During specialist presentations on the latest developments in lighting technology and with the help of demonstrators, participants were able to see for themselves how the latest premium headlights and illuminated vehicle fronts of the future work. In addition, the experts from ZKW and ÖAMTC Fahrtechnik showed how glare-free high beam, modern light assistance systems and sensor technology in the headlights can increase driving safety during demo drives on the Wachauring. In addition to Roland Frisch (Chief Car Instructor & Head of ÖAMTC Driving Technology Centre Melk/Wachauring), Udo Hornfeck (CTO ZKW Group GmbH) and Gerald Böhm (Group Senior Manager Advanced Technology/Technology Relationship Management ZKW), Georg Pitterle (Technology Manager ZKW), Matthäus Artmann (Technology Manager ZKW) as well as Patrick Schmidt and Martin Lahmer (both Project Manager Pre-Development ZKW) led through the evening.

Superintegrator & seamless intelligent vehicle front
The developments of ZKW and REHAU Automotive for the integration of modern lighting systems in vehicle fronts could be marvelled at on the basis of two demonstrators. Both companies are jointly driving forward the integration of modern lighting systems in vehicle fronts. In the future, “intelligent vehicle fronts” and possible other series products are to be developed that combine light, sensors and electronics in a “Seamless Intelligent Vehicle Front”. The seamless vehicle front will be enriched with lighting, logo, sensor and heating elements and thus become an intelligent design object. The concept can be used to redesign the front of electric vehicles that do not require a radiator, for example. These developments can be seen live on two demonstrators.

Crystal look of the BMW i7: light as a design element
One of the highlights of the new all-electric BMW i7 are the sparkling crystal headlights. ZKW has developed a unique lighting system in co-operation with Swarovski and BMW: Four precisely cut crystals of the “Iconic Glow” headlights are backed by individually controlled LEDs. These support the daytime running lights and indicators, creating a lively glow. High and low beam in ZKW LED matrix technology are discreetly positioned in the lower part of the front of the BMW i7. Features such as the “Welcome and Goodbye Light Staging” functions are among the unique innovations of this standard headlamp.

Demo drive on the Wachauring: Digital headlights as the light of the future
As an example of intelligent LED lighting systems from ZKW, the high-resolution glare-free high beam could be experienced live while driving the Opel Insignia. The 25,600 high-performance LEDs of the microZ high beam module are specifically switched on and off via a linked front camera. This enables the system to automatically adapt the high beam to the traffic situation and avoid dangerous glare. Digitally controlled light can not only precisely block out oncoming traffic, but also enables numerous information and communication functions. These functions are based on high-resolution projection technologies. A semiconductor component comprising 25,600 micro-LEDs on a small surface area of 40 mm² provides the basis for this. In addition, light projections (such as directional arrows on the ground to indicate the direction of travel) were shown during the demo drive to improve road safety.

Sensors & person recognition