SGS’s
considerable experience in testing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, and its
global network of specialist electrical and electronic (E&E) testing
facilities, make it the ideal partner when trying to understand regulatory
compliance in the growing market for high tech kitchen products.
Demand for IoT
products is growing around the world – by 2022 it is predicted the domestic
product market will be worth around USD 53.45 billion. The popularity of
cooking programs on TV, and the fact kitchens, alongside bathrooms, are the
most renovated part of a house, demonstrate our general interest in food.
Ironically, a study from 2014 showed that, despite this love of food and the desire
for a nice kitchen, in the US and UK we only spend an average of 5.9 hours
preparing food a week. In France, the figure is lower – 5.5 hours – with India
being the highest at 13.2 hours.
The disconnect between our love of good food and the
aspiration to have a lovely kitchen, and our wish to not actually spend much
time cooking, fits in nicely with the growing market for IoT technologies aimed
at the kitchen.
IoT is a system of interrelated devices that ‘speak’
to each other without human input. Sensors can be embedded in a wide variety of
products, allowing them to perform several useful functions. In the kitchen,
IoT devices can:
- Order groceries
by scanning barcodes to create shopping lists - Monitor natural
gas and carbon monoxide levels, temperature, humidity and smoke, raising
alarms when there is danger - Help moderate
diets by, for example, reducing the speed you eat at or analyzing
beverages for calories/caffeine - Suggest recipes –
by monitoring inventory levels, the device can offer recipe ideas - Act as sous-chef
– a voice-activated digital assistant can help you prepare perfect meals - Cook for you –
some devices prepare and cook the food for you – e.g. smart pressure
cookers with a database of recipes
There are many more smart technologies being
incorporated into our kitchens – for example, smart cameras in the fridge so
you can see what you have in stock when at the shop, or smart wine aerators for
the perfect glass of red wine. IoT technology in the kitchen not only helps you to cook
better, it also makes you safer, healthier, and can save you money and reduce
waste.
To access markets around the
world, IoT technology must conform to the appropriate regulatory requirements.
There is no standardized technology for IoT; a number of different IoT technologies that
can be employed, including narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), CAT M1, LoRa/Sigfox, Z-wave
and Zigbee.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforces
the following standards in the USA:
- NB-IoT/CAT M1 –
CFR 47 Part 22, CFR 47 Part 24, CFR 47 Part 27 - LoRa/Sigfox – CFR
47 Part 15.247 - Z-wave – CFR 47
Part 15.247 or Part 15.249 - Zigbee – CFR 47
Part 15.247
SGS can test and certify products using these IoT
technologies for both the US (FCC) and Canada (ISED).
In the European Union, products using these IoT technologies must conform to:
- NB-IoT/CAT M1 –
EN 301 511 EN 301 908-1 EN 301 908-2 EN 301 908-13 - LoRa/Sigfox – EN
300 220 - Z-wave – EN 300
220 - Zigbee – EN 300
328
SGS can test IoT products using these systems and
issue an EU Type Examination Certificate (TEC).
Smart technologies are often hidden technologies. The requirements for
accessing target markets may, therefore, go beyond simple adherence to the
standard for the IoT technology. For example, a beverage cup that measures
caffeine content would also need to conform to food contact materials
regulations. Depending on the product and target market, therefore, the
manufacturer may also need to consider product safety, energy efficiency, performance, chemical testing (RoHS, REACH, California Prop 65, etc.), radio frequency testing, and electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC).
SGS Electrical and Electronic Services
SGS has considerable experience in helping
manufacturers successfully access E&E markets around the world. Backed by a
global network of specialist laboratories, they can assist with EMC and RF testing, alongside comprehensive quality, safety and
performance testing solutions for E&E and other consumer products. As the
world’s leading provider of testing, verification and certification services,
SGS has the breadth of experience across multiple consumer product lines to
help manufacturers of IoT devices ensure their products comply with all
appropriate regulations. Learn more about SGS E&E Services.
For
more information, please contact:
Jason
Wei
Senior Technical Manager
Electrical and Electronics
David
Schramm
Operations Manager
Electrical and Electronics
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/ee
About SGS
SGS is the
world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company.
SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more
than 94,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and
laboratories around the world.