About Me
Hello, I’m Erik Schmidt, a passionate technology enthusiast, and software developer based in Eynatten, Belgium, with degrees in Mathematics, Informatics, and Political Sciences, I have a strong analytical background that I apply to automation, artificial intelligence, and smart home technology.
With more than 30 years of experience in the IT industry, I specialize in alarm and monitoring systems, ensuring high-reliability solutions for security, infrastructure, and automation. Together with my late business partner Dr. Rein Scheele, I developed the AT Mobimeter for the Dutch Government, contributing to the effort of national-scale implementation of vehicle tax based on environmental friendliness and vehicle use, according to the type of road and time of day. The concept was so radically new that we were paid for it, but to this day, it has never been implemented.
I went online before the web even existed in 1989, when I started my studies in Aachen, Germany. During this time, I was one of the main people behind the German FidoNet, helping to build and maintain one of the earliest decentralized communication networks.
Throughout my career, I have worked in both sales and software development, giving me a deep understanding of both perspectives. This allows me to effectively bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions, ensuring that agile business processes are seamlessly translated into software development.
I have authored various publications on security-related topics across Europe, sharing insights into network security, monitoring technologies, and risk assessment.
I am heavily involved in CAM-AI (artificial intelligence for cameras), focusing on computer vision applications and intelligent automation. In my day job, I work as a software trainer for an English company, where I teach and support employees in using the in-house developed ERP system.
Beyond my career, I develop custom monitoring solutions, including real-time dashboards for f.i. inverters and EV chargers. Using Python, Home Assistant, MQTT, and REST APIs, I optimize energy usage and ensure seamless tracking of solar power production and electric vehicle charging.
I am fluent in Python, JavaScript, Java, and C# and an expert in HTML and CSS, leveraging these technologies for full-stack development, automation, and web applications.
I am also deeply experienced in Linux, macOS, and Networking, using my expertise to design and implement efficient, secure systems.
As an early adopter of electric vehicles, I was one of the first to completely switch to electric driving. My family and I are now on our second generation of electric cars, which include a Renault Zoe, a Tesla Model Y, and my company car, a Skoda Elroq.
Additionally, I speak English, Dutch, German, and French, which allows me to work in multilingual environments and collaborate on international projects.
On a personal level, I am married and proud father of a daughter. I actively invest in local cooperatives that make a difference environmentally and am an active member of Ecolo, a political party that promotes sustainable development policies, aimed at preserving the environment and combating climate change, in the interests of current and future generations. I am passionate about Raspberry Pi projects, IoT solutions, and AI-driven automation, always looking for innovative ways to enhance efficiency and sustainability. In addition to that, I am a keen collector of old postcards and books, old and new.
In my opinion, continuous professional development is always important. For example, I obtained a certificate in "Climate Adaptation Management and Learning Organisations for Specialists and Managers" (Original: "Klimaanpassungsmanagement und Lernende Organisation für Fach- und Führungskräfte") at the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Cologne.
If you’re interested in renewable energy, AI-driven automation, open-source technologies, security systems, or large-scale monitoring solutions, feel free to connect!