Today, lighting is no longer about functionality, it is about hand crafting experiences for customers across the globe based on their preferences and needs. The industry has moved beyond its traditional ambits of households and is now adding value across industries including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and corporate offices. As the lighting industry continues to evolve, architects and designers are recognizing the transformative power of lighting in creating unique experiences, paving the way for a brighter way of life.
We’re moving beyond the one-size-fits-all mentality and recognizing that each space demands a tailored lighting strategy. This demand is being met with a wave of innovation, where the shift to energy-efficient LEDs is just the first step. Lighting innovations such as eco-friendly designs, smart technologies, and a focus on user experience are redefining the industry’s landscape. Furthermore, as the world moves towards energy efficient solutions, the Indian lighting industry is moving ahead with digital transformation at its core.
Rising adoption of LEDs
LED lighting, with its digital nature and control capabilities, forms the technological bedrock for the lighting industry’s digital transformation. LEDs are more than energy-efficient bulbs, they are the foundation for a digitally connected and smart lighting ecosystem. Their controllability, connectivity, and data generation capabilities are reshaping the lighting industry, driving innovation, and creating a more user-centric lighting experience.
With projections indicating that most installations will utilize LEDs by 2035, LED technology’s dominance in the lighting industry is undeniable. This widespread adoption is driven by LEDs’ remarkable energy efficiency, consuming up to 90% less energy compared to traditional incandescents. Moreover, LED’s extended lifespan, lasting up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, translates to reduced maintenance costs and waste generation.
In addition, LEDs’ enhanced controllability enables seamless integration with smart lighting systems. Features like occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting, and personalized user control further optimize energy use, creating a synergistic effect. I believe that the confluence of energy efficiency, longevity, and market dominance positions LED technology as the cornerstone of a sustainable and digitally transformed lighting industry.
Switch to Connected Lighting
Yet another technological innovation that is propelling the lighting industry’s transformation is the IoT. IoT enables the creation of smart lighting systems that can be controlled remotely using smartphones or other devices.
Firstly, it allows for unprecedented personalization of your lighting; smart bulbs can change colour, allowing you to alter the mood of a room with just a few taps on your phone. When integrated with smart speakers, you can control your lighting through voice commands, adding another layer of personalization.
However, more importantly, smart lighting is gradually transcending to become an active player in the domain of public safety. In my view, remote-monitored smart lighting presents a powerful tool for societal welfare, transforming under-lit areas to safer spaces. These systems, by brightening when movement is detected, increase visibility in high-crime zones, while also instantly detecting and reporting power outages. Evidently, it serves a larger purpose than just illumination, and through integration into a city’s security infrastructure, allows for a proactive and efficient approach to public security.
Tailoring light to Human Needs with Human-Centric Lighting (HCL)
As I see it, with digital transformation leading the way, we can expect to see these smart lighting solutions to be the perfect accessory to enhance the human experience like never before. The notable shift in focus from sheer lighting to a boosted experience is exemplified with the rise of Human-Centric Lighting (HCL).
Across various sectors, HCL is demonstrating its transformative potential, as an enhancer of well-being and productivity. In healthcare, it is creating environments that promote healing and recovery. By mimicking natural daylight patterns, and reducing glare, the systems can improve patient sleep, reduce stress, and support circadian rhythms for Brighter Lives and a Better World.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that digital transformation will continue to redefine the lighting industry. We’ll see smarter, more connected solutions that illuminate spaces and enhance experiences and well-being. Our focus will be on harnessing these advancements to deliver innovative, energy-efficient, and human-centric lighting solutions. The future is bright, and we’re excited to lead the way in this new era of lighting technology.
Anmol Jalota is the Head of Digital Enabling Functions, Signify Greater India.
