At CEDIA Expo 2025, Somfy drew attention with a live PoE Commissioning Contest that underscored just how quick and simple its motorization technology has become. The contest, run in partnership with Control4, challenged integrators to commission Somfy systems on the spot. The winning time came in at an impressive 34 seconds. According to Somfy Training Manager Thomas Harkness, the exercise highlighted the ease of integrating Somfy motors with certified drivers across major platforms, including Control4, Crestron, URC, and RTI.
Harkness noted that the company’s continued investment in technologies like Power over Ethernet, Zigbee, and its updated Somfy Digital Network (RS485) provides integrators with reliable options suited for both residential and commercial projects. “We’re giving the installers and programmers exactly what they want,” he said, pointing to Somfy’s commitment to simplicity, reliability, and speed.
A highlight of Somfy’s product lineup this year is the new Glydea Ultra 50 Wire-Free drapery motor. Designed with USB-C fast charging, the motor cuts charging time in half and offers up to nine months of battery life at full load. It also provides flexible installation options thanks to adjustable rotation on the track and supports up to 110 pounds of traversing weight. Harkness added that integrators can charge multiple motors simultaneously with new multi-port USB-C hubs, making project staging more efficient.
Education also plays a central role in Somfy’s strategy. Through Somfy U, the company offers five full e-learning curriculums covering everything from RTS to Zigbee and PoE. Courses are free, available on demand, and reinforced with live trainings and webinars. “It allows integrators to learn at their own pace and come into live sessions better prepared,” Harkness said.
Ultimately, Somfy’s message to the channel remains consistent: what’s inside matters. By giving integrators freedom of choice in technologies, partners, and control systems, the company continues to emphasize customization as the cornerstone of the CI industry.
