Osram spotlights LED and laser solutions in Rinspeed’s latest concept vehicle

Sunnyvale, CA – Osram Opto Semiconductors, a leading lighting and technology company, is the exclusive lighting partner for Rinspeed’s Snap concept car. Rinspeed is well known for its visionary ideas and progressive design. The Swiss-based think tank created Snap for a future defined by autonomous driving and urbanization. The autonomous concept vehicle, which features many of Osram’s LED, laser and optoelectronic sensing solutions from the ultraviolet (UV) and visible to infrared spectrum, will be launched at the 2018 CES Show in Las Vegas. It will be on display during the show in Harman’s exhibit at the Hard Rock Hotel, Jan. 9-12.

As the global number one in automotive lighting, Osram Opto Semiconductors was the natural choice to help the Snap team reach its goal of redefining the automotive experience through the application of advanced technologies and next-generation lighting features.

The advent of autonomous driving and increase in urbanization will radically change how consumers think about and use their cars. In the near future, vehicles will become an extension of our private living space, requiring the same kinds of comfortable lighting options available in our home or office. Car sharing and delivery services will also change dramatically as more self-driving cars are introduced. With these issues in mind, Rinspeed developed a complete and unique eco-system. Rinspeed's Snap includes a detachable "skateboard," containing the drivetrain and most of the IT, which connects to variable "pods."

To give Snap a distinctive look and feel, Osram Opto Semiconductors provided the concept vehicle with human centric lighting, which coordinates the interplay of light, atmosphere and space to enhance the well-being of passengers. Furthermore, using facial recognition technology, powered by a new generation of infrared LEDs, Snap can adapt to the individual requirements of each passenger. Everything from personalized lighting options to preferred temperature to seat position can be adjusted to meet a passenger’s needs. Entering the vehicle becomes even more customized and secure with iris scanning technology, featuring Osram’s infrared LEDs.

“We are honored to be the exclusive lighting supplier for Rinspeed’s Snap, a vehicle that reimagines the future of driving,” said Bodo Ischebeck, Vice President and General Manager of Industry and Mobile Devices at Osram Opto Semiconductors. “Our cutting-edge, infrared LED technologies are making vehicles more individualized for passengers than ever before by bringing the latest biometric identification applications to the automotive industry.”

Osram Opto Semiconductors’ LED technology also impressively demonstrates how dynamic information can be transmitted to both drivers and pedestrians. Projection lighting welcomes passengers with red carpet treatment and provides safety advice for pedestrians. LEDs and lasers convert front and rear windows into information-rich screens for conveying marketing messages or communicating with the vehicle’s surroundings. LED license plates can be customized with the driver’s information to accommodate future car sharing regulations.

“As we enter a new era of autonomous vehicles, lighting will become even more important,” said Wolfgang Lex, Vice President and General Manager of Automotive at Osram Opto Semiconductors. “Suddenly, the car is not just a car. It’s an office on wheels, a library, a living room, or an art studio where you can paint a picture during your commute hours. Logically, cars will need lighting that’s appropriate for all these activities and more.”

Osram Opto Semiconductors is bringing advanced technologies used in other industries to the automotive world. Biomonitoring on smart watches connects to the Rinspeed vehicle to assist passengers experiencing a sudden health issue. Finally, high-power UV LEDs disinfect Snap after each use to prevent the spread of germs.

Osram will showcase many of its innovative automotive lighting technologies at CES, including its wide range of interior and exterior automotive applications in booth #3115 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, click here.

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 smart phones to smart and connected lighting solutions in buildings and cities. OSRAM uses the endless possibilities of light to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. OSRAM’s innovations enable people all over the world not only to see better, but also to communicate, travel, work and live better. OSRAM has approximately 26,400 employees worldwide as of end of fiscal 2017 (September 30) and generated revenue of more than €4.1 billion. 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.