Osram LEDs and laser solutions increase safety, enable customizable interiors in Rinspeed microSNAP vehicle
December 13, 2018
Biometric identification, ambient lighting, smart headlights and more
illuminate the future of automotive technology in Rinspeed’s concept
vehicle at CES 2019 in Las Vegas
SUNNYVALE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Osram,
a global high-tech lighting company, today announced it is the exclusive
lighting partner for Rinspeed’s
latest concept vehicle, microSNAP. The vehicle features a variety of
Osram components for lighting and sensing applications, such as
biometric identification, ambient lighting, smart headlights and more.
These technologies are lighting the way to an automotive future that is
more urban, efficient and dynamic. For the third year, the global leader
in automotive lighting has supported the Rinspeed concept vehicle, which
shows how advanced sensing technologies and innovative illumination will
transform the way the world moves. The vehicle makes its debut at CES
2019, Jan. 8-11 in Harman’s exhibit at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Similar to Rinspeed’s previous Snap vehicle, the microSNAP has a
chassis, known as a “skateboard” containing the drivetrain and most of
the IT, which connects to various body types or “pods.” The microSNAP
design is considerably more compact, making it an exceptionally
versatile tool for last-mile transportation or express delivery of
goods. As autonomous driving and urbanization proliferates, having
smaller, more flexible vehicles will be critical in reducing congestion
in cities and optimizing vehicle efficiencies.
While versatility and efficiency are important pieces of the future
mobility puzzle, safety still will be paramount. That is why Osram
delivered both visible lighting and infrared components to microSNAP’s
interior and exterior – giving the vehicle unique abilities to monitor
its internal and external environment.
Outside the vehicle, microSNAP uses Osram’s Eviyos,
the world’s first hybrid LED for smart headlights. Eviyos contains
individually controlled pixels that automatically turn on and off,
allowing more of the road to be illuminated without blinding oncoming
drivers. Beyond headlights, Eviyos projects images and messages on the
road to alert passengers and pedestrians, ultimately improving safety
and enhancing the riding experience.
Self-driving vehicles will lead to new safety concerns outside of
vehicles. As a provider of high-power infrared pulse lasers in LiDAR
systems, Osram is committed to making autonomous driving as safe as
possible for everyone. With driverless cars, understanding the movement
and intent of both pedestrians and vehicles is crucial in urban
environments. The front and rear of the vehicle is made safer through a
dynamic brake indicator that communicates with those outside the
vehicle. LEDs located on the pillars of microSNAP’s pod and the front of
the skateboard are illuminated at different levels to show the entire
braking process. This intuitive lighting application helps communicate
to pedestrians by letting them know when the vehicle is at a complete
stop.
“Visible and infrared lighting create numerous safety opportunities that
are integral for autonomous vehicles as they become a reality. We’re
excited to showcase those possibilities with Rinspeed on its microSNAP
vehicle,” said Wolfgang Lex, Vice President and General Manager of
Automotive at Osram Opto Semiconductors. “From LiDAR sensing to adaptive
headlights and information projection, LEDs carry the torch to a safer
and more robust driving future.”
Inside microSNAP, Osram continues to increase safety with infrared
components by applying them to the vehicle’s 3D facial recognition and
iris scanning systems. Not only do these technologies increase security
by ensuring only approved individuals occupy the vehicle, such as for
autonomous ridesharing, they also allow the vehicle to adapt to an
individual’s desired settings. Once an individual is recognized through
biometric identification, everything from personalized lighting options
to preferred temperature can be adjusted to meet a passenger’s
previously set needs. These same components also empower gesture
recognition used to move and enlarge content from a center console
screen to the windshield.
Further assistance for ridesharing includes passenger monitoring, which
scans the interior for forgotten objects after a rider leaves and
notifies them with an audible signal or mobile message. Health
monitoring is also featured in microSNAP through Osram’s infrared LEDs
(IREDS), which track passengers’ vital signs for sudden changes.
“Autonomous vehicles create new and transformational opportunities for
our infrared emitters and sensors,” said Bodo Ischebeck, Vice President
and General Manager of Industry and Mobile Devices at Osram Opto
Semiconductors. “Osram’s IREDs are enabling advanced biometric
applications in Rinpeed’s microSNAP – enhancing safety, security and
well-being for passengers. Our focus will continue to be delivering
dynamic LEDs to customers and giving them ultimate design freedom so
they can create innovative spaces that improve people’s lives.”
Supporting microSNAP’s highly customizable environment, Osram provides
human centric lighting to the vehicle’s interior, which emphasizes the
interplay of light, atmosphere and space to enhance the well-being of
passengers. Osram’s Osire
E4633i adds to the experience by connecting lighting to the sound
system for a fully integrated light show. As vehicles begin to take over
driving functions, their interiors will become more of a living space,
making this kind of customization a gateway to new interior uses such as
for work and leisure.
At
CES 2019, Osram will showcase many of its innovative automotive
lighting technologies, including its wide range of interior and exterior
automotive applications in booth #8521 in the North Hall of the Las
Vegas Convention Center.
ABOUT OSRAM
OSRAM, based in Munich, is a leading global high-tech company with a
history dating back more than 110 years. Primarily focused on
semiconductor-based technologies, our products are used in highly
diverse applications ranging from virtual reality to autonomous driving
and from smartphones to networked, intelligent lighting solutions in
buildings and cities. OSRAM utilizes the infinite possibilities of light
to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. OSRAM’s
innovations will enable people all over the world not only to see
better, but also to communicate, travel, work, and live better. As of
the end of fiscal year 2018 (September 30), OSRAM had approximately
27,400 employees worldwide. It generated revenue of more than €4.1
billion in fiscal year 2018. The company is listed on the stock
exchanges in Frankfurt and Munich (ISIN: DE000LED4000; WKN: LED400;
trading symbol: OSR). Additional information can be found at www.osram.com.
Contacts
Osram
Press contact:
Sarah Carlson, 248-916-8693
sarah.carlson@osram-os.com
or
Technical
information:
Phone: 866-993-5211
Email: support@osram-os.com
or
Sales
channels:
www.osram-os.com/sales-contacts
