Partnership creates magic carpets

Philips has partnered with carpet producer Desso to create new products combining LED lighting with light-transmissive carpet.

The companies say the partnership will further unlock the potential of LED integration into surfaces and adds an exciting dimension to interior design and space planning.

The LED carpets will provide benefits in areas of information, direction, inspiration and safety, the companies say. Applications include:

• Guiding people around buildings, including safety exits and routes.
• Enhancing the ambiance and atmosphere of the interior of buildings combining lighting with design and colour.
• Helping to declutter spaces by making information visible only when needed.

“This light-transmissive carpet solution is designed to engage directly with people’s senses and the eye’s natural inclination to seek out light,” said Ed Huibers, Marketing and Sales Director, Philips Lighting.

“The technology takes advantage of people’s tendency to be guided by the floor when moving through and interacting with space. It brings information, direction, inspiration and safety via the carpet you walk on. This partnership of market leaders is focused on bringing meaningful innovations to the market.”

“We know people spend 90% of their time indoors and our vision, linked to this, is to create innovative flooring solutions that contribute to people’s health and wellbeing,” added Desso CEO Alexander Collot d’Escury.

The partnership is an agreement to work exclusively together in developing the markets in EMEA. In addition to this, a joint development agreement has been signed focusing on a seamless integration of this solution into new and existing buildings. The product name will be revealed in 2014 as part of the full go-to-market launch, but Philips and Desso are already working on pilot projects in key markets.