The smartskinreal project set out to create a fully autonomous shading system that could be applied to both new construction and existing buildings. The core idea was to combine a form‑shape memory alloy (FGL) actuator with a user‑driven demand control system, thereby achieving energy‑autonomous operation while providing adaptive solar protection. The project was carried out from early 2020 to late 2023 under the smart³ umbrella, funded by the German federal government’s smart³ programme. Six partners collaborated: HTWK Leipzig coordinated the consortium; ABS Storkow GmbH, IngPuls GmbH, Betonwerk Oschatz GmbH, Cavertitzer Elektromontagen GmbH, and TU Chemnitz contributed technical expertise in building physics, mechanical design, electrical integration, and construction. The work was organised into six work packages (T1–T3 for technology development, K1–K3 for the configuration tool), each involving all partners in an iterative cycle of design, simulation, prototyping, and validation.

Technically, the project delivered a 1:1‑scalable demonstrator based on the Colt International Solarfin shading system, chosen for its modular lamellae and proven durability. The demonstrator incorporated adjustable slats capable of 0°, 45°, and 90° orientations, a mechanical stop for each angle, and an optional electric heating element to activate the FGL actuator. The system was designed to respond automatically to changes in solar position and irradiance, while also allowing remote control and integration with building automation. Fire‑safety features such as automatic shutdown and flame‑retardant materials were embedded, and a low‑noise operation was achieved through careful motor selection.

Performance data were collected over a 100‑day period from March to June 2020 using a test rig with 1‑m‑long collector tubes. Seven variants were examined, including aluminium and PMMA tubes, some with reflective coatings. Temperature sensors recorded air and tube temperatures every ten minutes. The highest tube temperatures reached 60–75 °C in the aluminium‑in‑PMMA configurations, while simpler aluminium or PMMA tubes peaked at 40–50 °C. These results confirmed the feasibility of the FGL actuator’s thermal response and provided input for the control algorithm. Building‑physics simulations performed by HTWK predicted that the shading system could reduce cooling energy demand by up to 75 % in large‑window public buildings, a figure that aligns with the energy‑autonomous goal.

The configuration tool, developed in K1–K3, allowed users to specify building geometry, desired shading angles, and control logic. The tool generated a detailed manufacturing and installation plan, including material lists and wiring diagrams. Validation of the algorithm showed that the system could maintain indoor comfort while minimizing energy consumption, meeting the dual objectives of occupant satisfaction and energy efficiency.

Overall, smartskinreal demonstrated that a fully autonomous, FGL‑driven shading system can be engineered, manufactured, and installed at scale. The demonstrator proved the concept’s technical viability, while the collaborative framework ensured that each partner’s expertise was leveraged throughout the project lifecycle. The results provide a clear pathway for deploying such systems in new construction and retrofitting existing buildings, contributing to the broader energy‑transition goals of the smart³ programme.