David Shiller

Universal automation in building automation systems (BAS) refers to a new standardized approach that brings software-defined, vendor-agnostic control to building management and automation. Universal automation can also be applied to industrial automation systems, but this article will only address universal automation use in BAS. Here are key aspects of universal automation in the context of [...]

Author’s Note, 10/12/24: LightFair has extended the speaker submission deadline to October 18th, 2024. The call for speakers for LightFair 2025 is open, with a deadline to apply of October 11, 2024 (next Friday!). LightFair did not issue a press release about it, as in previous years, and there has been almost no trade press coverage [...]

Chiara Carucci is the Founder and Principal Lighting Designer at Noctua, a unique lighting design firm focused on light & shade to preserve heritage sites and natural resources while enhancing visitors’ experience after dark. The Collepardo caves are a natural wonder in the Lazio region of Italy. Noctua was selected by the Lazio region to [...]

Samsung Electronics has recently announced its plan to gradually end LED lighting production by 2030. Samsung’s LED business has primarily been divided into illumination devices, TVs, and automotive. First, the company will end production of LED chips for illumination devices by first half of 2026. The TV LED lighting business will wind down by the [...]

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) announced funding of 20 projects across Canada that will combined install over 3,000 EV chargers. The Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program provides funding to support the installation of EV chargers in multi-unit residential buildings, at workplaces, on-street and along highways, at public places and where EV fleets are serviced. The Government of Canada [...]

According to Reuters, the International Longshoremen Association have announced a decision by workers to strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, from Maine to Texas. These ports represent about half of all goods imported into the US via ocean shipping. While the majority of lighting industry imports come from Asia through unaffected West Coast [...]

  DOE previously provided guidance to general service lamp (GSL) manufacturers that the Department would not require certification in CCMS (the regulated product database) of GSL lamps that did not already require certification, until the effective date of new standards which come into effect July of 2028. DOE published a pre-publication final rule document, this week, withdrawing [...]

  Candiac, Quebec, Canada now boasts the first “smart” crosswalk in North America with lights embedded into the road surface, to improve pedestrian safety. Before pedestrians enter the crosswalk, sensors are triggered that turn on the lights to increase visibility for drivers to stop. The Candiac crosswalk is outside an elementary school to increase the [...]

  AUTHOR’S NOTE, 10/8/24: It has been brought to my attention that there are IP claims and ongoing legal actions occurring around CCT selectability switches. Before adding CCT selectability switches, fully review the IP landscape, claims, and ongoing litigation around this feature.  One of the strongest trends in commercial lighting has been the onslaught of [...]