FIBARO Sends Z-Wave Smart Home Control to Top of the World

  • Apr 07, 2015

FIBARO, a European manufacturer of wireless, intelligent home automation systems, and the Z-Wave Alliance announce the launch of the boldest and most remote demonstration of today’s smart home technology: the FIBARO Mount Everest Challenge, powered by Z-Wave.

Mountain climber Mariusz Malkowski, a 40-year-old technical services manager at Sigma Designs and a member of the 300-member Z-Wave Alliance, aims to prove that "Home is Wherever You Are." Malkowski will confront extreme conditions as he ascends to the top of Mount Everest -- the world’s highest mountain at over 29,000 feet above sea-level – and from where, in a live demonstration, he will control FIBARO sensors and other Z-Wave powered devices located half a world away.  The demonstration will take place between May 16 and May 30, depending on climbing conditions.

In September 2013, Malkowski took home control to new heights when he remotely controlled home automation devices from the top of Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest mountain in the world. This year Malkowski will be going even further and higher -- and likely in far harsher conditions -- to demonstrate the interoperability of devices from different brands and the dependability of Z-Wave Technology, as well as highlighting the overall benefits of home control.

Also coinciding with this announcement is the launch of a new FIBARO Mount Everest Challenge Facebook page and a new website.  Visitors to these interactive and informative pages will be invited to "help Mariusz prepare his home and backpack for the trip." An application on these pages will allow users to do things like: lock the doors in Mariusz’ home, turn off the electricity, shut off the lights and shut off the water.

Malkowski has climbed world-class mountains on four continents, many of them by himself. For the FIBARO Challenge, Malkowski will be climbing Mount Everest alone, with no porters and no supplemental oxygen during the expedition. He is scheduled to begin his ascent on April 3 or 4 and will conclude around the end of May. A video about his challenging journey can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_Owc-H-fD0.

An initial live connection from the Everest Base Camp is planned for Thursday, April 16, 11:00 a.m. (PST) at the Z-Wave Pavilion at ISC West in Las Vegas (Booth #28065). As conditions allow, attendees will be able to watch Malkowski control several smart home devices, including FIBARO sensors, Vivint security system, Kwikset electronic locks, Yale electronic locks, GoControl garage door controller, and a FortrezZ smart water valve, which will all located on the show floor using only his smartphone.

The FIBARO Mt. Everest Challenge is sponsored by the Z-Wave Alliance, Vivint, Kwikset, Yale/ASSA ABLOY, Nortek Security & Control, Sigma Designs, FortrezZ, and ZWaveProducts.com.

Featured

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.