ZKW and ÖAMTC Fahrtechnik presented their vision of future vehicle lighting at an event on 14 November at the Melk/Wachauring Driving Technology Centre. Both companies demonstrated the latest technologies in automotive lighting technology, including high-resolution glare-free high beam, light projections for greater road safety, and person-, vehicle-, and obstacle detection using modern sensor technology and artificial intelligence. ZKW CEO Wilhelm Steger said, “With the onset of the dark season, the topic of ‘safety and light’ is increasingly in focus. ZKW is constantly researching the development of digital lighting systems that can interact with other road users and increase driving safety”.
During specialist presentations on the latest developments in lighting technology and with the help of demonstrators, participants were able to see for themselves how the latest premium headlamps and illuminated vehicle fronts of the future will work. In during demo drives on the Wachauring, experts from both companies showed how glare-free high beam, modern light assistance systems, and sensor technology in the headlights can increase driving safety.
As an example of intelligent LED lighting systems from ZKW, the high-resolution glare-free high beam could be experienced live while driving the Opel Insignia. The 25,600 high-performance LEDs of the microZ high beam module are specifically switched on and off via a linked front camera. This enables the system to automatically adapt the high beam to the traffic situation and avoid dangerous glare. Digitally controlled light can not only precisely shadow out oncoming traffic, but also enables numerous information and communication functions. These functions are based on high-resolution projection technologies. A semiconductor component comprising 25,600 micro-LEDs on a small surface area of 40 mm2 provides the basis for this. In addition, light projections (such as directional arrows on the ground to indicate the direction of travel) were shown during the demo drive to improve road safety.
