Woo your date with Sony's new LED speaker lightbulb

Super Bright LEDs Now Offers Ballast­-Compatible LED T8 Tube Lighting

Super Bright LEDs - a leading online retailer for LED lights - now offers a ballast-compatible LED T8 tube for office lighting, school lighting, hospital lighting, basement lighting, and more. The energy­efficient F32T8 tube light can be used in direct-wire fixtures or to replace T8 tubes in fluorescent fixtures without removing ballasts. Designed to last  50,000 hours—5 times longer than fluorescent tubes—the LED T8 tube reduces costly repairs,  disposal fees, and the need for replacements. This energy­efficient LED light uses just 18 watts  of power and is comparable to a 24­watt fluorescent tube light. 

Sony CLEDIS with ultrafine LEDs Unveiled

Sony announced CLEDIS. This new technology, Crystal LED Integrated Structure (CLEDIS), uses Sony’s ultrafine LEDs in a unique surface mounting structure as its light source, enabling high quality large scale displays not possible with even the the current LED array technology. “It’s a new type of canvas for limitless flexibility and creativity in public spaces and high-end visual entertainment,” said Kevin O’Connor, senior manager, sales and marketing, visual simulation and entertainment at Sony Electronics. “Compared to the technologies currently available for large-scale display, it’s a leap forward in depth, contrast, color, resolution – and pure visual impact.”

Power LEDs in a golden high reflective package target exterior automotive applications

Everlight Electronics has unveiled four new ceramic high reflective packaged high power automotive LEDs with a Golden Lead Frame in four different colours White, PC-Amber, Red and Super Red, according to their preferred exterior applications. The 3030CLU-NP (White) features a cool colour temperature of 5180-6680K which makes it especially suited for DRL. Version 3030CLU-UY (PC-Amber) is recommended for turn indicators and tail lights.

CoB LEDs deliver 76,000 candelas at a 10° beam angle for spotlights

Lumileds' second generation LUXEON CoB Compact Range LEDs feature an efficacy and output boost of up to 16% over its previous generation arrays. The devices cover different power range directional lamps such as a 35W-equivalent and a 50W-equivalent MR-16 lamp, achieving exceptional centre beam candlepower (CBCP). At 1,500 lumens, the LUXEON CoB 209 reaches 76,000 candelas at a 10° beam angle.

Could LEDs Help Fight the Zika Virus?

It’s difficult to blame any single factor for the rapid spread of diseases like the Zika virus and dengue fever. One thing on which experts can agree, however, is that warmer temperatures around the globe are helping tropical insects survive in temperate zones. About 4 billion people are at risk of mosquito-borne infectious disease today, according to the World Health Organization. More hospitable conditions for the insects could push that figure to as high as 9 billion by the end of the century. But blanketing our population centers in toxic bug sprays and pesticides isn’t exactly a comforting solution. Lighting Science Group, a Florida company that specializes in the application of light-emitting diode (LED) technology, thinks it has a better way. The company is part of a growing field of research that seeks to control pests using light.

RayVio Launches Industry-Leading Ultraviolet LEDs to Enable Clean Water and Environments

RayVio Corp., an advanced health and hygiene company, announced that it has launched a new series of ultraviolet (UV) LEDs with the highest power output available from a small surface mount device (SMD) footprint. RayVio’s leading technology enables the UV disinfection of water and environments by fostering a new generation of powerful and portable health and hygiene devices.

RayVio’s new series of UV LEDs are among the smallest commercially available at a width of 6.5 millimeters, enabling unparalleled flexibility to incorporate into a range of products from self-disinfecting water bottles to hospital surface cleaners. The technology provides up to 40 milliwatts at 100 milliamperes continuous current operation in a single package, the most power available in that size on the market. With its wavelength in the range of 280 to 290 nanometers and its high power density, RayVio’s LEDs deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, thereby preventing disease.


UV light is widely used to protect against germs in water, surfaces and air, and can also aid in treating skin diseases including psoriasis, eczema, rickets and jaundice. However, traditional UV light sources are bulky, fragile and contain toxic mercury. RayVio’s UV LEDs are portable and compact and can be used safely across a range of applications, from cleaning water tanks in home humidifiers to disinfecting water at the faucet. RayVio is working with partners across the globe to incorporate its line of UV LEDs into a new generation of products and applications.

Coupled with a hemispherical quartz lens, RayVio’s new UV LEDs provide precise beam shape, enabling uniform light distribution over a large area. RayVio UV LED emitters are offered in a range of wavelengths, power levels and easy-to-use mounting designs. They also offer industry leading thermal resistance at 6°C per watt, are RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliant, and are manufactured in a precision high-tech facility in Silicon Valley, with additional high volume manufacturing partners around the world to meet soaring global demand.

Traffic signals to be replaced with LEDs

Three local municipalities will get more than $35,000 from the state’s Green-Light Go program to improve 17 intersections. The Borough of Shippensburg and Washington Township will replace traffic lamps with light-emitting diode modules and get battery backup at some intersections.

The Only Way To Turn On This Work Lamp? Turn Off Your Phone

Kadam designed the Tranquilo as a lamp made of a few different distinct parts. First, there's the light itself, a detachable LED lightbulb with Philips Hue-style color shifting abilities. The base, meanwhile, comes with both near-field communication (NFC) support and wireless charging, so when you place your smartphone on it, the Tranquilo can turn on the lamp as well as start wirelessly charging your handset. But the Tranquilo doesn't just turn on a lamp when you place your smartphone on its base. It also does the opposite, switching your phone to "Do Not Disturb" mode for as long as that light is shining.

Global LED Market to Benefit from Improved Controllability and Energy Efficiency of LED Lamps

A new report from Transparency Market Research, titled 'LED Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024,' states that the global LED market is expected to expand at a rapid pace during the period between 2016 and 2024 owing to the many benefits offered by LEDs and their rising applications. Defined by improved controllability and energy efficiency, the arrival of light-emitting diodes (LED) is considered to be revolutionary.

By 2014, LED lighting constituted a major share of the global lighting market and the trend is expected to continue during the period between 2016 and 2024. LED is a two-lead semiconductor light source, which emits light when activated. The recent advancements in LEDs allow them to be extensively used in environmental lighting. Over the past few years, LEDs have been registering growing demand owing to the many advantages they offer. Low energy consumption, longer life, improved physical robustness, smaller size, and faster switching are some of the advantages offered by LEDs.

Applications of LEDs are as varied as headlamps, aviation lighting, forensic, general lighting, healthcare, signals and signage, advertising, camera flash, electronic devices, and mobile devices. Over the past few years, LEDs have emerged as a very powerful lighting source; however, they require more precise electricity and heat and remain more expensive as compared to compact fluorescent lamps.

Larson Electronics Illuminates With Six LEDs

Here’s a handy illumination solution: The Larson Electronics’ IL-LED-18-M generates 1,400 lumens. It has a magnetic mounting base, rated at 100 pounds and its stainless steel bracket allows it to be moved while attached. A release explains, “This unit is configured to operate on 12 VDC and is equipped with an optional 16-foot coil cord with a cigarette plug, a 16-foot straight cord with a cigarette plug, a 21-foot cord with battery clamps, or a 21-foot cord with ring terminals.”

Better healing with blue LEDs

Since its invention in the early ’90s, blue-LED technology has found several applications in biochemical and biomedical fields. One is that irradiation with blue light can stop the bleeding of wounds. The absorption of haemoglobin at narrow peaks in the blue range (410 nm and 430 nm for oxygenated and non-oxygenated haemoglobin respectively), showing an absorption coefficient much higher than skin chromophores. The effect can be used to ensure a local temperature increase that is able to induce hemostasis through a photo-thermo-coagulation process.

LEDs lighting the way to improved road safety

In-cab LED lighting is becoming standard across many OE lineups, but is still largely an option as you work your way to the front of the vehicle in most cases. Daimler Trucks North America announced almost three years ago that Truck Lite Custom LED headlamps would be offered as standard equipment on all Cascadia and Cascadia Evolution models. Volvo has made in-cab LED lighting standard on the interior and exterior of its vehicles. Optional LED headlights are available on VNL and VNX models.

Boston Sports Clubs Chooses ThinkLite LEDs

The Boston Sports Clubs has selected ThinkLite for its LED retrofit. The first location for the ThinkLite LEDs is the 22,000 square-foot facility in the Prudential Center. The company replaced T8 fluorescents with ThinkLite’s 18-watt, 4-foot and 12-watt 3-foot LEDs which, according to the press release, offer more light at less than half the wattage.  Boston Sports Club also is using ThinkLite’s T8s with backup batteries for emergency lights, the press release says.

New Wide-angle LED lamp from Optomics International suitable for fire and rescue units

Optronics International, a leading manufacturer and supplier of heavy-duty LED vehicle lighting, expanded its Opti-Brite LED work lamp line, with the introduction of five new Opti-Brite Wide-Angle LED Work Lamps. Unlike conventional LED work lights, each of the new lamps features a slim profile and a noticeably convex lens that produces a 40 percent wider area of illumination. Work lamps are used in, on and around a wide assortment of vehicles and within a vast array of challenging environments. The new Opti-Brite Wide-Angle LED Work Lamps provide users with an enhanced light beam that augments lateral visibility by almost half.

Latham business capitalizes on growth of LEDs

LED lighting is far from a new technology, but in recent years purchase costs have decreased and installation incentives have increased to the point that conversions are now considered for entire buildings instead of individual bulbs. An industry of consultants has grown up in this environment, and among them is IntegraLED, which Latham-based fiber-optics manufacturer/supplier IntegraOptics created as a subsidiary in late 2014.

Recycling CFLs Improves, but Mercury-Free LEDs May Win Out

LightRecycle Washington said recently that it has recycled one million fluorescent tubes, compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs) and other mercury-containing lights since it began a statewide free collection program in January 2015. The group, run by the non-profit PCA Product Stewardship firm out of Canada, is the only entity licensed by the Washington Department of Ecology to collect the bulbs in the free program. Peter Thermos, program manager at LightRecycle, says it’s been difficult to get people to understand that the bulbs are a household hazard unless disposed of correctly. CFLs each contain about 4 mg of mercury

GSA: Lunera LEDs Beat CFLs

A report from the U.S. General Services Administration’s Green Proving Ground program backs plug-and-play LEDs downlight lamps as replacements for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), according to the Lunera. The release says that it provided the LEDs that were tested. They saved 40 percent to 50 percent with matching quality and light levels to the CFLs, the release said.

LEDs Spur Growth in Power ICs

Power semiconductor and power supply vendors are poised to cash in on strong growth anticipated for LED lighting in coming years, according to the latest forecast from market research firm IHS Inc. The market for power semiconductors for LED lighting is projected to grow to 24.3 million units in 2020, up from 7.3 million units in 2015, as LED lights command a larger proportion of the overall lighting market, according to IHS (Englewood, Colo.).

Osram launches Light Champion Deutschland Edition halogen headlight lamps for the European Football Championships in France

For this year’s European Football Championships Osram has come up with a special treat for football fans who want to show their support with something more than just the usual accessories, namely the Light Champion Deutschland Edition – H4 and H7 halogen headlight lamps in black, red and gold for various car models. Germany is once again gripped by football fever. After four long years the Euros are back.

Chico in California to Replace 6,000 Streetlights with LEDs

Chico, a city in California, U.S. will be replacing its streetlights with more efficient LED lights in the next four to six weeks, reported The Orion. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will supply the lights and head the project. The company will invest more than US $1.1 million in the next four years, which is expected to save $243,183 in power supply.

Effects of spectral quality, intensity of LEDs

In horticultural operations, light-emitting diode (LED) lamps are becoming recognized as an important advance in artificial lighting. Among other benefits, LED lighting systems can offer durability, long operating lifetimes, and high energy efficiency. Researchers published a study in the March 2016 issue of HortScience that shows that continuous spectrum LEDs made specifically for horticultural can be superior to conventional white LEDs in terms of plant response and energy efficiency.

Experiments were performed on two types of young lettuce, tomato, and bell pepper plants grown in a controlled environment chamber and subjected to treatments using a conventional white LED tube light or an LED light with a good spectral fit to the maximum photosynthetic response at two intensities. Either four or six lamps/square meter were used to achieve high and low intensities. The researchers measured the lighting parameters illuminance (lux) and photosynthetic photon flux intensity of each treatment. All plants were evaluated for their dry and fresh weight, leaf area, and growth, and photosynthetic activity and energy efficiency were recorded for each species over the 60 days of cultivation.

According to principal investigator Dr. Miquel Urrestarazu, the results clearly demonstrated that, compared with other conventional LED lamps, the LED lamps specifically designed for horticultural use were more beneficial to the evaluated vegetables and had 26% higher energy efficiency.

In all cases (with the exception of the roots of the lettuce cultivars) analyses revealed significant or highly significant increases in vegetative growth when light intensity was increased. "The spectrum of the LED lamps caused an important and significant effect on the majority of the growth parameters of the four species: the light treatment with a closer spectral fit to the highest photosynthetic response was more conducive to growth," the researchers stated.

Scientists Build a Better Incandescent Light Bulb

Six years after the last incandescent light bulb factory in the U.S. shut down due to strict new federal energy conservation standards, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have come up with a technological breakthrough that could make incandescent bulbs twice as energy-efficient as their replacements. MIT researchers discovered that by wrapping the filament of an incandescent bulb with a “photonic crystal,” they could “recycle” the energy that was typically lost as heat to create more light.

UV-C LEDs A Promising Disinfection Tool

UV-C LEDs may soon be heading to space as a water disinfection method. The Biocontamination Integrated Control for Wet Systems for Space Exploration (BIOWYSE) project, funded by the European Union, is exploring the merit of taking UV-C LED technology out of this world. The project “intends to build and test innovative prevention, monitoring and mitigation modules that will be integrated into a compact system on the international space station,” according to LIGHTimes Online, an LED industry publication. “The decontamination module will employ UV-C LED technology.”

How You Can Save Thousands With LED Light Bulbs

Did you know you could save $1,000 a year on your electric bill by making one simple change at your house? You probably know that LED lights are better for the environment and they last longer, but in just the past year, the cost of LED lights has gone down to the point that it’s crazy not to buy them. Plus, if you replace all of your lights at once, you’re going to be shocked at how much you’ll save. For most of us, it’s overwhelming standing in front of the display of lights at the hardware store, but the choice can be easier. Andy Amrhein of Evey True Value hardware in Bethel Park said it’s simple: the sooner you change to LED lights, the sooner you’ll save on your electric bill.

Mushroom Lamp Doubles as an iPhone Charger

Tech design studio Beeep is aiming to change the way we power our phones with a mushroom-shaped lamp that doubles up as an iPhone charger. The traditionally-blown glass lamp dims a room’s lighting just like any ordinary atmosphere lighting device, but atop of the bulb sits a dock in which an iPhone can charge. Each lamp comes slightly unique due to the glass-blowing method used, but all of them are mushroom-shaped and feature a natural maple wood bottom. The idea behind the design was to bring nature indoors

Better LEDs with just a trick of the light!

By manipulating the incident light, researchers of the Complex Photonics Group at University of Twente in Enschede, The Netherlands, have turned light propagating in a layer of scattering nanoparticles into a rising diffusion curve. By transforming the diffusion curve the result is more light energy being held inside an opaque layer which could lead to better yields for solar cells or LEDs. Even in a medium characterized by randomness, like a collection of non-organized particles that all scatter light, the net spreading of light is uniform. This is typical for diffusion.

This Lamp's Designed to Work Like Its Circuit Diagram

If you fondly remember drawing circuit diagrams at school, this lamp will make you smile: Its designers created it to mimic the line-drawn circuit plans that make it work. The lamp—called Node—was created by Odd Matter Studio using loops of copper to represent the wire in a circuit diagram, reports Dezeen. To switch the thing on you have to twist its arm, aligning it with the rest of circuit just like the symbols you used to draw. Even the domed plaster lamp shades are shaped to resemble bulb symbols.

DP&L giving away 160K free light bulbs

Dayton Power and Light is partnering with The Foodbank and other area food pantries to distribute 160,000 energy efficient light bulbs to help families reduce their energy costs. Families will receive free ENERGY STAR certified Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs from DP&L that will help families save on their energy costs, allowing them to make other priority purchases.

UAE New Bulb Incentive Urges Residents to Switch to LEDs.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) latest sustainability campaign is offering discounts of up to 25% to selected brand LED bulbs to urge local residents to switch to more energy efficient and environmental friendly lights, reported Gulf News. The Middle East nation kicked off its latest lighting initiative ‘I LED The Way’ earlier this week, which is aimed to slashing the country’s energy consumption by 2021 on a micro-level, according to founder of the incentive Niall Watson.

ADATA sticks some LEDs in its RAM

ADATA is planning a new line of DDR4 memory modules with LED strips that light up the upper edges of XPG Dazzle heat spreaders. ADATA partnered with Avexir to use its patented LED memory module technology.  The outfit has not issued the specifications list of XPG Dazzle memory selections, but the company said that there will be 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB kits available with options of 2x8 GB, 4x8 GB, 2x16 GB and 4x16 GB sticks.

2,000 homing pigeons fitted with LEDs put on a dazzling display in front of New York's skyline

New York is staging a series of shows with 2,000 pigeons tagged with LED lights illuminating the city's night sky. For its premiere, the birds were released at sunset from coops aboard a former aircraft carrier docked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Improvising their own choreography, the flock swooped, twirled and glided through the sky above the East River for the show called 'Fly by Night.'

City of Albuquerque to convert 19,000 street lights to LED

The city of Albuquerque is promising a “better, brighter” solution to its problem with old street lights. Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry announced plans Tuesday for a new project to better illuminate the city’s streets. Mayor Berry said converting thousands of street lights to energy efficient LED lights is the answer to a lot of problems. “I think more of the city neighborhoods need to be lit up more,” said Alfonso Martinez, a long-time Albuquerque resident.

BJB develops COB LED holders for Bridgelux V-Series arrays

BJB 47.319 holders for the Bridgelux V Series arrays feature state-of-the art electro-mechanical technology. Holders help simplify the entire fixture’s assembly process and also provide numerous benefits to the overall quality, performance and lifetime of the lighting system. BJB holders and the Bridgelux V series arrays are well suited for a wide variety of applications: ranging from commercial, outdoor, industrial and residential spaces. An application video demonstrates how to assemble a typical LED fixture using the BJB holder and Bridgelux V Series array. Many helpful instructions and important technical details are provided throughout the demonstration.

Lighting Science Unveils New Circadian Rhythm-regulating Platform and LEDs

Boasting a 97+ CRI, Series A+LEDs perform brilliantly in any application demanding high color saturation, vivid definition or directional highlights. From commercial and retail environments to restaurants, hotels and even museums and galleries, Series A+ features state-of-the-art color rendering that can be programmed to bring out specific colors in any setting. For lighting designers everywhere, Series A+opens up a new set of tools that give greater control over mastering the built environment.

“The Series A+ product was designed to provide the state of the art in light delivery,” stated Lighting Science Chief Technology Officer Fred Maxik. “By utilizing next-generation LEDs, these lamps deliver astounding color accuracy and efficiency—surpassing any current industry standards. The proprietary integrated power supply was designed to amplify dimming performance and compatibility. Additionally, the precision optical design combined with an innovative but designer-friendly lamp form feature allows for a diverse range of beam angles and the unique ability to modify that beam in the field. Partnering with the engineering leaders of their respective fields ensures the Series A+ will be on the forefront of lighting quality for discerning clients and reinforces Lighting Science’s position as a true leader in future of light.”

GLP LEDs Bring Realism To Rolling Stones’ Exhibitionism

The most highly tipped rock ‘n’ roll exhibition of all time — the Rolling Stones’ Exhibitionism at the Saatchi Gallery in London — uses technology on a grand scale to create the realism of the band’s early history, and enhance the visitor experience through seven separate zones. Produced and curated by Australian event company IEC (International Entertainment Consulting), the lighting design has been created by another major event company, Woodroffe Bassett Design (WBD). They, in turn, have specified a number of LED fixtures from GLP, who are the nominated exclusive automated lighting partner.

Minebea SALIOT LED lighting illuminates showroom floor for Thai Porsche dealer

Automobile dealerships face the challenge of being too static. Dealership showrooms often have high ceiling to create an appearance of space and achieve an elegant display of car choices for the consumer. Lighting and illumination have already been set according to corporate identity guidelines and showroom floor plans. Faced with these factors, most showrooms choose not to move the cars on display too often to avoid more work. Most dealerships will replace the display car with another in the same size at the same spot. However, in order to entice shoppers, display cars should be able to rotate occasionally to call attention. This rotation process involves adjusting the pre-set lights, which usually takes time, requires manpower, and results in high cost.

AAS Auto Service is a company under CTI Group. CTI is a well known logistic company and a trusted partner of Minebea for over 30 years. Premier Lighting Solutions (PLS) was founded on October 2015 as part of the CTI companies, and sells and represents Minebea’s LED products in Asia. PLS approached AAS Auto Service about using their high-end Porsche Centre dealership located in Pattanakarn, Bangkok, Thailand, as a testing ground for the Smart Adjustable Light for the Internet of Things (SALIOT), a smart LED lighting system. AAS agreed, and Porsche was informed about this process. They have very strict guidelines on the type of lights and color of lights that are allowed to be used in their dealerships.

How LEDs Will Change Water Purification

Ultraviolet (UV) light has been naturally purifying water for centuries. With clear skies, our sun can inactivate water-based pathogens in six hours minimum. Cloudy skies or unclear water causes imperfect conditions. These conditions allow for bacteria to grow and make natural water sources unsafe to use. Fortunately, we have developed several types of water disinfection, ranging from chemicals to UV lamps. Although these are all beneficial to human health, some are more environmentally beneficial than others.

In-road LEDs providing lightbulb moments for distracted smartphone users

For those who are forever glued to their smartphones, navigating a city can be hazardous. Dodging street lights and other pedestrians without looking up is tricky, and crossing roads is downright dangerous. Some would leave this to Darwin, but Augsburg in Germany is trialling in-road pedestrian lights. The lights comprise strips of LEDs integrated into the surface of the road just off the curb. They are designed to be clearly visible even from a distance and have been installed at crossings close to two tram stops in Augsburg.

Next Big Thing in LEDs -- Sex Change

Once, Inc. (ONCE) received a notice of allowance on its application from the patent office to influence the sex of oviparous embryos naturally through the application of light.  Prior to this technology, controlling the sex of embryos in eggs could only be achieved by either genetically modifying the organism (GMO) or injecting it with potentially harmful hormones.

"Vertebrates employ varied strategies, both chromosomal and non-chromosomal, to determine the sex of the developing embryo," explains Zdenko Grajcar, founder and CEO at ONCE.  "In most mammals, sex is determined genetically by means of sex chromosomes.  However, in ovarian species, sex-linked genes can initiate sexually dimorphic pathways during development.  It is very normal process created by nature.  We have targeted light absorption centers in sex-determining genes to either express them or knock them down.  In essence, we developed a very simple genetic male / female switch which is based on relatively inexpensive, narrow band light emitting diodes," says Grajcar.

The ability to influence the sex of the embryo naturally before hatching is revolutionary.  In the avian and other animal production markets, the ability to control or affect the sex of animals would greatly enhance production and the efficiency of production.  For example, in the egg laying operation only female chickens are desired.  Because males and females are born at an approximate 51/49 sex ratio, approximately half of all avian born at such operations are unproductive.  On the other side, in the broiler industry, male chickens are more desirable because of significantly faster growth compared to females.  Similar scenarios apply to commercial aquaculture and possibly other markets outside of animal production, including horticulture.  ONCE is the process of conducting large scale commercial trials and is expecting to release related technologies in late 2016. 

Watch drones perform 'ballet' with 16,500 LEDs in front of Mount Fuji

Cheap LEDs could fix HoloLens’ biggest problem

HoloLens' biggest hurdle could be fixed with cheap LEDs rather than expensive transparent displays, one research team suggests, tricking the eye and cutting VR nausea at the same time. The augmented reality headset has been widely lauded since Microsoft made the surprise announcement in early 2015, but those who have been able to try it have generally had one key criticism: the field of view is just too small. That's a big problem, especially because of how Microsoft is pitching HoloLens in its eye-catching demonstrations

LED innovation aims to make traffic lights, mobiles and TVs more sustainable

An Australian semiconductor company believes it is finally getting closer to “pay day”, more than a quarter of a century after its breakthrough technology first began taking shape at Sydney’s Macquarie University. As bio-inspired engineering comes into its own, we take a look at the innovative technologies using nature as a blueprint. BluGlass, which operates out of a hi-tech factory in the Sydney suburb of Homebush, has signed two major deals in the past year that could see its technology deployed by some of the biggest LED light manufacturers in the world.