Ever found yourself wondering how good lighting can completely transform a space, warm up a room, make it intense and focused, or keep it lively? Now think about that magic being self-sustaining, shifting upon your arrival, the hour of day, or even your mood. Lights that learn, adapt, and save energy without you having to do a thing, that's the magic of smart lighting.
Smart lighting is an enhanced lighting system that can be controlled, automated, and programmed using technologies such as sensors, wireless communication, and voice control or mobile devices. In contrast to conventional lighting, smart lighting systems can adjust brightness, color, and operation in response to user demand, occupancy, natural light levels, or pre-programmed schedules. They not only enhance ambiance and comfort but also increase energy efficiency and convenience by enabling users to control lighting remotely or automatically through smart programming.
The global smart lighting market value was estimated at USD 15.93 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.8% from 2024 to 2032.
Phillips Hue (Signify)
Philips Hue is a well-known smart lighting brand of Signify, a multinational company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, formerly known as Philips Lighting. Introduced in 2016, Signify has made Hue a household name for smart bulbs, light strips, and outdoor lighting. Customers love Philips Hue for its simple app control, support for voice assistants, and smart features like geofencing. Philips Hue integrates perfectly with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit.
GE Lighting
GE Lighting was established in 1911, when General Electric acquired the National Electric Lamp Association (NELA) and integrated it into its lighting business. GE Lighting's headquarters are located at Nela Park in East Cleveland, Ohio, USA. GE Lighting's Cync brand offers budget-friendly smart lighting that works within leading ecosystems. Its bulbs and light strips are simple to install and appeal to price-sensitive consumers.
Nanoleaf
Nanoleaf was founded in 2012, and its headquarters are in Toronto, Paris, and Shenzhen. Nanoleaf also has locations in Hong Kong and the Philippines. Nanoleaf is known for its modular lighting panels and out-of-the-box designs that serve as artwork. Its products are perfect for gamers, streamers, and creatives, providing touch control and music sync capabilities.
LIFX
LIFX was founded in 2012 in Cremorne, Victoria, Australia. The company's headquarters are located in San Francisco, California, USA. Feit Electric bought smart lighting company LIFX in August 2022. LIFX is a brand renowned for its bright, vivid, and high-quality lights. LIFX is best known for its hub-free Wi-Fi smart bulbs, which offer effortless setup and a wide range of color options. With their bright colors and cool lighting effects, LIFX bulbs are a favorite among people who appreciate customizable, colorful lighting.
Cree Lighting
With its headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin, USA, Cree Lighting was founded in 1987. Cree Lighting is a private company that manufactures electrical equipment, appliances, and electronics. Cree Lighting offers energy-efficient smart lighting solutions focused on the LED lightning market. Their products are designed for longevity and are widely used in residential and commercial spaces.
Acuity Brands: Acuity Brands is a leading provider of smart lighting solutions, which bring together energy efficiency, smart controls, and effortless connectivity to transform commercial, industrial, and outdoor spaces.
Häfele GmbH & Co KG: An international firm renowned for its intelligent lighting solutions and innovative hardware offerings, delivering advanced, energy-saving light systems that upgrade both residential and commercial interiors with contemporary design and smart technology.
Honeywell International: Honeywell International is a technology leader that provides smart lighting solutions across its broader portfolio, which centers on building automation and energy management to create safer, more efficient, and connected commercial and industrial environments.
LG Electronics: LG Electronics is a global technology leader that integrates smart lighting solutions into its range of home and commercial products with innovative design augmented by smart connectivity to achieve the highest energy efficiency and user convenience.
Schneider Electric: A global leader in energy management and automation, providing intelligent lighting solutions that improve energy efficiency, control, and sustainability in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Integrating with IoT: The Internet of Things (IoT) is making even smarter, predictive lighting solutions possible that learn from user behavior.
Emphasis on Sustainability: With growing awareness of environmental issues, intelligent lighting companies are increasingly using energy-efficient, eco-friendly materials to meet these demands.
Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Smart Homes: As the trend of smart homes gains popularity, lighting systems are increasingly integrated with voice assistants, thermostats, and security cameras, along with the incorporation of AI for a unified experience.
Advanced Customization: Individualized lighting, such as circadian-based tuning, is gaining strong popularity as a feature in smart lighting systems among health-conscious consumers.
Innovations to Watch
The smart lighting of the future is looking bright, with even smarter, more energy-efficient systems that respond elegantly to our needs. With the help of AI and improved connectivity, smart lighting will be simpler to use and more sustainable. As these solutions become widespread, smart lighting will make public areas safer, more convenient, and greener.
The smart lighting market is changing at a breakneck pace, driven by pioneering companies revolutionizing how we light our homes, offices, and cities. Through advancements in AI, IoT, and sustainability, smart lighting is becoming more intuitive, energy-efficient, and personalized. As these technologies advance and become more mainstream, smart lighting will be at the forefront of shaping the future of lighting, developing spaces that are smarter, safer, and more comfortable for all.