Lighting Technology

openAIS project

Brad Koerner

OpenAIS is a new EU-funded research consortium which is developing open standards for Internet protocol (IP)-based lighting networks, specifically for office applications.  Philips Lighting, Zumtobel and Johnson Controls are among the participants. Good luck guys…the industry really needs this! From the OpenAIS website: Following the trends of the creation of the “The Internet of Things” (IoT) and the rapid penetration of SSL based lighting, it is very advantageous to connect the luminaires in buildings to the Internet. OpenAIS aims at setting the leading standard for inclusion of lighting for professional applications in to IoT, with a focus on office lighting. This … Continue reading openAIS project

Future Lighting

the next evolution of lighting: connected lighting

Brad Koerner

Introduction – The Next Evolution Part I – Connected Lighting In the next five years, the overwhelming majority of lighting fixtures and their controls will be connected to the “cloud” via IP-based communications standards.  Let’s consider how connected lighting systems impact the lighting industry, … Continue reading the next evolution of lighting: connected lighting

Business and Innovation

a warranty does not equal a service commitment

Brad Koerner

There is tremendous pressure from the specification community for manufacturers to offer very long warranties on lighting equipment: 5 or 10 years is now the typical request. The usual comment goes something like “if you claim your product lasts for a bazillion hours, why don’t you back it up?” I find this naive on the part of the specification community. A warranty doesn’t solve the fundamental problem that many LED fixtures are designed as “disposable” items instead of as modular assemblies based on industry standard parts.  Specifiers don’t like to imagine (or admit to their clients) that an entire fixture has to be replaced if … Continue reading a warranty does not equal a service commitment

Business and Innovation

zumtobel to launch customer R+D center in amsterdam

Brad Koerner

Rogier van der Heide is already busy at Zumtobel, opening a new R+D center in Amsterdam.  According to the press release: Before January is out, the company, which is based in Austria, is to open a new “Lichtforum” (light forum) at the heart of Amsterdam. The new facility will be designed to act as an open house, facilitating dialogue and close collaboration with leading architects, lighting designers technology experts and research partners. The Lichtforum, which will be located on the top floor of the UP Building – one of the tallest office buildings in downtown Amsterdam – will also host … Continue reading zumtobel to launch customer R+D center in amsterdam

Business and Innovation

circular economy update

Brad Koerner

A few interesting pieces relating to developing a Circular Economy: Philips hosted a expert panel debate in Brussels: In the past century, the developed world has followed a linear model of production and consumption. Goods were manufactured, sold, used and disposed. It has created immense wealth, but this model is starting to reach its limits. The circular economy aims to decouple economy growth from the use of natural resources by using resources more effectively and repeatedly, thus eliminating waste. It provides multiple benefits, including: innovation, new business models, creation of more value, reduce waste landfill and emissions, and better quality … Continue reading circular economy update