Room 5 Doubles Up on Wins at the Internet of Things World Hackathon

ENCINITAS, Calif., May 19, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Room 5 announces today that it has won the top award for Best Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) Project as well as the overall 2015 IOT World Hackathon Grand Prize at this years 2^nd Annual IOT World Hackathon and Expo which was held at San Francisco's Moscone Center. The hackathon, supported by companies such as Freescale, Intel, Anaren and Broadcom, gave developers and designers the opportunity to build an IOT prototype using a variety of IoT technologies in hardware, components and platforms.

Room 5 engineers and designers Ola Bodin, Lars Finander, Hardik Sharma, Patrick Mealey and Stephen Frost worked collaboratively with representatives from WunderBar, Texas Instruments and SmartThings to understand how best to integrate each tool into their project - iTrash. iTrash is an automated prototype that consists of a trashcan placed on top of an iRobot Create2 . It utilizes a number of sensors including proximity, humidity and open/close, to determine when the trash can is full, when to open the garage door and drive itself to the curb on trash day, and when to drive back into the garage once emptied.

The hackathon judges recognized the potential of iTrash and understood the prototype is more than a SmartApp or a simple SmartHome product, it's a real-world use case that demonstrates the hidden levels of complexity and integration involved in connecting even the simplest of objects.

"In any connected device there are a number of components and each of those components, has a specific use and capability, but only when integrated together with the right complimentary pieces is the product able to perform to its true potential," says Room 5 CTO Erik Ljung. "We work similarly through our Co-Creation Method, in which we combine just the right components to develop and deliver a fully integrated solution. Our team did a wonderful job demonstrating this methodology while showcasing our technical expertise."

The IoT World Hackathon is a competitive event that invites technologist and industry stakeholders from all over the world to shape the next generation of the connected Internet. Hackathons such as this provide an exploratory environment where disruption and creative ideas are essential tools for innovation, an ideal atmosphere for Room 5 hackathon teams to excel. Teams from the Room 5 Redwood City and Encinitas Ca., offices and the Portland Ore., office have now won three of the previous hackathons they have entered, with awards such as Best UI, Best Educational App and the overall Community Award.

Room 5 fuses user-centered design with deep engineering expertise, leading clients through its proprietary Co-Creation Method in a world that is getting smarter and more connected everyday. With over 20 years of experiences, Room 5 specialized in developing smart, connected products for clients to connect to the Internet of Things. Their highly iterative development approach and methodologies ensure on time, on budget and on scope deliveries – resulting in transformative advantages. Others talk about a smart, connected world. Room 5 is creating it. For more information visit www.room5.com.