There are very few companies in the world that have been innovating for over 135 years.

In 1885, long before anyone talked about carbon footprints or climate change, Warren Johnson launched a company to explore new ways to harness and conserve precious energy resources. He was ahead of his time when he invented the world's first electric thermostat.

In doing so, he also launched a tradition of innovation – a tradition that inspires thousands of employees today and continues to drive the success of Johnson Controls.

The story of Johnson Controls started with innovation – it’s in our DNA. We continue to spearhead the creation and adoption of advanced building solutions. The groundbreaking work at the Johnson Controls OpenBlue Innovation Center located in Cork, Ireland is just another example of how we don’t just produce an answer for our customers, we find the answer that meets their specific needs. It is a regional center of excellence and a true space for groundbreaking customer-focused solutions.

The gateway to possibilities
The need for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings has accelerated, and with it, people expect more. They want better experiences and performance from the spaces they occupy and manage.

Enter OpenBlue, a complete suite of connected solutions and tailored services powered by cutting-edge technology that make buildings come alive.

The OpenBlue Innovation Center in Cork is part of a global network of OpenBlue Innovation Centers around the world, innovating 24/7. It is a spectacular showcase of how advanced technologies are creating smart buildings of the future.

The center works as a data gathering gateway that collects and processes thousands upon thousands of data points to drive specific smart solutions. It acts as a powerful data mesh where the possibilities are endless and ever evolving.

As it becomes more sophisticated, the needs of more and more customers are met and the portfolio of OpenBlue connected solutions expands.

Smart solutions for smart experiences
With OpenBlue, customers can choose from a suite of solutions to increase energy efficiency, improve space performance and create enhanced experiences.

Powered by safe, secure real-time data – effective decisions can be made for the best use of people’s time, energy and resources. All while optimizing the space to create an immersive, supportive, and effective experience for everyone.

The OpenBlue Innovation Center in Cork is living proof of how it all happens. It is there that occupants and visitors experience some of the most advanced OpenBlue solutions in real life.

Increasing energy efficiency
Our innovators created a new level of comfort for everyone in the building using OpenBlue Enterprise Manager. The suite of apps monitors energy efficiency, comfort, asset performance, maintenance operations, and space performance, all from a single pane of glass.

Improving space performance
While the OpenBlue Location Manager solution plays a crucial role in capturing the ebbs and flows of the Innovation Center by day, week, and month to see how space is being used. It identifies spikes in demand and through scenario planning reports, assists crisis management teams in monitoring and responding to arising events.

Harmonizing data
OpenBlue Digital Twin technology takes the knowledge of the building and how it is used to another dimension. Detailed digital mapping supports the lifecycle of the building so that decisions are made in real-time, backed by data.

Enhancing experiences
Visitors and occupants in the innovation center experience a workspace – that works for them – with OpenBlue Companion. By downloading the app they have access to amazing experiences that connect them with the building improving engagement, productivity and overall happiness.

Pushing the boundaries of possibilities
The innovators at Johnson Controls also create bespoke solutions for customers, tailoring a OpenBlue powered solution to the capabilities of a building.

For them, it’s often a case of devising a proof of concept and then delivering on what the customer is asking for.

The long journey of ingenuity is still very much alive today. What is the next challenge for the team of innovators in the centers across the world? To build smarter, healthier and more sustainable tomorrows.

Innovation that never sleeps
Our headquarters building in Cork is home to one of our OpenBlue Innovation Centers situated across the globe. This means the sun never sets on our innovation efforts. This passion for the new idea, the fresh perspective, is alive in all we do, and we channel that spirit into solutions that set us apart.

Plan your visit to the OpenBlue Innovation Center Cork today and experience a smart building of the future.

Read more about OpenBlue Innovation Center Cork, Ireland launch.

Learn about the OpenBlue Innovation Centers here.

Explore more about OpenBlue.