The Evolution of the Light Bulb

The light bulb has come full circle. More than 150 years ago, the incandescent light bulb transformed the way we live—extending the workday, opening the door for new businesses, and altering the way we design homes and commercial buildings. While the technology evolved over the years, the light bulb became an everyday item, fading into the technological background. Then came the introduction of smart lighting, a catalyst that has taken the technology to a level that Edison could never have imagined, piquing the imagination and fascination of consumers and engineers alike. Lighting technology has evolved from the traditional incandescent light bulb to more energy-efficient technologies, such as halogen, fluorescent and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. Most recently, lighting technology has joined the Internet of Things (IoT), with bulbs incorporating sensing and communications to provide automated management, remote control and enhanced energy efficiency.