The 9^th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) kicked off on Thursday (April 6^th) and will continue through April 9^th at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) featuring more than 1,300 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions.

Hong Kong Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) attracts exhibitors and buyers around the world. (LEDinside)

The key industry trend – smart lighting –is highlighted through the Asian Lighting Forum and a dedicated Smart Lighting zone, with companies presenting products from simple connected devices to integrated smart lighting system.

Titled “The Primary Knowhow of Smart Lighting,” the Asian Lighting Forum invited world-leading companies to share their insights regarding the present and future of smart lighting.

Smart Lighting & Solutions Zone debuts at the HK International Lighting Fair 2017. (LEDinside)

When Smart Lighting Becomes Personal

When it comes to smart lighting, there are a vast range of technologies, platforms and solutions being developed by manufacturers around the world. Even those who are not in the lighting industry – Apple, Google, Amazon, just to name a few –have launched connected residential solutions that make what used to exist only in movies a reality. 

However, Vincent Chow, Senior Marketing Manager at Philips Lighting Hong Kong, said a lot of people still don’t quite understand the merits of connected lighting; they think it’s something far away from their lives.

Thus, the aim of Philips Lighting is to really improve people’s quality of life through their smart lighting products. For instance, Hue is a personal wireless lighting control platform that allows users to manage color temperature, dimming and light color based on different occasions or needs.

It is also kid and elderly friendly. For small children who are not tall enough to reach the wall switch, the app-based system is a convenient solution for them. For seniors with decreased hearing, Philips Hue can be connected to another smart doorbell system and activate flashing light when someone rings the doorbell.

Nowadays, many people install IP cameras at home to observe what their pets or children are doing when they are away. However, it only works during the daytime when there is no light. But with Hue, users can remotely switch on lights with a simple touch.

With more and more companies moving into smart lighting, HK Lighting Fair 2017 organized the Asian Lighting Forum where industry specialists, renowned brands and lighting designer shared their insights into this trending topic. (LEDinside)

What is Light? Before, Now and Future

Lawrence Chan, Director, Head of Marketing and Strategy, Asia Pacific Region, Osram Lighting Solutions Asia Pacific, also focused on human-centric lighting. He emphasized that lighting needs to satisfy the visual, biological and emotional needs of human.

Right light helps people get the right energy. Osram has been partnering with the German Ski Association (DSV) to provide athletes with biologically effective light that enhances performance and reactions, reduces the effects of jet lag and improves sleep quality.

The right lighting can also improve productivity. Osram also developed artificial daylight systems (Dynamic Daylight Simulation) used at workplace to keep people more alert, more attentive and more able to concentrate on their work during the day.

Lawrence Chan further highlighted the importance of creating smart cities. By 2050, two-thirds of the world population will be living in cities. Thus, digitalization and connectivity are needed to manage cities efficiently as well as achieve energy efficiency. Instead of simply offering products, Osram focuses on selling services and solutions that cater to different needs in different cities.

In sum, to offer lighting products that are designed for people requires a thorough understanding of what people actually need and more importantly, a smart way of thinking.