# Exploiting the Value of Active and Multifunctional Facade Technology through the IoT and AI
## 6 Conclusions  
After years of research and development in the field of MF systems, market adoption still seems far off. Although substantial funding at the European level has led to the validation of complex MF systems proving technical feasibility and high performance in terms of energy and IEQ, further steps need to be taken. To exploit the maximum market value of MFs, this paper has investigated the potential value added by the IoT and AI. As demonstrated in other sectors, IoT technologies are considered potential enablers to exploit the value of a product through greater customization, optimization, and the provision of new services. Through a real case study developed within the MEZero research project, technical, economic, and process issues in the design and use of a MF system with an on-board IoT infrastructure were investigated.  
This experience showed how a lack of ready-to-market MF technologies is hampered by different issues. First of all, the construction market evolves and includes innovative products (only) if the market demands it. This means that the main barrier in the market deployment of MF lies in customers' and developers' lack of knowledge on advanced building envelopes that can guarantee high levels of comfort and energy efficiency. In this perspective, the development of real IoT-based prototypes is essential to collect data and consolidate knowledge.  
To answer the objective of this paper, the authors can state that an integrated IoT infrastructure for MF, both hardware and software, is needed to exploit the maximum value of products. In addition to the product customization provided by digital services, the IoT enables the communication of different technologies, thus overcoming vertical and closed management of them. Such an approach allows for automated, optimal, and highly adaptive performance management of a complex product, providing clear benefits in terms of energy savings and IEQ levels. In this context, the potential widespread and unlimited application of AI for automation appears to be the most important value with the greatest prospects. Rule-based algorithms and machine-learning approaches can drastically revolutionize the way we regulate active and passive technologies in buildings, leading to higher levels of energy efficiency and IEQ. All these aspects could turn into significant value for the market deployment of MF products. However, further demonstrations of the benefits generated by the IoT and AI will need to be validated to make the market ripe for the application of innovative building skins. In conclusion, this research aimed to stimulate a debate on the future of MF systems, identifying a unique opportunity in digital technologies to make further progress in innovative facade systems that are able to assure high energy efficiency and IEQ standards.  
Conceptualization, M.G. and A.P.; methodology, M.G.; validation, M.G. and A.P.; design and case study investigation, F.B., A.B., S.M., O.C., M.G. and A.P.; writing--original draft preparation, M.G.; writing--review and editing, M.G. and A.P. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research was carried out within the MEZeroE (Measuring Envelope products and systems contributing to the next generation of healthy nearly Zero Energy Buildings) project. This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 953157.  
Not applicable.  
Data Availability Statement: Data are contained within the article.  
The authors would like to thank the entire team involved in the MEZeroE MF project.  
Authors [PERSON], [PERSON], [PERSON], [PERSON], [PERSON] and [PERSON] were employed by the company Focchi Spa.