Truck-Lite, a leading provider of lighting solutions for the transportation industry, has launched a state-of-the-art lighting lab in collaboration with Penn State Behrend in Erie, Pennsylvania. The new facility, located in the school’s Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Center, aims to accelerate research and development activities for future transportation solutions.
According to Jon Stineman, the president of Truck-Lite, the company has a history of delivering industry-leading products, and they intend to continue this trend with their new lighting laboratory. The facility is equipped with advanced testing and validation capabilities, allowing Truck-Lite engineers to ensure that their lighting solutions meet over 1,000 different industry standards.
One of the key features of the lab is a 100-foot light tunnel, specifically designed to measure the optical performance of Truck-Lite’s lighting products. This includes factors such as intensity, color, and distribution/spread. By simulating real-world environments, the lab can also test the durability and longevity of the lighting solutions.
The transportation industry is undergoing significant changes with the emergence of new technologies such as electric and autonomous drivetrains, connectivity, artificial intelligence, and other smart solutions. These advancements bring different technical requirements that impact lighting solutions. Craig Watrous, the vice-president of technology and compliance at Truck-Lite, explains that their new Advanced Lighting Laboratory will help them develop next-generation lighting that not only meets these future technical requirements but also upholds their own high standards.
By partnering with Penn State Behrend, Truck-Lite aims to leverage the expertise and resources of the university to drive innovation in the transportation lighting sector. The collaboration will also provide opportunities for students and staff to be involved in cutting-edge R&D activities and gain hands-on experience in developing future lighting solutions.
The establishment of the state-of-the-art lighting lab reinforces Truck-Lite’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry and delivering innovative products that meet the evolving needs of their customers. With advanced testing capabilities and collaboration with Penn State Behrend, Truck-Lite is well-positioned to continue setting the industry benchmark for transportation lighting solutions.
Overall, the Truck-Lite Advanced Lighting Laboratory at Penn State Behrend is a significant step towards future-proofing the company’s product offerings and ensuring that they remain a trusted leader in the transportation industry. Through rigorous testing and collaboration with the university, Truck-Lite aims to develop cutting-edge lighting solutions that meet the technical requirements of emerging technologies and set new standards for the industry.