Osram LEDs and lasers increase safety and enable customizable interiors in Rinspeed microSNAP vehicle

Osram of Munich, Germany says it is the exclusive lighting partner for microSNAP, the latest concept vehicle from Switzerland-based think-tank Rinspeed, making its debut at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Harman’s exhibit at the Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas (8-11 January).

The vehicle features a variety of Osram components for lighting and sensing applications, such as biometric identification, ambient lighting and smart headlights, showing the way to an automotive future that is more urban, efficient and dynamic. For the third year, Osram has supported the Rinspeed concept vehicle, which shows how advanced sensing technologies and illumination can transform the way the world moves.

Similar to Rinspeed’s previous Snap vehicle, the microSNAP has a chassis (known as a ‘skateboard’) that contains the drivetrain and most of the IT, which connects to various body types (pods). The microSNAP design is considerably more compact, making it a 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, says Osram.

While versatility and efficiency are important for future mobility, safety will still 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 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.

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 aims to make autonomous driving as safe as possible. 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 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 to let pedestrians 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,” says Wolfgang Lex, VP & general manager of Automotive at Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH of Regensburg, Germany. “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 ride-sharing), 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 ride-sharing 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,” says Bodo Ischebeck, VP & general manager of Industry and Mobile Devices at Osram Opto. “Osram’s IREDs are enabling advanced biometric applications in Rinpeed’s microSNAP – enhancing safety, security and well-being for passengers,” he addds. “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 LED connects 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 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.

See related items:

Prototype of Osram’s RGB-LED Osire E4633i provides dynamic in-car lighting

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