The European Union’s new Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is setting a bold expectation: cybersecurity is no longer optional, nor an afterthought. It must be baked into every product from the start. For innovators, engineers, and leaders across industries, this is a turning point: embed cybersecurity into the DNA of your products, and you’ll enter a new era of accountability.

The growing urgency: Why cybersecurity can’t be an afterthought anymore

Cyberattacks are no longer rare events. They’re everyday realities. Fueled by massive digital expansion, more sophisticated threats, enormous financial incentives, and widespread gaps in cyber hygiene and awareness, hacking is growing at an unprecedented pace. In 2024 alone, global cybercrime damages are projected to reach over $1 trillion annually — a staggering figure. Beyond the numbers, the stakes are human: breached medical devices, hijacked smart homes, and sabotaged industrial robots. Consumers and businesses alike are waking up. They demand not just performance and price, but trust. Today, products are getting smarter, more autonomous, and more connected than ever before, integrating sensing technologies, robotics, real-time data flows, and seamless connectivity. But this intelligence comes with greater complexity, and every new line of code, every new sensor, every connection becomes a new potential target. Cybersecurity isn’t just an add-on for these next-generation products. It’s a fundamental promise that must evolve hand-in-hand with innovation, embedded deeply into the hidden code, the firmware, and the systems driving the future.

CRA at a glance: What innovators need to know

At its heart, the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is Europe’s bold move to create cybersecurity requirements for all products with digital elements, meaning any product that contains or is software. The regulation demands that cybersecurity be considered from planning, design, and development all the way through production, delivery, maintenance, and beyond. Manufacturers must actively manage vulnerabilities, report incidents, provide clear instructions to users, and ensure security updates are available for as long as the product is expected to be in use.

The ultimate goal? Harmonized, essential cybersecurity rules that apply across the entire value chain, setting a duty of care for the full lifecycle of every connected product. The CRA calls for one thing: security by design. Key requirements include:

• Designing products with security principles integrated from the first line of code.
• Regular testing and monitoring for vulnerabilities throughout the entire product lifecycle.
• Fast, transparent patching of discovered vulnerabilities.
• Clear documentation of cybersecurity measures for authorities and users alike.
• Accountability across the supply chain, ensuring third-party components and services meet the same security standards.

For developers of embedded systems, from industrial controllers to IoT devices, this regulation cuts deep into the heart of design. Systems must be robust, not just at launch but through years of use in an unpredictable, evolving threat landscape. Here’s the bigger picture: The CRA is more than a checklist. It’s an invitation to reinvent how we innovate, embedding trust, resilience, and responsibility as core elements of product excellence.

CRA-compliance as a competitive edge: Turning challenges into advantages

Early compliance with the CRA offers powerful advantages for innovators willing to lead. First, it builds brand trust, security earns customer loyalty, and strengthens reputations that endure over time. Second, it opens the doors to market access, enabling products that meet CRA standards to move more easily and quickly across borders. Third, it drives cost efficiency, since addressing vulnerabilities during the design phase is dramatically cheaper, up to 100 times, than fixing them after launch. And finally, it fuels an innovation boost: new secure-by-design frameworks and smarter security models unlock faster development cycles and better, safer user experiences.

Across industries, from ambitious start-ups to established industrial giants, early movers have a unique opportunity, not just to meet cybersecurity expectations, but to shape the standard for the next generation of trusted, resilient products.

The path forward: How to strengthen your product strategy

The journey toward true cyber resilience begins with action:

• Assess and audit: Map your product’s vulnerabilities today, before hackers do it tomorrow.
• Design securely from the start: Integrate threat modeling and secure coding into your embedded systems development.
• Monitor continuously: Cyber risks evolve, so must your surveillance and patching strategies.
• Collaborate fearlessly: Build cross-functional teams where cybersecurity is part of engineering, not a separate afterthought.
• Learn, iterate, improve: Make resilience a permanent layer of your innovation DNA.

Taking cybersecurity seriously is not just about protecting users; it’s also about protecting your business. Non-compliance under the CRA can lead to significant financial penalties, putting reputations, market access, and growth at serious risk. Innovation isn’t just about solving today’s problems.  It’s about anticipating tomorrow’s challenges and being ready.

Resilience is the new innovation

In a world that runs on code and connection, the products that thrive will not be the flashiest or the fastest, but the most trusted. The Cyber Resilience Act challenges us all, not just to comply, but to lead.

• To embed trust deep into our systems.
• To turn security into a competitive advantage.
• To build a future where users can be confident in every line of code, every signal, every device.

Mitigation strategies aren’t just technical exercises. They’re blueprints for bold, better, and braver products. And the journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start simple: build a secure minimum viable product (MVP) using off-the-shelf components where security has already been designed in. Learn how these components behave, monitor them closely, act on real-world feedback, and iterate.

Remember: cybersecurity isn’t something you add at launch; it must be woven into every phase of your product’s development life cycle, from the very first concept to long after the product is in users’ hands. Let’s build products that don’t just survive tomorrow’s threats—but shape tomorrow’s possibilities.

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Why the foundation is cracking

The construction industry has long been the backbone of economic growth, but it now finds itself at a crossroads. External pressures like economic uncertainty, regulatory shifts, and workforce shortages are forcing companies to adapt or risk falling behind. Unlike previous downturns, today’s challenges are structural, requiring long-term strategic solutions rather than short-term fixes.

• Economic uncertainty and inflation have driven up material costs and project financing expenses, putting significant strain on contractors. High interest rates make borrowing more expensive, limiting investment in new projects and slowing industry growth.
• At the same time, changing and often vague regulations complicate project execution. New sustainability and safety standards require companies to adapt, but unclear guidelines create confusion and slow down compliance efforts.
• Perhaps the most pressing issue is the shortage of skilled labor. The European Construction Industry Federation already reported in 2023 that Belgium has 22,000 unfilled construction jobs, Germany 52,000, and the Netherlands 27,000. With an aging workforce and upcoming retirements, the industry faces a critical skills gap.

Despite these difficulties, the industry has an opportunity to turn adversity into progress. Digital innovation can help businesses improve efficiency, streamline operations and services toward their stakeholders and clients, and reduce reliance on scarce labor. Those who invest in new technologies today will shape the future of construction tomorrow.

The digital toolbox of opportunities

While the construction industry faces mounting pressures, innovation is proving to be more than just a way to keep up. It’s becoming an operational differentiator. Many digital technologies that have already transformed other industries can be readily applied to construction, helping companies streamline operations, reduce costs, and build smarter and faster. Let’s go through the digital tools that are reshaping the way buildings are designed and constructed.

To mitigate economic uncertainty and inflation

• AI can use past project data, weather patterns and economic trends for smarter planning and anticipating project delays. Similar predictive solutions already enhance road safety—why not apply them to construction?
• Building information modeling (BIM) enables precise planning of materials, workforce, and equipment, an approach we’ve already implemented for Wienerberger.
• Digital twins allow testing and validating appliance and utility choices based on realistic model simulations.
• By equipping machinery with sensors and predictive maintenance, issues can be detected before breakdowns occur.

To keep up with changing safety & compliance regulations

• AI can streamline permit approvals, automate regulatory checks and predict equipment failures before they disrupt operations.
• AI-powered robots and drones can assess hazardous areas to minimize human exposure to dangerous conditions, while wearable robotics reduce worker fatigue and injury risks.
• Digital twins allow virtual safety drills and risk assessments based on current regulations before construction begins.
• Software platforms can provide real-time documentation, making regulatory audits faster and more accurate. Make sure to check out the platform we helped build for Reynaers.

To address the pressing issue of skilled labor shortages

• AI can predict workforce needs, forecast material demand, automate/optimize resource allocation toward a minimal footprint and prevent supply chain disruptions.
• AI can also capture, collect and share expert knowledge and best practices. For example, we developed a digital platform for Renson that supports installers with product information, tutorials, and troubleshooting.
• A shared digital model ensures all stakeholders, architects, engineers and contractors work efficiently with up-to-date information. Learn more in our webinar on digital twins for buildings.
• Robots can take on physically demanding, repetitive tasks like automated bricklaying, welding and concrete pouring. Technologies that are already being used for prefab car parts, including wiring, could easily be introduced in the construction industry, too.
• Multi-axis robotic arms and 3D printing can create intricate stone carvings, complex concrete forms and custom metal or woodwork that were previously cost-prohibitive with unprecedented detail. Start-ups like Monumental Labs for example are already making this happen.

A future full of possibilities

Digital innovation is not about replacing human expertise but enhancing it. By integrating AI, automation, and IoT into construction, companies can reduce inefficiencies, improve safety, and open new creative possibilities. Rather than sacrificing design for cost and speed, builders and architects can reintroduce intricate details, relying on technology for precision and efficiency. While concerns about high investment costs and implementation challenges remain, the real opportunity lies in applying existing innovations from other industries, like automotive, ship and plane building. With a forward-thinking mindset, the construction sector can embrace these technologies to build faster, more sustainably, and with greater artistic freedom than ever before.

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Smart bikes: solving challenges for riders, cities and the planet

Smart bicycles are transforming the way we ride. They blend cutting-edge technology with human-powered mobility to tackle today’s needs: sustainability, fitness, safety and convenience. By embedding IoT, AI and real-time connectivity into the product innovation process, these bicycles become far more than a means of transport. They’re a rider’s partner in reaching health goals, navigating city streets and staying connected. Beyond the rider, smart bikes help cities reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and support sustainable urban planning, all while contributing to a greener, healthier planet.

5 innovative features powering the smart bike for the day after tomorrow

Health integration transforms the rider’s ride into a fitness powerhouse. Built-in sensors in the handlebars or seat track your heart rate, oxygen levels, stress, cadence and calories burned. Paired with apps, the bike becomes a personal coach, giving real-time feedback and tailored advice. It creates custom workout plans based on personal goals, progress and data, offering challenges, intervals or recovery rides. Picture cycling to work at 30 km/h with a heart rate of 130 bpm, adaptive algorithms adjust the electric assist to keep you on track. A voice assistant might even guide you, reminding you to tweak your pace or posture for top performance. After your ride, your fitness app analyzes everything, offering tips on stretching, nutrition and recovery to help you train smarter and feel great.

Navigation and safety features make the smart bike a trusted travel companion. GPS and augmented reality displays guide the rider safely through city streets, while a heads-up display on the handlebars shows clear directions and route changes without creating distractions. Intelligent lights adjust brightness and direction to the current speed and surroundings, boosting visibility for both the rider and others. Proximity sensors and cameras will ensure awareness of nearby vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles, sending instant audio or vibration alerts to avoid accidents. It’s a smarter, safer way to commute, every ride.

Digital locking and anti-theft features make parking the smart bike worry-free. IoT-enabled locks let the rider secure and unlock the bike remotely using an app. If it’s stolen, GPS tracking pinpoints its location and can be shared with law enforcement for quick recovery. Sensors detect tampering, sending instant alerts to the phone connected and triggering a loud alarm to scare off thieves. Plus, a connected network of smart bikes notifies nearby riders if the stolen bicycle is spotted. Need to share the bike? Grant access through the app and track it in real-time. It’s the perfect mix of security, control and convenience.

Weather and traffic alerts keep the rider one step ahead on every ride. Real-time updates on weather, air quality and traffic conditions help select the safest, fastest and most comfortable route. With this feature, they’ll always know when to pack a raincoat, avoid congested areas or find a cleaner air path for a better commute.

Crash detection and emergency alerts have the rider’s back when it matters most. Smart sensors instantly tell the difference between a little bump and a serious fall. Apps automatically alert emergency contacts and first responders, so help gets there fast. Need extra support? A community SOS network connects the rider with nearby riders who can lend a hand. Plus, an AI assistant steps in to guide in fixing crash damage or even a flat tire. With these features, they’re always covered, no matter what the road throws their way.

Enhancing user interaction toward a tailored experience

Smart bikes offer a customizable experience by syncing with user profiles. Fitness enthusiasts can sync heart rate and performance data with wearables or favorite fitness apps. Urban commuters get seamless integration with communication preferences, like text-to-voice notifications during rides or muting distractions. Additionally, riders can even pre-set features like automatic light activation at dusk or routes optimized for their go-to destinations.

Innovation driving the smart bike revolution

The smart bicycle exemplifies how mobility and digital ecosystems can converge to create a healthier, safer and more efficient way of living. It’s more than just a smart choice, it’s a visionary leap into the future of cycling. As a prime example of how to innovate for the day after tomorrow, the smart bike demonstrates the power of integrating transformative features from the start of product innovation development. By thinking ahead, it becomes more than a vehicle; it’s a seamless extension of the rider’s connected world, paving the way for a revolutionary cycling experience.

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Designing products that make a difference

To launch a valuable IoT product or service successfully, you have to jump through a lot of hoops. During our keynote sessions you’ll gain key insights on learnings, pitfalls and strategies from Henkel and TK Home Solutions to fast-track your development.

Our first keynote from TK Home Solutions will focus on the importance of including user and business insights in the development process. By aligning their needs with your technical features, you can deliver a solution that truly adds value to your customer.

The keynote from Henkel will shed light on how to overcome the technical challenges of bringing a connected product on the market. Once you’ve successfully defined and set up a prototype, there’s many hurdles to get it into mass production.

Solving your AIoT challenges

With new technologies come new challenges. During our breakout sessions you’ll get the chance to discuss your current challenges in developing IoT products and services. Get inspired and learn from peers within the IoT landscape such as Verhaert and Pegus Digital. To make sure everyone can pose their questions, we’ve grouped 6 recurring topics that can hinder a successful smart product:

• IoT security
• IoT AI & data analytics
• IoT architecture & infrastructure
• IoT communications
• IoT sensors & embedded computing
• IoT visualization & dashboarding

Interested in attending the ‘AIoT Talks’? Visit the event page to register or find more information about the keynotes and breakout sessions.

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Local data processing & analysis

The last few years we’ve seen that more and more advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities are integrated within the MEMS. This allows for processing and interpreting data on the premise in real time. These devices are mostly equipped with multiple integrated sensors and possibly external sensors connected to the device. ML-MEMS can be programmed to analyze the sensor data for specific requirements and can make decisions by learning new data patterns.

Having these machine learning capabilities built-in offers various advantages for the product compared to dedicated edge AI ASICs or processing in the cloud. On the one hand, there’s the pricing because the device will cost less to build combined with not having to pay edge AI and data costs and processing costs in the cloud. On the other hand, they reduce or avoid the amount of data sent to local or cloud data storage, so they also have far less impact on the environment.

Reducing power consumption

One of the biggest advantages of ML-MEMS is their power saving capability, which is of huge importance for battery powered devices. Most of the sensor data processing consumes far lower power (ex. of 1/100 can be reached) of what the microprocessor would need in terms of power. Subsequently, this leads to a lower demand from CPU resources resulting in lower cost versions.

As a continuous stream of data is processed using the MEMS integrated algorithm/AI, the MEMS can take the role of watchdog, leaving the processor of the device in sleep mode only consuming a few micro-amps. Next, the MEMS are able to wake up the entire module processor and/or system based upon the MEMS own pre-programmed decision making, resulting in lower power consumption.

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Accurate blood pressure screenings are of paramount importance to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. Is is possible to perform accurate blood pressure measurement through a smartwatch? In this session Joris De Lamper, Manager Innovation Acceleration Services – Digital Innovation at Verhaert, walks you through the possible applications of wearable devices using PPG signals.

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Current road weather prediction models using car sensor data

Studies show that lower visibility or slippery surfaces because of rain or snow make driving more difficult and result in more traffic accidents. Dedicated road weather models (RWM’s) have long been a useful tool to forecast poor road conditions. However, these RWM’s typically depend on fixed observation stations that don’t cover the entire road network. Let’s take a first step to improve road weather models and road services by using vehicle sensor observations.

Well-known reactive systems such as stability control and anti-lock brakes are already standard options on cars, because they’re vital for driver safety. However, these advanced driver assistance systems only activate when they detect danger. Proactive real-time safety warnings could prevent the situation altogether by alerting the driver. Other than that, road weather data could also help authorities to adapt road management more accurately.

Fortunately, there’s already a rise in connected vehicles and their sensing capabilities. The connected car market was worth $13 billion in 2012, more than doubled by 2019 ($42.6 billion) and is expected to be worth $212.7 billion by 2027. Utilizing the sensing capabilities of this new generation of connected vehicles could create a dense observation network for real-time local road weather warnings, and even improve weather prediction models.

Real-time warnings for dangerous road conditions

Verhaert, along with other industrial stakeholders and researchers from 7 countries (Belgium, France, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey, and South Korea) initiated the SARWS project to provide real-time weather services, wanting to expand the local data collection mechanisms from traditional data sources towards large-scale vehicle fleets.

Our technology aims to use crowd-sourced car sensor data for real-time road weather warnings for local weather phenomena and dangerous road conditions. Moreover, these observations enhance the RMI road weather model and validate a fog product based on a weather model.

The primarily targeted weather conditions in the SARWS project are air and road surface temperature, visibility and road surface conditions. This could still be extended with precipitation and crosswinds. We gather local measurements from a fleet provided by a Belgian post service. The collected data is then used for:

• Analyzing time-series to detect weather- related information,
• Enhancing road weather models developed at RMI,
• Providing real-time weather services to warn drivers and authorities.

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Where are the limits? Can it be done for every device? What are the possibilities for high-current battery-powered handheld devices like hair dryers or power tools. It seems so evident, however, a wireless hair dryer of 1600 Watt isn’t on the market yet, so can it become cordless?

Complexity of developing cordless battery-powered devices

After some research, we found a Chinese 1.250 Watt hair dryer. When looking closely, the battery is only for controlling the fan. If you want to heat the air, you need to plug it in. We also discovered a 300 Watt cordless hair dryer, however it showed to have a short battery autonomy and lifetime. 300 Watt isn’t that much.

A recently truly cordless 500 Watt hair dryer showed to be too bulky and heavy to become a commercial success. Let’s consider what needs to be done to generate a best in class 500 Watt cordless device?

Why? Well, there are many advantages to cordless hair dryers for users, mainly of course the added freedom during the use. However, developing a 500 Watt cordless device is complex and there are some disadvantages that need to be solved. To give some examples, there are less heaters that can work on low voltage, thicker cables are needed, the center of gravity needs to be optimized due to the perceived added weight of the batteries.

Key aspects to consider when developing batteries for these kind devices are obviously:

• Swappable vs rechargeable options
• Safety
• Energy density (capacity inside)
• Power density, highest discharge rate
• Shelf life (retain capacity)
• Operational life
• Thickness
• Temperature range
• Battery life cycle

All of this will determine the type of battery. The figure below illustrates different options of the type of batteries in function of energy density versus volume. On the chart you can see that Li-ion batteries have the highest density, which is exactly what we need. Also, shelf life is better than most others.

Download the perspective to continue reading on how the battery pack configuration for Li-ion batteries looks like.

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Today’s smart home devices and appliances aren’t really smart, it’s the cloud that is smart. This limits the possibilities of your devices and creates privacy concerns. Watch the presentation from Niels Verleysen, Consultant AILab at Verhaert, at Verhaert, on how edge AI can be employed to solve these problems and more.

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The post Creating true smart homes & appliances powered by edge AI appeared first on Verhaert Masters in Innovation.

Creating a secure, solid, scalable and connected digital product backbone requires a lot of expertise and effort. In this session, Pieter Zuliani, Operations Manager at Pegus Digital, covers topics ranging from device provisioning, data collection and dashboarding, to connection and mobile end-user interaction.

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