The 2026 edition of Light + Building in Frankfurt once again confirmed its role as the European – and perhaps global – benchmark event for indoor and outdoor lighting, building electronics and, above all, Building Automation, a sector that has experienced extraordinary growth in recent years thanks to sustainability drivers and the increasing demand for intelligent, connected environments.
Building Automation now represents the foundation of the digital transformation of the construction sector. Walking through the main halls of Light + Building 2026, it was evident that this year’s edition strongly emphasised system integration, achieved through the creation of a single coordinated infrastructure based on open control systems and standard protocols.
This transformation is no longer limited to “business” buildings such as offices, commercial spaces or public administration facilities. It is increasingly affecting the residential and hospitality sectors, from small B&Bs to large international hotel chains.
In this context, solutions based on KNX technology were significantly more present than in previous editions, represented both by innovative niche manufacturers and by major international brands. Beyond the large number of KNX hardware devices on display, the key message was clear: the future lies in the integration of different systems and services in order to create environments that are genuinely comfortable, intelligent and connected.
This clearly reflects a growing awareness that buildings – or more broadly, spaces – are able to generate valuable data and insights that can support more efficient management, improved comfort and enhanced sustainability, regardless of their intended use.
Key trends emerging from the exhibition
Interoperability
Interoperability is no longer a topic of debate. It has effectively become a fundamental principle.
Protocols are now widely standardised – including BACnet, KNX, DALI-2 and others – and the data generated by these systems must be collected and managed through supervisory and control software environments. These platforms need to support both single buildings and multi-site infrastructures.
Equally important is the ability to visualise this data effectively through web-based interfaces that meet the needs of different stakeholders, whether tenants, maintenance teams, facility managers or energy managers. Increasingly, users themselves must also be able to create their own dashboards and reports without necessarily relying on specialist system integrators.
AI for building management
Despite the significant media attention surrounding artificial intelligence over the past year, relatively few solutions at Light + Building actually demonstrated meaningful AI applications.
However, one solution stood out among industry professionals.
Particularly notable was the proposal from J2 Innovations, with the FIN Intelligence suite, one of the most innovative capabilities within the FIN Framework platform. During the exhibition it was possible to see the first release of the Intelligence Assistant in action. If what has been presented represents only the beginning, the application of AI to building management could lead to a genuine transformation in the coming months.
Advanced Energy Management Systems (EMS)
In a context where intelligent energy management and the ecological transition require increasingly strategic decisions, EMS platforms are becoming essential tools. They enable real-time monitoring, advanced analytics and seamless integration with photovoltaic systems and energy storage solutions.
Cybersecurity for smart buildings
The increasing connectivity of buildings introduces new levels of complexity. Regulations such as NIS2 highlight the importance of robust cybersecurity frameworks and require operators capable of protecting building infrastructures from increasingly sophisticated and dynamic cyber threats.
Smarter IoT sensors
The latest generation of IoT sensors offers multi-parameter monitoring, particularly for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and adaptive lighting control. These technologies enable the creation of increasingly automated – and in some cases autonomous – scenarios designed to maximise comfort while reducing energy consumption.
Smart lighting: a pillar of automation
Light + Building remains the global reference point for lighting technologies. However, lighting design today cannot be separated from automation.
This year’s edition saw a strong growth in Human Centric Lighting (HCL) solutions integrated with biometric and behavioural data. Lighting devices are becoming increasingly intelligent and connected, using technologies such as Bluetooth Mesh, Thread and DALI-2, enabling advanced interaction with building management systems.
What this means for the market
The overall impression emerging from the halls of Light + Building 2026 is clear: the smart building sector is entering a phase of technological maturity.
The technologies already exist, the standards are well established, and the focus is shifting from the simple installation of devices towards the integration of systems, data and expertise, transforming buildings into intelligent digital platforms.
In this context, the role of operators capable of designing interoperable architectures, ensuring cybersecurity, managing the data generated by buildings and translating it into tangible value for owners and users is becoming increasingly strategic.
This is precisely the direction in which Coster Group is developing its technological ecosystem and international Partner Programme, with the aim of building a network of integrators, system integrators, energy managers and building automation professionals able to support the market in the transition towards the next generation of intelligent buildings.
For companies operating in the fields of Building Automation, energy management and smart buildings, joining the Coster Partner Programme means gaining access to open technologies, specialised expertise and new development opportunities in increasingly complex and integrated projects.
If you operate in the Building Automation sector and would like to explore opportunities to collaborate with Coster, discover the Partner Programme and contact us to learn how to join the international network of technology partners.