sustainability into every facet of our business, we strive to set a benchmark and positively impact the future for generations to come. WHO WE ARE Meet Our Management At Blaze Automation, our leadership team brings together a wealth of experience and expertise, guiding our vision and strategy to innovate and lead in the Internet of Things (IoT) industry. Meet Our Visionary Leaders ARJUN VALLURI CHAIRMAN Arjun, Chairman of Blaze Automation, leading vision and innovation. He co-founded Intelligroup, Inc. (acquired by NTT Data), serving as Chairman, President, and CEO. Arjun has received numerous accolades, including NJ Fast 50 awards, Var Business 500 awards, NJ Entrepreneur of the Year awards, and the NJ Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2001. SRIDHAR PONUGUPATI CEO Sridhar, CEO of Blaze Automation, leads strategy, operations, and development. With extensive experience in industrial embedded security and automation, he has designed systems for banks and government agencies. He has earned IEEE’s Best Circuit Designer award, the Faraday Memorial award, and ranked among the top 20 in Microsoft's Windows Embedded Student Challenge. Dr. DAVE IRVINE HALLIDAY DIRECTOR Dr. Dave MSM, PEng, Professor Emeritus at the University of Calgary, founded "Light Up The World" (LUTW) in 1997, bringing affordable solid-state lighting to 53 countries. An expert in power electronics & solar systems, he has received over 24+ awards, Rolex Laureate, Meritorious Service Medal CA, Saatchi and Saatchi Laureate, Tech Museum Laureate & Y. LoMedal CA. SARADA AKKINENI DIRECTOR Sarada Akkineni, Director at Blaze Automation, oversees software design and development for home automation products. With a decade of management experience at top telecom firms like Lucent Technologies and Net2Phone, her expertise spans broadband networking, high-speed routers, and VoIP systems. She graduated from University of Illinois & started her career at Cisco Systems. COMPANY Blaze in Numbers 18+ Years in IoT 20+ Countries 100+ Products 30+ Customers AAKANKSHA MATHUR G.M of S&M Aakanksha, a seasoned sales professional with 11 years of experience, started her career as a Wealth Manager at ICICI Bank, where she quickly advanced to Branch Manager. She later transitioned to the IoT sector, taking on the role of General Manager for international sales and marketing. With an MBA, Aakanksha excels in driving strategic growth, nurturing client relationships, and expanding global footprints. MALLIKHARJUNA T Senior VP Mallik, Senior Vice President, Engineering & Platform Development at Blaze, brings over 18 years of experience in the embedded systems industry. He has progressed from Jr Embedded Engineer to Technical Lead and Project Manager, now overseeing IoT product development. His expertise includes firmware development, troubleshooting critical issues, and ensuring scalability, security, and interoperability for reliable real-world applications. NAZIA BASHIR AHMED Head of HR Nazia, Head of HR at Blaze Automation, brings over 13 years of experience, initially focused on technical expertise. Driven by curiosity, she transitioned into HR, seamlessly combining her engineering background with a dedication to people. In her leadership role, Nazia fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, striving for both organizational growth and holistic talent development. ARJUN VALLURI CHAIRMAN Arjun, Chairman of Blaze Automation, leading vision and innovation. He co-founded Intelligroup, Inc. (acquired by NTT Data), serving as Chairman, President, and CEO. Arjun has received numerous accolades, including NJ Fast 50 awards, Var Business 500 awards, NJ Entrepreneur of the Year awards, and the NJ Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2001. SRIDHAR PONUGUPATI CEO Sridhar, CEO of Blaze Automation, leads strategy, operations, and development. With extensive experience in industrial embedded security and automation, he has designed systems for banks and government agencies. He has earned IEEE’s Best Circuit Designer award, the Faraday Memorial award, and ranked among the top 20 in Microsoft's Windows Embedded Student Challenge. DHEERAJ KESWANI CFO Dheeraj, CFO of Blaze Automation, is a seasoned finance leader with 20+ years of expertise in corporate finance, strategy, and business management. Holding an MBA from SIMS and a Graduate Diploma from SFM, London, he excels in driving profitability, navigating complex financial landscapes, and implementing sustainable practices for long-term growth.

Discover the B1BMBG22Mx BLE module by Blaze, featuring low-power operation, adjustable transmission power, and high CPU speeds. Ideal for asset tracking, wearables, automotive, and medical devices, it ensures reliable communication with optimized power efficiency for extended battery life. BLE Modules Next-Gen BLE Module Technology B1BMBG22Mx The B1BMBG22Mx is a Blaze RF module built on the EFR32BG22C Series SoCs. Designed for low-power operation, this BLE-based module is ideal for energy-efficient applications. It supports adjustable transmission power ranging from 0 to 6 dBm and offers CPU speeds of up to 38.4 MHz or 76.8 MHz, powered by a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M33 core, enabling strong wireless communication with optimized power consumption. The module ensures reliable data transmission speeds for quick and seamless interactions. Its BLE capabilities suit various applications, including asset tracking, wearable technology, automotive, and medical devices, all while extending battery life through efficient power usage. Chip： EFR32BG22 Protocols： BLE 5.4 Key Features： BLE, 2.4 GHz proprietary, Encrypted advertising data, Periodic advertising with responses TX Power： +6 dBm Range： 80m for 0 DBM module and upto 100m for 6 DBM module BLE Modules Advanced Low-Power RF Module Product Description Specifications Applications Datasheets Related Resources The B1BMBG22Mx is an RF module utilizing the EFR32BG22C SoC series from Silicon Labs’ Gecko family. It features a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M33 processor that operates at a maximum frequency of 76.8 MHz. This module also includes a 38.4 MHz crystal oscillator, along with matching components, an antenna matching network, a low-pass filter, and a PCB antenna. It supports multiple GPIOs for LED and button peripherals. It is compatible with Bluetooth 5.4 Low Energy protocols. Additionally, it can be pre-configured with a serial interface communication protocol to facilitate easy programming. The module supports 9 user-accessible GPIOs. They provide flexibility for custom interfacing and controls. The B1BMBG22Mx series comprises three modules, all based on Silicon Labs' EFR32BG22C SoC family. Since the EFR32BG22C SoCs are compatible in terms of package, pins, and peripherals, these three modules are also fully pin-to-pin compatible with each other. Module Specification of B1BMBG22Mx Parameters of B1BMBG22M1 , B1BMBG22M2 and B1BMBG22M3 Development Kits Development board for B1BMBG22M1 / B1BMBG22M2 /B1BMBG22M3 Supports 9 GPIO pins 3 buttons and a Reset button 3 LED USB- Micro-B and USB to type-C power and debug interface Recommended footprint of B1BMBG22M1 , B1BMBG22M2 and B1BMBG22M3 Pin Attributes Pin functions of B1BMBG22M1 , B1BMBG22M2 and B1BMBG22M3 Applications for 0 dBm BLE device, 38.4MHz Automotive Car Music and infotainment system Accessing car with key-based locking and unlocking functionality Proximity Alerts Battery Health and Charge Status in Electric Vehicles Trunk or Door Release Tire pressure sensor monitoring Remote controlling air conditioning Office Buildings Employee Badge Access: BLE can enable secure access within a 10-20 meter range at entry points, meeting rooms, or printer stations, allowing employees to tap or auto-unlock doors and devices. Employee attendance monitoring system Asset Tracking: BLE tags on equipment (e.g., laptops, projectors) can ensure devices stay within specific rooms or alert users if items are moved. Beacon based applications Smart home applications Appliance Control (BLE-Connected Kitchen Appliances like coffee makers, ovens, or slow cookers.) Motion detectors Smart locks Air quality monitors Water usage monitors In-House electric usage monitors Window blind control Smart plugs Remote control of appliance Speaker and sound system control Elderly and child monitors Pet monitors Doorbell and Visitor Notifications Centralized Hub Communication Health Care and medical devices Wearable health monitoring devices Health tracking Tablet alerting device Smart watches and fitness trackers Applications for 6 dBm with 352 KB memory, 76.8MHz Automotive Remote control vehicle operation Health Care and medical devices Patient health emergency notification system DefenseBeacon based applications Internal Missiles guidance systems Beacon based applications Public Infrastructure and Smart Cities Traffic and Parking Management Public Safety and Emergency Response Environmental Monitoring Real-Time Parking Availability Emergency Call Stations Crowd and Event Management Water and Gas Leak Detection Public Restroom Management Educational Toys Remote control cars Storytelling and Singing Plush Toys Interactive Companions Connected Board Games Voice-Activated Dolls BLE Action Figures Industrial and Manufacturing Asset tracking and inventory management Worker Safety and Location Monitoring Equipment Maintenance and Diagnostics: (HVAC systems, Conveyor Systems, Generators and Power Equipment, etc.,) Retail and Warehousing Proximity Marketing Inventory Tracking Customer Traffic Analysis Environmental monitoring Worker Location and Safety Stock Replenishment Notifications Applications for 6dBm with 512 KB memory, 76.8MHz Agriculture and Farming Automated Irrigation system: Sprinkler controllers, motor pump controller Water Quality Monitoring Smart Agriculture Monitoring: Sensors Crop Health Analysis Soil Health Monitoring Pest and Disease Detection Aerospace and defense Drones Navigation systems Cargo Monitoring: BLE tags Beacon based applications Module Datasheet M1 Module Data Sheet Rev 1.4 M2 Module Data Sheet Rev 1.4 M3 Module Data Sheet Rev 1.4 BLE Dev Kit User Guide BLE Dev Kit User Guide Rev 1.3 Related Resources Related Resources

Stay updated with the latest trends, announcements, and innovations in IoT, smart home technology, energy management, and more. Blaze’s News section brings you the most relevant and timely information shaping the future of connected ecosystems. Press releases Blaze's Solutions Showcased at Electronica India 2024 Hyderabad, India | 24th September 2025 Blaze Automation , a leading Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) in the IoT Industry today announced it has integrated Quantum Random Number Generation (QRNG) technology into its Edge Gateways and platforms. The highest level of security is generation of entropy at the edge. This move positions Blaze Automation as one of the first companies to harness quantum physics for cyber security. The timing is critical: with over 25 billion connected devices in use today (projected to reach 50 billion by 2030) and an estimated 98% of their data traffic unencrypted, the need for stronger security in everyday gadgets has never been greater. In cybersecurity, true randomness at the edge (known as entropy ) is critical. As one industry statement explains, “Entropy creates completely unpredictable strings of random numbers, making it exceptionally difficult for bad actors to predict patterns and hack into systems”. Because Blaze’s QRNG approach uses dedicated hardware to generate entropy, it removes a potential weak link. Every Blaze AI Ready Edge Gateway will carry its own mini quantum random generator, greatly reducing the chance of vulnerabilities. By embracing QRNG now, Blaze is giving its customers a head start on quantum-ready security. It also underscores Blaze’s reputation as a forward-looking innovator - effectively bringing cutting-edge research out of the lab and into the living room. Sridhar Ponugupati, CEO of Blaze Automation, said, “Our customers and partners entrust us with the safety of their data, and we take that responsibility to heart. By embedding quantum-grade randomness into our products, we are adding an invisible but powerful shield for every customer we power. It means peace of mind for our customers and partners, a new benchmark for security in the industry. We are proud to be pioneering this technology, and we believe it will soon become the norm as people demand stronger protection.” For Blaze’s partners and OEM clients, the integration of QRNG opens new opportunities as well. Companies building on Blaze’s designed hardware can offer quantum-level security to their customers, helping them stand out in a crowded market. As industry research notes, the traditional cost and integration barriers to such advanced security are falling, allowing organizations to differentiate themselves by protecting their investments with top-end quantum safeguards. Blaze Automation’s move embodies this trend by making state-of-the-art security practical for everyday life.

The Internet of Things is exploding – over 25 billion devices today and an estimated 50 billion by 2030. Everything from smart bulbs to industrial sensors is online, often handling sensitive data. Yet most of this traffic is unprotected (roughly 98% unencrypted), making IoT devices easy targets. In fact, low-cost devices with weak or no encryption are “often targeted by cyberattacks due to weak encryption and authentication”. In this landscape, securing data at the edge is vital. One crucial ingredient is randomness – the unpredictability that underpins strong encryption. By adding quantum-enhanced random number generation to its AI-ready Edge gateways, Blaze Automation is helping to raise the bar for IoT security. Why Randomness (Entropy) Matters In cryptography, entropy is essentially the “randomness” used to create secure keys. Think of it as rolling a die: the more unpredictable the roll, the more secure the resulting code. As one security blog puts it, entropy is “a measure of the randomness or unpredictability of data” used to generate keys. Without enough entropy, keys can be guessed or brute-forced. In practice, IoT devices use random numbers to create encryption keys, digital signatures, and other cryptographic safeguards. For example, Encryption keys are “comprised of random numbers that should be impossible to predict,” and that “the greater the degree of randomness, the better protected information will be”. In short, high-quality randomness is the foundation of strong encryption. If the random bits are predictable or poor, even military-grade algorithms can be undermined. Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs) to the Rescue Traditional random number generators (RNGs) in computers are often pseudo-random (based on algorithms) or limited by physical sensors. They can suffer bias or depletion of entropy. By contrast, Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs) harness fundamental quantum phenomena (like photon behavior) to produce truly unpredictable bits. These bits are not repeatable or correlated – even the hardware manufacturer can’t predict them – making them ideal for cryptography. Unlike classical RNGs, QRNGs are essentially immune to environmental noise or manipulation. Importantly, QRNGs are built for the quantum era. In practice, that means QRNG-produced keys are strongest, by ensuring every key on the gateway starts from genuine quantum entropy, Blaze’s new gateways help guard against both today’s threats and tomorrow’s quantum-powered attacks. Blaze’s QRNG-Enhanced Edge Gateways Blaze’s AI-ready Edge Gateway (Edge 2.0) with built-in QRNG. Our gateways support dozens of IoT protocols – Wi‑Fi (2.4/5 GHz), Z‑Wave, Zigbee, BLE/Bluetooth, LTE (CAT M1/NB‑IoT), Ethernet, and more– making them the central hub of any smart installation. They pack powerful processors and can run AI workloads locally, offloading tasks from the cloud. Critically, they encrypt data locally: Blaze’s Edge Gateway provides “secure data management with military-grade encryption at the edge”. Now, Blaze has taken security even further by adding a hardware QRNG chip inside the gateway. This means every time the gateway generates an encryption key, it comes from fundamentally random quantum bits. No longer does the device rely solely on software RNG or other entropy sources that might be weak – it has its own true  entropy generator. In practice, this equips the entire IoT network with a hardware root-of-trust . Blaze’s customers can be confident that their data is encrypted with keys that even advanced attackers cannot predict or replicate. Benefits for You and Your Customers Blaze’s integration of QRNG into edge gateways delivers multiple customer benefits: Stronger Encryption: Keys start from quantum randomness, making them virtually unpredictable. This raises the bar on security – even if someone intercepts the data, cracking it is far harder when keys have maximal entropy. Post-Quantum Ready: Conventional RNGs (tied to today’s crypto algorithms like RSA/ECC) could be broken by future quantum computers. A QRNG puts you ahead: as one study explains, QRNGs are “essential for post-quantum security frameworks and next-generation encryption methods”. In short, your gateways are ready for the cryptographic challenges of tomorrow. Future-Proof Scalability: QRNGs can be deployed across an entire IoT network – on devices, in the cloud, or in mix-and-match architectures. Blaze gateways with QRNG can scale from small smart homes to large industrial IoT sites. The same quantum entropy source can help secure thousands of devices without a hitch, giving your solution future-proof scalability. Trusted Differentiation: By using quantum hardware at the edge, you offer a unique security value. This can be a powerful selling point to end-customers and partners who demand the highest trust (think healthcare, finance, or critical infrastructure). Blaze’s QRNG-enabled gateways give your products a competitive edge – you’re not just more secure today, you’re staying ahead of the curve.

What Is Matter and Why It Matters in IoT Matter is a new open smart-home connectivity standard created by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (led by Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, and others) to fix the fragmentation in IoT. It enables easier, more secure, and more reliable communication  between devices, apps, and cloud services across different brands. In practical terms, a Matter-certified device can work with all major ecosystems  (Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, etc.) via a single protocol. This means manufacturers no longer need to build multiple versions of the same product for different platforms, and consumers get a unified experience  regardless of which phone or voice assistant they use. Matter is also designed for local operation – devices can communicate on your local network without requiring constant cloud access, improving speed and reliability for core functions. In short, Matter standardizes IoT interoperability , benefiting everyone in the ecosystem. (Previously, each smart device vendor had its own onboarding process and proprietary integration, forcing device makers to maintain different firmware and certifications for each ecosystem – an expensive and complex endeavor. Matter addresses this challenge by providing one common standard for all.) Key Benefits of Adopting Matter for Smart Devices and Manufacturers Universal Compatibility:  Matter enables devices from different manufacturers to seamlessly work together under one standard. A Matter-enabled light bulb or thermostat will interoperate with any Matter controller or app, regardless of brand, ending the compatibility guessing game for consumers. For example, a new smart lock that speaks Matter can be controlled by Apple’s, Google’s, or Amazon’s smart home apps out-of-the-box, greatly expanding its market reach. Future-Proofing:  Backed by all the industry giants and governed by an alliance, Matter is poised to be the long-term foundation for smart home connectivity. Its open, evolving nature means new device types and improvements are regularly added (Matter 1.4 in late 2024 expanded support to more categories like home appliances, and energy management devices). Adopting Matter helps future-proof devices  against shifting ecosystem trends, ensuring they remain relevant and compatible for years to come. Enhanced Security:  Matter was built with security “baked in” from day one.  All Matter interactions require robust encryption and verified device identities. Every Matter device carries a unique cryptographic certificate issued by the manufacturer and signed by a trusted authority, so devices can prove they are authentic and not cloned or tampered. During setup, devices undergo an attestation process and only join the network after their credentials are validated. All communication on a Matter network is end-to-end encrypted and authenticated, preventing eavesdropping or unauthorized commands. In essence, Matter devices adhere to a zero-trust  security model – no default passwords or “anonymous” access – making smart homes far more resilient to attacks. Seamless User Experience (Multi-Admin Support):  With Matter, consumers enjoy simplified setup and control  of devices. There’s a standard commissioning method (typically scanning a QR code) that works across all Matter devices, so onboarding new gadgets is straightforward. Once on the network, devices can be controlled from any ecosystem simultaneously. Matter’s multi-admin feature  allows multiple apps/platforms to share control of the same device at the same time – for instance, a Matter smart plug could be managed by Amazon Alexa and Google Home simultaneously without re-pairing. This flexibility lets users mix and match platforms (or allow multiple family members to use their preferred assistants) for a truly frictionless experience. As AWS IoT experts note, Matter provides unified device management across ecosystems, eliminating the need for product-specific apps. The result is a more intuitive and hassle-free smart home  that encourages broader adoption. Cost Savings & Simplified Development:  For device manufacturers, Matter dramatically streamlines product development and support. Instead of engineering and certifying separate versions of a device for different ecosystems (one for Apple’s HomeKit, another for Works with Alexa, etc.), vendors can invest in a single Matter integration and certification  that covers all platforms. This reduces engineering effort, testing, and maintenance overhead. It also simplifies inventory since one SKU can serve all markets. Additionally, Matter’s specification is open-source with a royalty-free SDK, which lowers licensing costs and provides a common foundation to build on. Overall, adopting Matter can cut time-to-market and long-term support costs, letting companies focus more on innovation and product quality rather than chasing multiple standards. Real-World Momentum and Early Adopters Matter only officially launched in late 2022, but it has gained significant momentum in the smart home industry. Every major smart home platform has rolled out support for Matter.  In fact, most ecosystem providers enabled Matter compatibility via software updates to their existing hubs and speakers in 2023. For example, Apple’s HomePod Mini, Google’s Nest Hub, Amazon Echo devices, and Samsung SmartThings hubs all now act as Matter controllers (and Thread border routers in many cases) to onboard and manage Matter devices. This means if you buy a new Matter-enabled smart bulb or door sensor, you can set it up directly using any of these platforms. Consumers no longer have to worry about whether a device is “Works with Alexa” or “Works with Google” – if it’s Matter-certified, it works with all . On the device side, hundreds of products across many categories  are quickly becoming Matter-compatible. The Matter 1.4 specification (released Nov 2024) expanded support to cover most common smart home device types, including lights, plugs, locks, thermostats, blinds, sensors, TVs, appliances, and more. Forward-looking manufacturers like Nanoleaf, Eve, and Philips Hue have announced firmware updates or new models to bring Matter support to their lighting and sensor products, and many new devices are launching with Matter out-of-the-box. While not every legacy device is upgraded yet, the trend is clear – Matter is rapidly becoming the baseline for connectivity in new smart home gadgets. The standard’s promise of local control, better security, and cross-platform control  is driving broad industry adoption and investment. (It’s worth noting that Matter coexists with existing technologies: for example, bridges can link non-IP devices (like Zigbee or Z-Wave sensors) into a Matter network. This helps protect consumers’ existing device investments during the transition to Matter.) Key Technical Features of the Matter Protocol From an engineering perspective, Matter introduces a modern, robust foundation for IoT devices. Some of its notable technical features include: IP-Based Networking (IPv6):  Unlike traditional home automation protocols that are vendor-specific, Matter runs over standard Internet Protocol. Matter devices are IP-addressable and communicate using IPv6, whether over Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Thread wireless mesh. Thread is a low-power IEEE 802.15.4 mesh network that Matter uses for sensors and other low-bandwidth devices, while Wi-Fi/Ethernet support higher bandwidth needs – and Matter unifies them at the application layer. By leveraging IP, Matter devices can talk to each other on the local network without proprietary hubs, and they can also interface with cloud services as needed using common networking (e.g. HTTP, mDNS for service discovery). This IP foundation makes Matter networks highly scalable and reliable, and eases integration with existing IT infrastructure. Plus, local IP control ensures your smart home stays functional even if the internet is down. Multi-Admin and Multi-Fabric Support:  Matter introduces the concept of fabrics , which are like secure home networks for Matter devices. A fabric can have one or more administrators  (controllers) that manage devices. With Matter’s multi-admin capability, a single device can join multiple fabrics – meaning it can be controlled by more than one smart home system at the same time. Technically, a device holds secure credentials for each admin/controller (for example, one for your Apple Home and one for your Alexa). This feature is groundbreaking in that it breaks the old one-ecosystem silo model. You could set up a Matter smart plug with Apple HomeKit and still allow Amazon Alexa to access it, for instance. Matter takes care of ensuring consistent state and security across these connections. For product developers, multi-admin means they no longer have to choose which ecosystems to support – they support Matter and automatically get compatibility with all, concurrently. Secure by Design Architecture:  Security is a first-class element in Matter’s architecture. Every device must go through cryptographic attestation  when joining a network. As mentioned, manufacturers embed a Device Attestation Certificate (DAC) in each device, signed by a trusted Product Attestation Authority, which the onboarding controller checks against the CSA’s Distributed Compliance Ledger (a blockchain-based registry of certified devices). Only authentic, certified devices are allowed to join. Communication is protected at all stages with strong encryption (using AES-128 and SHA-256 in Matter’s secure messaging), and there are no default passwords  – pairing requires a per-device setup code and an exchange of cryptographic keys (PASE and CASE protocols for commissioning and operational sessions). Matter also enforces fine-grained access control: devices carry Access Control Lists that specify which other devices/users can control them and in what way. Combined, these measures ensure trusted devices, secure control, and encrypted communication  throughout the system. For the end user, this means a much harder target for hackers – a compromised camera or bulb cannot be used to infiltrate your network, and rogue devices can’t just join without permission. For product makers, Matter’s security framework provides a clear path to implementing best-in-class IoT security without having to invent it from scratch. Standardized Setup and Operation:  Matter defines a uniform device data model and interaction model, based on a cluster (feature) library much like Zigbee’s. This means a light bulb or door lock from different vendors will expose the same standard functionality to controllers. Developers can use the open-source Matter SDK (under Apache license) to implement the standard device behaviors, which accelerates development and ensures interoperability. Device commissioning is standardized too – typically using Bluetooth Low Energy or Wi-Fi for initial onboarding, initiated by a QR code or numeric code. This consistent approach simplifies the user experience and reduces support issues. Matter also supports OTA (over-the-air) updates  and mandatory compliance testing, so devices can be updated for improvements or security patches in a controlled way. All these technical choices contribute to Matter’s goals of simplicity, reliability, and interoperability  at scale. (In summary, Matter’s technical stack combines the reliability of local networking  with the convenience of a unified application layer , plus a secure handshake and messaging protocol  that every device must adhere to. It’s a huge leap from the patchwork of IoT standards we had before.)

In an era where energy demands are surging due to electrification, renewable integration, and extreme weather events, maintaining grid stability has never been more critical. Enter Demand Response (DR)  and its automated evolution, Automated Demand Response (ADR)  - strategies that empower consumers to actively participate in balancing energy supply and demand. As we navigate 2025, these technologies are not just buzzwords; they're essential tools for sustainability, cost savings, and resilience. At Blaze Automation Services, with over 17 years of expertise in IoT - driven smart energy solutions, we are at the forefront of helping businesses and utilities harness ADR to transform energy management. This blog explores the fundamentals of DR and ADR, the emerging trends shaping their adoption, and how innovative IoT products like our Raycon Smart Energy Meters and AI-Ready Edge Computing Gateways are making these programs more accessible and effective. Whether you're a utility, property manager, or energy-conscious enterprise, read on to discover how you can join the demand response revolution. What is Demand Response?  Demand Response refers to changes in electricity usage by end-users in response to supply conditions, often incentivized by utilities through time-based rates, direct load control, or payments for curtailment during peak periods. In simple terms, it's about shifting energy consumption from high-demand times (like hot summer afternoons) to off-peak hours, easing strain on the grid and avoiding blackouts. Traditional DR often relies on manual actions—think turning off non-essential lights or delaying appliance use based on alerts from your utility or semi-automated responses via pre-programmed smart devices like thermostats for HVAC adjustments. While effective, it can still involve human oversight or setup, which may lead to inconsistent participation. That's where ADR steps in, fully automating the process to respond instantly to signals without any user intervention. The global demand response market is poised for explosive growth, projected to expand from USD 35.2 billion in 2025 to USD 127.1 billion by 2035, underscoring its role in the energy transition. In the U.S. alone, the Demand Response Management System (DRMS) market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.7% from 2025 to 2030, driven by automated technologies. The Evolution to Automated Demand Response ADR takes DR to the next level by leveraging technology - sensors, controls, gateways, mobile applications and web dashboards - to execute load reductions automatically. When a utility sends a signal, compatible appliances like air conditioners, geysers/water heaters, washing machines, dish washers adjust operations in real-time. No apps to check, no schedules to remember - just seamless efficiency. Consider a commercial building during a heatwave: ADR could dim lights, optimize HVAC systems, and defer non-critical loads, all while ensuring occupant comfort. This automation not only boosts reliability but also maximizes incentives. Recent data shows DR events surged 173% from 2021 to 2024, yet average device participation only ticked up by 2%, highlighting the need for more intuitive, automated systems to drive broader adoption. At Blaze Automation, our solutions are built for this exact purpose. Our Raycon Smart Secondary Energy Meter  provides precise, real-time monitoring of voltage, current, power, and energy consumption, integrating seamlessly with cloud platforms for instant analytics. Paired with our AI-Ready Edge Computing Gateways , which support multi-protocol connectivity (including Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-SUN, Wi-Fi, and LTE), these devices enable edge computing for lightning-fast responses - crucial for ADR compliance. Key Trends Shaping DR and ADR in 2025 2025 marks a pivotal year for demand response, with five major trends poised to redefine the landscape: Integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) : With solar panels, battery storage, and EVs proliferating, DR programs are evolving to aggregate small-scale resources into virtual power plants (VPPs). This trend enhances grid flexibility, as seen during the June 2025 eastern U.S. heatwave, where DR helped avert widespread instability. IoT and AI-Driven Insights : The rise of IoT-based DR is revolutionizing energy management with real-time data and predictive analytics. Expect smarter algorithms that anticipate peaks and automate responses, reducing energy costs by up to 20% for participants. Focus on Customer Engagement : Utilities are addressing barriers like low awareness and trust issues by offering user-friendly apps and transparent incentives. Programs are expanding to underserved communities, making DR more inclusive. Regulatory Push for Market Participation : New policies are removing gaps that hinder DR adoption, enabling aggregated resources to compete alongside traditional generators. This could unlock billions in value for utilities. Sustainability at the Core : As net-zero goals intensify, DR is key to integrating renewables. The ADR market itself is booming, fueled by rising energy costs and the urgent need for grid stabilization. How IoT Powers Effective ADR: Blaze's Role IoT is the backbone of modern ADR, enabling devices to communicate, sense, and act autonomously. Our end-to-end solutions at Blaze Automation bridge the gap between idea and implementation: Smart Sensors and Controls : Devices like our Smart In-wall Relays , IR Blasters , and Smart Sockets  allow remote scheduling and load shedding - such as instantly powering down IR-controlled appliances like air conditioners, or intelligently reschedule high-consumption tasks such as washing machines and dishwashers to off-peak hours - perfect for DR events. AI Ready-Edge Computing Gateways : Our gateways process data locally for sub-second responses, minimizing latency and cloud dependency while supporting OTA updates for future-proofing. Comprehensive Software : The B.One® OS  platform aggregates data from the smart devices into intuitive web dashboards and mobile apps. It offers voice integration and advanced analytics, helping users visualize savings and optimize participation. Conclusion: Partner with Blaze for Smarter Energy Tomorrow Demand Response and Automated Demand Response are no longer optional - they're the smart path to efficient, sustainable energy management. At Blaze Automation Services Private Limited, we're committed to turning these technologies into reality with our proven IoT ecosystem. Ready to optimize your energy strategy? Visit   www.blazeautomation.com  to explore our solutions or contact our team at support@blazeautomation.com for a personalized consultation. Let's automate the future of energy - together. Blaze Automation: Innovating IoT for a Smarter World.