These are the conclusions from its presence at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Amsterdam this month, where it saw huge interest from customers and industry buyers in its light and blind control solutions for how they tap into bigger industry trends. The ‘Internet of Things’, which is driving demand for connected devices, and the advance of the smart home and smart buildings were both cited as key drivers behind the increased interest in Lutron’s solutions at this year’s show.
‘For many years we have known that Lutron is ahead of its time, and this year’s ISE fully endorsed that. Our vision for smart offices and homes is one where sensors, drivers, controllers and ballasts connect to each other to offer a complete lighting control solution. The ability to adjust the level of light required to have an impact on energy use, productivity, comfort and wellbeing, were fully validated by everyone who visited us at the show,’ said David Ribbons, director of sales Europe and Africa at Lutron.
‘We find ourselves at the heart of a perfect storm – one where technology is at the centre of everyday life, combined with a global focus on energy usage, an economy requiring cost savings, and a surge in interest for improved health, wellbeing and productivity. Who would have thought that simple ‘light control’ could solve so many of these problems? Not only did Lutron invent the first dimmer back in 1961, we created the whole concept of total light management, which we are now seeing come to the fore. Office and home users can manage their lighting needs 24/7 to enhance their comfort while making tangible savings,’ he added.
Lutron predicts the greatest gains in the following areas of lighting throughout the rest of 2015:
Office & home automation
It is already possible today to automatically control the light entering into an office or home through sensors, dimmers, switches and blinds. This increases visual comfort and performance and improves overall wellbeing.
Driven by the smart home movement, going forward we will start to see greater use of ‘swipe’ panels and movement sensors to trigger light and shading solutions to better manage the natural light available. In addition, we can expect a growing interest in lighting and energy analytics managed remotely from a smart device.
Urgency to conserve and reduce energy consumption
Today, there are many ways to save energy throughout an office or a home. Dimmers, occupancy/vacancy sensors and whole light control systems fulfil the smart home promise by turning on/off lights to ensure they are only used when needed.
A greater interest in analytics and improved technology for bringing visibility to the cost of energy use will also drive demand for window blind solutions that manage daylight to help control heating and cooling costs.
Security, safety and wellbeing
The power of light is often under-estimated. Whether home or business owners want to create a safe pathway to/from the car at night, make a space look occupied while away, or integrate light, blind, and temperature controls into fire alarms and security systems from other manufacturers, simple but effective lighting solutions help ensure safety and security in both residential and commercial settings.
This year the growing popularity of technology to track and improve personal health and wellbeing is likely to lead to other initiatives, including the ability to use natural and artificial lighting solutions to create ambiences that inspire creativity, boost productivity or help people to relax and rejuvenate.
Emergence of new technologies
New materials, innovative technology and clever applications mean lighting retains its place at the centre of industrial and ergonomic design. Architects, builders, designers and home owners are all investing in light control solutions to boost productivity, save money, create the right atmosphere – and even use it as a status symbol.
LED lighting, User-Interaction-Design and networking technologies are advancing together, creating a perfect combination to give lighting a bright future. Lutron has a huge R&D team working on projects now that will bring us the light control solutions of 2020. Some might say they have a perfect vision.
Range of light sources
From natural to artificial light, the options are ever-expanding. Whilst currently LEDs are the preferred choice for efficiency and light quality, we must remember that even candles are used in many communities once the sun sets.
Effective light control must support both new and existing technology, be that artificial light or natural light, letting light into a room or blocking it out. Lutron’s 2,500 patents are testament to its many innovations over the years, yet no-one can predict exactly what tomorrow’s lighting solutions might look like.
At ISE, visitors were able to experience some of the latest innovations, installations and demos of Lutron’s high performance LED solutions. These included the EcoSystem 5-Series LED driver 35W and 50W, hospitality solutions including myRoom and the new Alena pull-to-start motorised curtain track system, commercial and residential keypad ranges such as Palladiom and Grafik T QS Slider, Radio Powr Savr , part of the sensor range of energy saving solutions, and its newest Quantum Vue Software to monitor, manage and control your lighting from any smartphone, PC or tablet.
‘ISE 2015 was an excellent opportunity to discuss our customers’ needs and show them how our solutions fit any project and budget. Lutron will continue to lead the market in lighting innovation in line with the exponential growth of connected devices to create the smarter homes and buildings of tomorrow,’ concluded Michael Pessina.
UK customer Inspired Dwellings about the benefits of using Lutron’s solutions:
‘By having involvement in the project from the very early stages of the build, we were able to take all of the family’s requirements into account and incorporate them into a cohesive solution that uses the best in technology, from companies such as Lutron, to deliver stunning results,’ added Rob Sutherland, MD at Inspired Dwellings.
