GLOBAL LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY GIANTS Philips is a global leader in lighting technology and complete lighting solutions. Industry Europe takes a closer look at the world’s foremost lighting company and how its cutting-edge LED technology benefits consumers and retailers worldwide whilst helping to protect the environment.
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hilips has led the world in lighting technology since it was founded in 1891 by Anton and Gerard Philips in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The company began by manufacturing carbon-filament lamps and by the turn of the century had become one of the largest producers in Europe. Stimulated by the growing industrial revolution in Europe, Philips set up its first research laboratory which was responsible for groundbreaking innovations such as the X-ray and radio technology. Over the years Philips has continued to be responsible for many innovative technological breakthroughs that have enriched people’s everyday lives worldwide. Philips Lighting is the leading provider of lighting solutions and applications for both the professional and consumer markets. The company addresses lighting needs across the full spectrum of living environments from homes, shops, offices, schools factories and hospitals, to residential areas, sports arenas and street lighting. In addition Philips Lighting delivers light-inspired visual enhancements through architectural and city beautification projects. The company’s lighting is also used for specific applications, including horticulture, refrigeration lighting and signage, as well as heating, water purification and healthcare applications. Today Philips is an innovative global leader in its many business disciplines and employs more than 120,000 people in over 60 countries. The company is also a global leader in energy-efficient lighting solutions in areas such as road lighting, office and industrial applications as well as in hospitality and home environments. Currently Philips employs more than 53,000 people in its lighting sector and remains committed to creating a sustainable future with exciting, new lighting technologies. Philips’ sustainability focus is evident in some of the high profile contracts it has completed in recent years. For example, in February
this year (2015) it completed the upgrade of 10 ships for Europe’s leading holiday cruise company, Costa Cruises. More than 300,000 Philips LED lights have been installed to enable a 60 per cent reduction in the energy used to power each ship’s lighting.
A powerful partnership In April this year, Royal Philips announced that its Philips Hue personal wireless lighting can now be controlled through Apple Watch. Philips Hue is part of a seamless ecosystem covering bulbs, lamps and controls, as well as integration with the Apple HomeKit. According to Eric Rondolat, CEO at Philips Lighting: “We know that light is at the heart of the digital home. With Apple Watch you can instantly adapt Philips Hue lighting to suit every moment and occasion. Together we are making personalised lighting simpler and more accessible through the convenience of Apple Watch.” Apple Watch uses the widgets from the Philips Hue app to control the lights in the home. If the geofencing is activated on a user’s iPhone, they will get a notification on their Apple Watch to inform them that the lights are on as they arrive home – meaning they no longer need to look for the switch in the dark. Also through Apple Watch, precise personalisation of lighting is possible within the same room.
Innovative street lighting Last year, Philips Lighting announced the establishment of a joint partnership with Ericsson to launch an innovative new connected LED street lighting model. The partnership solves two major issues that cities are facing today: providing citizens with improved network performance in dense urban areas as well as high quality, public lighting that is energy efficient. Industry Europe 87
