monkey takes smart lock technology to the next level by eliminating the physicality of a key.
Keys exist to grant secure access to specific doors, but let’s face it, they’re rather easy to lose or leave behind. Think about it, how many times have you been locked out of your home simply due to forgetfulness? Not to mention, how often do you approach the door only to find that you don’t have a free hand to fumble around your pocket? Wouldn’t it be more convenient if there was a keyless yet secure solution to enter our buildings? This is exactly what Munich-based startup LOCUMI LABS set out to solve with monkey.
Although smart locks seem to be ubiquitous these days, the same can’t be said for those living in either an apartment complex or in a gated home. This is where monkey comes in. Hands-free, remote-controlled access won’t only take away the hassle of misplaced keys, but will help avoid the headaches that come with unattended package deliveries — in other words, say goodbye to redelivery slips stuck to your door!
Its founders, Christoph Baumeister and Daniel Jahn, both studied at the renowned Technical University of Munich (Technische Universität München) and envisioned launching a company that could improve the world. With monkey, they have introduced the first upgraded smart control for your intercom that enables you to remotely control any door from your smartphone without having to modify anything. Just place the small, Wi-Fi and Atmel powered chip into the apartment’s intercom and presto! monkey will offer you, your family and friends, and service providers easy access into your building without ever needing a physical key.
With monkey, you can unlock your main entrance or gate in one of three ways. First, the chip can detect the GPS location of your smartphone and open the door as you approach. This is great for when you’re carrying a lot of things and don’t have a free hand to dig for keys. Secondly, entry can be simplified through an accompanying mobile app, which allows you ask monkey to open the door from wherever you are, or by pressing the button in the app and activating the buzzer instantly. For instance, if you have friends coming over, you can now grant them access without having to be there in person or handing over a set of keys. Lastly, you can set up time-windows during which monkey can open the door automatically for you. whenever the expected individual rings the bell. This removes the burden of package deliveries or handyman calls when you’re not at available during the day. It can even be a suitable option for renters or Airbnb hosts.
monkey’s patent-pending solution can impressively be installed in less than three minutes, and doesn’t require the help of an electrician nor the approval of a landlord. The 50mm x 16mm chip can self-adhere inside pretty much any intercom, and pairs it with your smartphone via your home’s Wi-Fi. From there, you can receive alerts whenever the door rings as well as activate the buzzer from the monkey app. And because it integrates into your intercom’s power supply, you’ll never need to charge or replace batteries. What’s more, the compact unit also protects your residence from unauthorized persons with its SSL encryption technology.
Are you ready to go keyless? If so, head over monkey’s Kickstarter page, where the LOCUMI LABS crew has surpassed its $56,860 goal. Delivery is expected to get underway in June 2016.
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