Digital integration in smart lighting to drive future of smart cities

Rajesh Uttamchandani, Director, Syska Group, walks us through the challenges, opportunities, and the future prospects of LED smart lighting in India. 

Demand for smart and efficient lighting in the commercial and residential segment? 

With the rapid population growth, the need for advanced technology that can help preserve energy resources has become a vital subject. With people being homebound due to the ongoing pandemic, they are investing in upgrading their homes with the latest technology for added convenience and a better work from home experience. Since smart technology is the norm, the smart lighting market is likely to benefit from this demand. Smart lighting solutions have provoked the smart home revolution and the COVID pandemic has given a further boost to this revolution. With people continuing to work from home, there will be a need for integrating smart lighting solutions that are energy-efficient, long-lasting and designed with a simple user interface. Furthermore, the development in the home automation segment has also boosted the use of IoT based lighting systems. 

How are the present renewable energy trends impacting the demand for energy-efficient lighting? 

With increased awareness of climate issues and the need for sustainability, we are witnessing an increased trend for products that are both energy-efficient and environmentally beneficial. In the future, the lighting sector will continue to focus on smart lighting technologies that meet consumers’ sustainability needs. The Indian lighting sector is on a fast track growth mode to replace basic and inefficient incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent lamps with modern LED lights that provide energy savings and control via digital technology integration. In order to stay up with ever-changing consumer needs and behaviour, smart home products are expected to adopt a human-centric design approach.

Challenges and opportunities for smart and energy-efficient lighting in India? 

With the current situation and significant population expansion, the need for improved technology that can aid in the conservation of energy resources has become a hot topic. Cities consume high power and resource expenses. Practicing small yet effective measures such as adopting sustainable products such as LED bulbs that help decrease pollution and IoT-equipped smart home LED lights that offer leisure with a focus on sustainability can bring a significant change. At Syska, we have been encouraging our customers about the various advantages of shifting towards the adoption of sustainable and energy-efficient products and solutions. Owing to the availability of affordable data connectivity services, which is making products easily accessible, we are observing tremendous demand for smart lighting products not only from metro cities but also tier 2 & 3 cities. One of the most revolutionary breakthroughs in the world of AI/ IoT is voice command. Now, the world is speeding toward a new era of intelligent products that can be controlled just by using voice from any location with internet connectivity. Syska offers a diverse product line under the smart home appliances category that includes bulbs, tubes, panel lights, downlights, strip lights, and much more, all of which can be controlled via an app or voice assistant. 

How are IT, IIoT and automation enabling the industry to meet the demand of energy-efficient lighting for smart cities? 

The needs and preferences of consumers in terms of lighting have changed dramatically. The COVID pandemic has sparked interest in IoT-based smart products that provide a touch-free experience. Smart lighting with sensors and AI-driven software provide an ease of access, allowing users to operate the product at any time and from any location, which is not only environmentally friendly but also protects users by eradicating the need for physical access.