Smart buildings are entering a new phase where performance, integration and intelligence matter more than individual components. As we look to what’s ahead this year, here are the five smart building technology trends that will shape how buildings are designed, operated and optimised:

1. Interoperable automation and open standards, enabling systems to communicate and scale
2. Advanced analytics and AI, turning building data into actionable insights
3. Energy optimisation and grid-interactive systems, responding to cost, carbon and resilience pressures
4. Digital twins and continuous commissioning, improving performance across the asset lifecycle
5. IAQ, wellness and occupant-focused technologies, linking building performance to human outcomes

Explore these themes and more at IBTech, the intelligent building exhibition that has been created to bring these technologies together in one dedicated smart building precinct at ARBS 2026 on 5-7 May 2026 at MCEC, Melbourne.

For technology providers, it’s a chance to demonstrate relevance in a market that’s moving fast. Stands are still available. Visit https://zurl.co/7tzvu