Image: OpenAI

I recently had the opportunity to sit down for an exclusive (not really) interview with the new know-it-all. Arguably, one of the smartest smarty-pants in the world, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, an AI chatbot knowledgeable on everything in the world, until 2021. My interview focused on how lighting technology will evolve in the near future.

SHILLER: What will be some surprising developments in lighting technology in the future?

CHATGPT: Some potential surprising developments in lighting technology in the future could include:

1. Interactive lighting: The use of advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to create lighting systems that respond to the presence and behavior of people in a space.
2. Light-based communication: The use of light to transmit data, potentially making traditional Wi-Fi and other wireless communication technologies obsolete.
3. Biologically responsive lighting: The use of lighting systems that can respond to changes in a person’s biological state, such as sleep patterns or emotional state, to promote health and well-being.
4. Wireless power transmission: The use of light to transmit power wirelessly, potentially eliminating the need for electrical cables and charging devices.
5. Light-based computing: The use of light to perform computing tasks, potentially leading to faster and more efficient computers.

These are just a few potential examples of surprising developments in lighting technology in the future. The field is rapidly evolving, and there may be many other innovative advancements that emerge in the coming years.

SHILLER: What will be the big developments in medical light therapies in five years?

CHATGPT: I’m an AI language model and don’t have the ability to predict future developments, but current trends suggest that some areas that may see advancements in medical light therapies in the next five years include:

1. Photobiomodulation: The use of low-level light therapy for various conditions such as pain, inflammation, wound healing, and neurological disorders.
2. Light-based treatments for skin conditions: The use of light therapies for skin disorders, such as acne, psoriasis, and skin aging.
3. Development of new light sources: The advancement of LED and laser technologies to produce better, more efficient, and effective light sources for medical use.
4. Combination therapies: The use of light therapies in combination with other treatments, such as drugs or physical therapies, to improve outcomes.
5. Personalized light therapy: The development of personalized light therapy protocols based on an individual’s unique characteristics and needs.

It’s important to note that medical light therapy is a rapidly evolving field, and new developments are likely to emerge.

SHILLER: What will be some surprising developments in advanced lighting controls in the next five years?

CHATGPT: Here are some potential developments in advanced lighting controls that might emerge in the next five years:

1. Integration with other building systems: Advancements in lighting control systems may integrate with other building systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), security, and fire alarm systems for improved energy efficiency and building management.
2. Artificial intelligence and machine learning: The use of AI and machine learning algorithms may enable advanced lighting controls to make decisions based on real-time data and respond dynamically to changing conditions.
3. Predictive maintenance: Predictive maintenance features may be integrated into advanced lighting control systems to help predict when components may fail and trigger maintenance actions before they become a problem.
4. Voice and gesture control: Voice and gesture control technologies may become more prevalent in advanced lighting control systems, allowing users to control lighting with simple commands or gestures.
5. Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity: Advanced lighting control systems may integrate with IoT devices, such as smart home systems, to allow for remote control and monitoring of lighting systems.

These are just a few potential developments in advanced lighting controls, and it’s important to note that the field is rapidly evolving, and new developments are likely to emerge.

SHILLER: What will be the most surprising developments in agricultural lighting systems in the next 5 years?

CHATGPT: Here are some potential developments in agricultural lighting systems that might emerge in the next five years:

1. Precision agriculture: The integration of precision agriculture techniques and data analysis with lighting systems may enable farmers to optimize crop growth and yields based on real-time data.
2. LED lighting advancements: The advancement of LED lighting technology may lead to more efficient and cost-effective lighting systems for agriculture, improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.
3. Vertical farming: The development of advanced lighting systems specifically designed for vertical farming may enable the growth of crops in urban and indoor environments.
4. Automated lighting control: Automated lighting control systems may become more prevalent in agriculture, allowing farmers to control lighting remotely and automate lighting schedules based on environmental conditions.
5. Plant phenotyping: The integration of lighting systems with plant phenotyping technologies may allow for the study of plant growth and development under different light conditions, leading to new insights and advancements in agricultural lighting.

These are just a few potential developments in agricultural lighting systems, and it’s important to note that the field is rapidly evolving, and new developments are likely to emerge.

SHILLER: What are the most promising advances in material science to benefit lighting technology?

CHATGPT: Here are some of the most promising advances in material science that could benefit lighting technology:

1. Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs): OLEDs are thin, flexible, and highly efficient light sources that could lead to new and innovative lighting designs.
2. Nanomaterials: Nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, may enable the development of new, more efficient lighting sources and devices.
3. Photonic crystals: The use of photonic crystals in lighting technology could lead to more efficient and compact lighting systems with improved performance.
4. Advanced semiconductors: The development of new, advanced semiconductors could enable the creation of more efficient and cost-effective lighting systems.
5. Smart materials: The use of smart materials, such as shape memory alloys, could enable the development of dynamic lighting systems that can change shape or adjust their properties in response to environmental stimuli.

These are just a few examples of the most promising advances in material science for lighting technology, and it’s important to note that the field is rapidly evolving,

and new developments are likely to emerge.

SHILLER: Thank you for your time, ChatGPT. Thanks especially for being free to use right now! While some of your answers were obvious, others were insightful and interesting. Please don’t take my job.

David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and President of Lighting Solution Development, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has co-chaired ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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