A washing machine, a microwave oven and a coffee machine stand side by side, symbolizing smart devices in a modern household.

Smart devices

Software Engineering
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Digital transformation through smart devices

With MaibornWolff at your side, you can make the most of the potential of smart devices. Our collaboration takes place at eye level: from the initial product vision to development and implementation through to support during go-live.

Our experts design a strategy tailored to your success and support you throughout the entire process. From joint workshops to ensuring smooth operations, we offer solutions that will drive your business forward. Within just a few weeks, we'll identify the best approach to help you reap the full benefits of smart devices and pioneering technologies.

We offer solutions

Smart devices are connected to the internet and interact with their environment via sensors, are equipped with considerably more computing power and intelligence and receive new features via remote software updates. Software development for smart devices is changing dramatically and requires approaches that work across many disciplines.

How we achieve our goal

Smart devices are never just the device and its firmware. They are digitized physical products that are always an interplay of networked components: Device hardware, device software, device UI (HMI), IoT backend, data pipeline, mobile app, 3rd party API, etc. These must function as a whole and be secured so that they offer added value for the end user and become a high-quality product.

This is our key

To make the end-to-end concept for smart devices a reality, we start at the breaking points: these can be in areas such as connectivity to the IoT platform, IT security, remote software updates or the user experience. We help to close these gaps - with technological expertise and cross-team, communicative collaboration.

Three people sit at a table with a laptop and discuss, possibly about smart devices.

Processes and technologies: What smart devices change

If the device is networked and regularly receives new software updates, the V model with specifications and lengthy release cycles no longer makes sense. The end user expects much more frequent releases, as is usual in the cloud or on a smartphone.

A lot has also changed in terms of technology: Where previously highly specialized chips and operating systems adapted to the hardware had to be built, more and more smart devices are based on standard platforms such as the STM32 and embedded Linux. We are even already seeing containers based on Docker or Podman on some devices.

With the Smart Devices division, we are helping to master the digital transformation of these devices.

Our approach

It all starts with your product vision, which we illuminate together with you. In the second phase, we develop the software for your device before finally supporting the go-live.

Exploration

In workshops, we work with you to shed light on your product vision, design the architecture, the first minimum viable product, a feature roadmap or even a "model to be wrong". We start with a small team for three to eight weeks.

On the way to the smart device, it is crucial to map the development statuses in prototypes and to constantly compare them with the customer's expectations.

Implementation

We implement the software on the device, establish connectivity to the IoT backend and use the device's sensors to record its environment.

The procedure depends heavily on the results of the exploration phase. The following guidelines are recommended:

  • Develop the highest risk parts into a working iteration first.
  • Encapsulate high volatility components with appropriate APIs to allow independent development of dependent components.
  • Pick up well-defined components and re-implement them first to enable an iterative approach.

Hypercare

Once implemented, the team can be scaled down to support the go live. All prioritized features are complete and our team is focused on a smooth transition to production.

Our technology

Yocto, C++, MicroPython, Docker, Podman, K3s, MicroK8s, k3OS, RTOS, Bluetooth

A man is wearing a dark blue sweater and white shirt, perhaps preparing for a presentation or interview on smart devices.
Real-time communication cannot be guaranteed in cloud environments. You often have to do this on the device in order to recognize dangers and react immediately, for example to switch the engine on or off.
Alex Hofmann, CTO MaibornWolff
Read MIELE case study

Our references & projects

A reference is worth more than 1,000 words. Fortunately, we have dozens of them. Click through a selection of our most exciting projects and see for yourself!

  • A red MAN truck drives along an empty road under a clear night sky with shining stars.
    MAN: Efficient threat analysis for control units

    Digitalization increases cyber risks - especially for MAN's new CM4 control unit. Our experts use the 4×6 methodology and ThreatSea to identify threats at an early stage and develop targeted protective measures. Find out how MAN uses intelligent risk analysis to strengthen the security of its vehicles.

    Learn more
    MAN: Efficient threat analysis for control units
    7 months

    Project duration

    Over 20 workshops

    Threat analyses

    Over 500

    Potential risks evaluated

    Learn more
  • A technician in a green Siemens jacket sits in front of a computer on a factory floor with industrial equipment in the background.
    Siemens: AI demand prediction platform for industrial production planning

    Siemens is looking to the future with the AI Demand Prediction Platform. Thanks to machine learning and AutoML, precise demand forecasts can be created for over 100 products and production can be better planned. Launched as a proof of concept, the platform quickly developed into a system that can be used productively. The self-service web application will soon be used in other plants.

    Read more
    Siemens: AI demand prediction platform for industrial production planning
    Project duration

    Since February 2022

    Proof of concept

    in a few weeks

    Time series prediction

    for 100 different products

    Read more
  • Two women are standing in a workshop. One woman is holding a tablet in her hands.
    TÜV NORD GPT: Development of AI assistance

    Find relevant information faster by chatting with documents? It's possible! The TÜV NORD GROUP uses GPT technology in the secure Microsoft Azure Cloud. With the aim of optimizing knowledge management and efficiency. The system enables new usage options within the testing group and is operated securely. Find out more about the innovative AI assistance system now.

    Read more
    TÜV NORD GPT: Development of AI assistance
    Project duration

    since September 2023

    33.000

    GPT applications in the first month

    ChatGPT Model 4

    in the European Microsoft Azure Cloud

    Read more
  • Carousel_Schöck_Components-1
    Schöck components: Improvement of the requirements process

    Together with MaibornWolff, the construction industry specialist optimized the requirements management of its Scalix design software. Thanks to the digital design approach, the technical requirements were re-specified and the software was further developed in a user-centered manner. The aim is to continuously increase user satisfaction and integrate internal and external interests. Read more about the methodology and results now!

    Read more
    Schöck components: Improvement of the requirements process
    Project duration

    since 2022

    Team size

    2-3 Digital Designer:inside

    In 2024
    Scalix replaces old software
    Read more
  • VW drives through tunnel at night
    VW: Digitization of key production figures with the iProcess app

    Less paper, more efficiency: Volkswagen replaces analog processes with the iProcess app. Cloud-native technologies and digital design enable intuitive recording and analysis of key production figures. This increases transparency and overall equipment effectiveness and paves the way for predictive maintenance at the automotive group.

    Read more
    VW: Digitization of key production figures with the iProcess app
    Project duration

    Since January 2021

    Team size

    5 to 10 persons

    Fast app development

    thanks to Digital Design

    Read more
  • Woman on the beach at sunset with laptop.
    DER Touristik: Become a digital travel companion in 7 months

    Travel information, bookings, support - all in one app. With Flutter, MaibornWolff developed a cross-platform solution for DER Touristik. In just seven months, a stable app was created for iOS and Android that supports multiple brands, languages and countries. This is how customer proximity travels.

    Read more
    DER Touristik: Become a digital travel companion in 7 months
    7 months

    From Kickoff to Go Live

    iOS and Android

    Digital travel companion

    Whitelabelling solution

    Uncomplicated integration of additional brands, languages and countries

    Read more
  • Sports car parked in a colorful desert landscape.
    Mixed reality: driving a real car in a virtual world

    Virtual racing in a real car? MaibornWolff made it possible for the BMW M. Within three months, we used Unreal Engine 4 to develop a prototype that processes vehicle signals with high performance and creates an immersive driving experience without motion sickness. The cockpit remains real, the surroundings become the racetrack.

    Read more
    Mixed reality: driving a real car in a virtual world
    <3 months

    From the vision to the prototype

    3D applications

    in real time

    Team

    Unreal development, XR technology, game design, smart devices, 3D content

    Read more
  • Woman with tablet in modern factory hall
    KUKA: Web interface for a new Human Machine Interface

    Rethinking robotics: KUKA is working with us to develop iiQKA.OS - an operating system with an intuitive web HMI. Using web technologies and scrum methods, we enable flexible customization and simple control. Open collaboration makes robotics more accessible than ever before.

    Read more
    KUKA: Web interface for a new Human Machine Interface
    Goal

    Replacing the current control software

    iiQKA.OS

    Fast and intuitive development

    > 11,000 hours

    Project work

    Read more
  • Header_Stiehl-IMOW-16-9
    STIHL: Control iMOW robotic mower via app

    Robot mower redefined: The iMOW from STIHL makes lawn care smarter. Our software expertise combined with STIHL's hardware know-how ensures intuitive app control. The result? A networked device that makes gardening easier - simple, efficient, innovative.

    Read more
    STIHL: Control iMOW robotic mower via app
    Project duration

    since August 2020

    Robot mower

    Control via app

    Process optimization

    with the customer

    Read more
  • Woman smiling while driving into vehicle.
    DEKRA: Modern enterprise architecture thanks to co-creation

    New IT for a sustainable future: the global auditing group needed to modernize its IT landscape. Co-Creation created a harmonized architecture and the EA Community promotes cross-border exchange for strong IT until 2025 - and beyond.

    Read more
    DEKRA: Modern enterprise architecture thanks to co-creation
    Most important method:

    Building an EA community

    Created concept

    Enterprise Architecture

    Cooperation

    at eye level

    Read more
  • Person uses Miele app in modern kitchen.
    Miele domestic appliances are networked worldwide

    How do household appliances become smart? Miele relies on an IoT platform that we played a key role in developing. Container-based architecture ensures stable communication, DevOps for continuous improvement - so that smart appliances can be found in millions of households worldwide.

    Read more
    Miele domestic appliances are networked worldwide
    Project duration

    since 2016

    Success factors:

    High availability and scalability

    IoT platform

    with container-based architecture

    Read more
  • Man checks MAN trucks at sunset.
    MAN: Secure Software Development Life Cycle

    Trucks are networked - and therefore unfortunately also targets for attack. With SSDLC, MAN relies on security by design and integrates the highest security standards directly into development. Together with 22 teams, we have established security measures that go beyond the legal requirements.

    Read more
    MAN: Secure Software Development Life Cycle
    22 months

    Project duration

    UNECE R155
    successfully integrated
    Methods

    Security Champions, DevSecOps, OWASP SAMM

    Read more
  • Header_It_goes_LOS
    It's LOS: Building a cloud-based low-code application

    Democracy meets digitalization: For "Es geht LOS!", we developed a low-code app for candidate management in five weeks. Built on AWS, it enables secure draws and efficient user management - for more citizen participation digitally.

    Read more
    It's LOS: Building a cloud-based low-code application
    Project duration

    Since the beginning of 2022

    MVP

    in only 5 weeks

    Technologies

    Amplify, AppSync, CodeCommit, IAM, Cognito, DynamoDB, Lambda

    Read more
  • Control unit in an automated factory environment.
    Monitoring alarms in industrial plants

    Safety in industrial plants requires a real-time overview. We developed a live monitoring platform that networks measuring devices and collects data via Azure IoT and Kubernetes. A scalable MVP was created in just three months: alarms appear in under ten seconds thanks to automated data acquisition via smartphone and Bluetooth.

    Read more
    Monitoring alarms in industrial plants
    3 years

    Project duration

    <3 months

    to the MVP

    Cloud migration
    Modernization & relocation
    Read more
  • Large rollers on conveyor belt in factory.
    Planning systems: Optimizing the capacity utilization of pressing plants

    Maximum capacity utilization, minimum costs: Our customer relies on a central planning system for pressing plants. We have been supporting its further development with .NET Core, GraphQL and PostgreSQL for over ten years. Now the journey is moving to the cloud - for greater scalability, flexibility and efficiency.

    Read more
    Planning systems: Optimizing the capacity utilization of pressing plants
    >10 years

    Customer support

    Technological modernization
    Cloud-ready platform
    Efficiency through data
    Site-specific cost planning
    Read more
  • Header_Global-Requirements-Planning-System-for-Workforce-2-16-9
    Global workforce planning system

    How do you achieve globally harmonized workforce planning? With a modern web application based on domain-driven design and hexagonal architecture. Event sourcing ensures transparent traceability, while Azure and Quarkus provide stability and scalability. The result: a flexible, future-proof solution.

    Read more
    Global workforce planning system
    Team size

    Up to 8 employees

    Domain Driven Design

    Development approach

    Microsoft Azure Cloud

    allows easy roll-out of new versions

    Read more
  • Couple walking on the beach at sunset.
    DER Touristik Online: Development and migration of a multi-client capable travel booking platform

    Different brands, one platform: DER Touristik merges several independent websites. We are supporting the migration to the AWS cloud with digital design, microservices and testing. The focus is on performance, SEO and UX - for a seamless digital travel experience.

    Read more
    DER Touristik Online: Development and migration of a multi-client capable travel booking platform
    Standardized platform
    Multi-client travel portal
    Quality assurance
    End-2-End test automation
    Cloud transformation
    Migration to AWS cloud
    Read more
  • Man with tablet in front of KUKA industrial robots
    KUKA: UI/UX design for an app for load data analysis for industrial robots

    How do you reduce support requests? With a smart UX! KUKA and MaibornWolff developed a web-based application for load data analysis. Through "Understand/Build/Learn" we recognized challenges early on and validated solutions for an intuitive user experience.

    Read more
    KUKA: UI/UX design for an app for load data analysis for industrial robots
    Method

    Product Experience Design

    Customer request

    Easier interaction between users and the system

    Our goal
    Optimized load data analysis, fewer support requests, higher satisfaction
    Read more
  • Cars on assembly line in factory
    BMW Group: Replacement of a production-critical legacy system

    20-year-old system, new digital future. We gradually migrated production software to a flexible architecture. After two years, central plants were running on the new solution - stable, fail-safe and ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

    Read more
    BMW Group: Replacement of a production-critical legacy system
    Project duration

    Mid-2018 to the beginning of 2024

    Team size

    25 employees

    Legacy system

    replaced after 20 years

    Read more
  • A person wearing virtual reality glasses drives a car in an urban environment at night with illuminated buildings in the background.
    BMW Group: Virtual reality brings vehicle design to life

    From the first draft to series production - BMW uses VR to visualize the entire development process. Based on the Unreal Engine, a uniform platform visualizes designs and processes. This saves on hardware prototypes and enables location-independent collaboration. MaibornWolff plays a key role in driving the development and integration of these VR use cases.

    Read more
    BMW Group: Virtual reality brings vehicle design to life
    3.2 years

    Project duration

    Cooperation

    Location-independent and virtual

    Infrastructure

    Scalable and expandable thanks to the cloud

    Read more
  • The dashboard of a car shows a display with a notification about a remote software upgrade.
    BMW Group: Remote software upgrade for vehicles

    No visits to the workshop, no stress - thanks to Remote Software Upgrade, BMW vehicles worldwide remain up-to-date "over-the-air". MaibornWolff has been developing and operating the backend for secure updates for over three years. Microservice architectures and DevOps approaches guarantee stability, performance and security.

    Read more
    BMW Group: Remote software upgrade for vehicles
    5 years

    Project duration

    Millions of vehicles

    receive new features thanks to "over-the-air" upgrade

    IT security

    Always up-to-date thanks to remote software upgrade

    Read more
  • A person in a modern office checks proof of identity on the web on a laptop and smartphone.
    Creditreform: Secure proof of identity on the web

    Verifying online identities in a forgery-proof manner while maintaining user-friendliness - CrefoTrust makes it possible. Together, we developed a solution that creates trust with blockchain technology and proofs of concept. Personal and company data remain protected, while verifications run smoothly.

    Read more
    Creditreform: Secure proof of identity on the web
    5 years

    Project duration

    Pilot tests

    based on several PoCs

    Decentralized identity

    allows tamper-proof storage of identities and company information

    Read more
  • High-voltage power lines over a green field at sunset
    Bayernwerk: Knowledge management via teams

    Experience must not be lost - Bayernwerk digitizes the knowledge of long-standing employees. MaibornWolff designed an intuitive MS Teams app with a clear UX/UI. Close collaboration, lived Scrum values and user-centered development make the app a success. Promoting exchange, optimizing processes - this is how knowledge transfer works today.

    Read more
    Bayernwerk: Knowledge management via teams
    6 months

    Project duration

    Target:

    Identify implicit knowledge

    Requirements:

    a user-centered, intuitive and clear UX/UI design

    Read more
  • A person stands in a modern, abstract room and holds a tablet in their hands.
    Weidmüller: Progression of the Industrial Service Platform

    IoT meets agility - Weidmüller and MaibornWolff developed the easyConnect platform for remote access, data visualization and machine learning. After intensive exploration, an MVP was created, accompanied by a cross-functional Scrum team. Making Industrial IoT smarter and more efficient.

    Read more
    Weidmüller: Progression of the Industrial Service Platform
    12 months

    up to the MVP

    8 weeks analysis

    of professional, technical and organizational factors

    Innovative portal

    for end-to-end solutions

    Read more
  • Technician installs solar panel on roof at sunset
    SMA: Development of a Web UI for ennexOS platform

    Optimizing energy flows, reducing costs - we have been developing the Web UI of the ennexOS platform with SMA Solar Technology since 2016. It digitizes energy management processes for over a million users and combines smart solutions for a sustainable energy future.

    Read more
    SMA: Development of a Web UI for ennexOS platform
    Project duration

    since 2016

    > 1.000

    Modules and components in ennexOS platform

    > 7.000

    Fuse tests

    Read more
  • Digikoo_Apple_vision_Pro_Header
    digikoo GmbH: Apple Vision Pro for city planners

    Planning cities smarter: Together with TUM, we developed the 3Digipad for Apple Vision Pro. It visualizes complex energy data in 3D and makes scenarios intuitively tangible. Dynamic building data and KPIs support urban planners in making sustainable decisions.

    Read more
    digikoo GmbH: Apple Vision Pro for city planners
    4 months

    Project duration

    3D map with KPIs
    Display building data dynamically
    Energy data
    Immersive visualization
    Read more
  • Server room with green planting, demonstrating data platform for the Azure Cloud.
    digikoo: A data platform for the Azure Cloud

    Structured geodata, automated quality assurance, seamless provision - we developed a powerful Snowflake data platform on Azure for Digikoo. It makes analysis easier for data scientists and lays the foundation for precise forecasts and new use cases.

    Read more
    digikoo: A data platform for the Azure Cloud
    5 months

    Project duration

    Climate change

    Plan digitally and implement efficiently

    Foundation data platform

    Microsoft Azure Cloud

    Read more

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