Briefing 2020

Initial situation

In the early days of automotive history, lanterns provided the driver with a minimum of visibility at night. They were later replaced by electrically operated lamps, and nowadays vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art lighting technology. LEDs achieve a hundred thousand times the power of candlelight and the current technologies enable driving with permanent, glare-free high beam. Obstacles are automatically detected and illuminated and in addition symbols, such as zebra crossings, can be projected onto the road by means of light. The initial task of light to allow visibility at night is now being expanded and light is taking over communication functions and furthermore acts as an interface to the environment. 

This trend will continue to intensify with the progress of autonomous driving and light will increasingly take over communication tasks in the nearby future. For this reason, an external call is being made for lighting design animations for ZKW's existing and upcoming range of main headlamps, light modules, signal lamps and rear lamps. Regarding the communication with light also light bands and other supplemental lights can be taken into consideration.

Task

We invite the Industry meets Makers - Community to work on the following two tasks:

1. Programming of a software in which on the one hand lighting design animations can be simulated on a computer by importing CAD data and on the other hand can be shown in real life on the light module at customer roadshows.

  • The programmed software should be integrated as seamlessly as possible into ZKW's existing software landscape, so that animations can be tested and presented without additional effort. 

2. Development of suitable use cases for the application of light communication designs and design of suitable light animations. 

  • The following situations (among others) are conceivable: Braking, acceleration, forward movement, backward movement, warning light, etc.

  • The light animations should in any case fulfill a functional aspect with a “certain wink” and thus lead to e.g. more safety as well as to an increased well-being of the road users.

  • The animations can be shown on all available exterior lights of a vehicle individually or in combination and in addition also in On/Off and RGB light. 

  • In the long run, autonomous vehicles should be able to communicate with their surroundings in a quick and easy way by means of light. Accordingly, the animation designs should be characterized above all by their simplicity, good perceptibility and the easiest and most universal comprehensibility.

Result

The design of at least one light animation is required, whereby the animation designs should be characterized above all by their simplicity, good perceptibility and easiest and universal comprehensibility. 

In addition to the animation, a software is required that integrates as seamlessly as possible into ZKW's software, so that animations can be simulated without additional effort and presented at customer road shows. 

Perspectives

Support during the runtime 

In regular meetings we exchange information and we support with know-how. In the course of a workshop, all participants will work together with ZKW experts and will have the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into our company as well as the industry in order to further develop the solution approaches. 

Possible longer-term perspectives

The best lighting design animations will be integrated into our existing product range and (partly already autonomously driving!) concept cars and thus made accessible to a large audience. In addition, we are striving for a long-term cooperation with the winning team for future light animation projects.

Dates and processes

1. At the kick-off event on April 16th we presented our briefing (see industry pitch video below) and started our brainstorming process with first interested makers.

2. The next good opportunity to work with us on the topic is the Virtual Future Tech Bootcamp, which will be organized from June 29th to July 2nd. We will be there again with our experts to support you in developing innovative new approaches.

3. But of course you can still join us at any time after this intensive 4-day session. This year's Industry meets Makers program will run until the Best of #IMM2020 event on September 30th, where we will present the most innovative solutions at the Digital Days at the ERSTE Campus in Vienna.

ZKW-Industry-Pitch @ #IMM2020-Online-Kick-off (16.4.2020)

Contact 

The main contact persons for this briefing are Philipp Elsler and Yvonne Danzinger from ZKW Innovation Management. Specific technological contacts will be provided upon request. 

About the ZKW Group

We are the ZKW Group – the specialist for innovative, premium lighting systems and electronics. As systems supplier, we are one of the world’s leading strategic partners to the automotive industry. From Austria, we produce premium lighting systems and electronic modules for the automotive industry, with 9,700 employees in Europe, the U.S., Mexico, and Asia. We deliver products to our customers with uncompromising quality and absolute reliability, and with leading global technologies for more individuality, safety, and environmental compatibility. They receive attractive products with more personality and expression. 

The history of innovations produced by our company is long, and we still feel obligated today to maintain our pioneering spirit. For 80 years, extensive investment in research and development has ensured that we can maintain and further expand our top position. Thousands of bright minds in many different countries are excited to work with us to do just that. 

More details at www.zkw-group.com