Innovation Lighting works in interdisciplinary teams on the mobility of the future and the role that lighting will play in it. Its own test vehicles are one of the keys to this. The Vision 2X development platform not only looks good, but also answers important research questions.

^{Monday 2025-11-03}

Recently at ISAL in Darmstadt: "How did you get here with this vehicle?" Answer: "We drove." Because the test vehicles used in preliminary lighting development (Innovation Lighting) have one thing that they have in common with series production vehicles and that many show cars don't havie: they are allowed to be driven on public roads at any time. The current research and development platform is called Vision 2X. Not only does this name follow on from Vision ONE in terms of both name and timing, it also conveys the thematic focus on V2X (Vehicle-to-X) and the associated communication possibilities of the vehicle.

Research projects

Internal and external human-machine interfaces in automated vehicles have been part of ongoing research and development for some time. Innovation Lighting has always been committed to these so-called iHMI and eHMI concepts, currently within the BMWE-funded STADT:up project. "The aim of our work is to develop a holistic understanding of how automated vehicles communicate visually with passengers and other road users in order to increase safety, trust, and acceptance," explains Dr. Aniella Johannsen, head of the Human-Machine Interaction working group at L-LAB.

Symposiums

The results of ongoing R&D projects must not be withheld from the public in order to convince development partners, especially automotive manufacturers, and to initiate homologations. Specialist conferences such as the recently held International Symposium on Automotive Lighting, or ISAL for short, offer these opportunities. Specialist presentations in an air-conditioned hall, supported by the appropriate test vehicle in the autumnal outdoor area. "In this way, we not only show what topics we are working on, but also reinforce our expertise and technological leadership in the eyes of our customers, suppliers, and partners," says Christian Schmidt, who is responsible for the L-LAB and the Innovation Lighting Functions group.