LED Carpeting May Light the Way to the Future

So you can’t find your way to the bathroom in your new office complex? No worries. Lighted LED carpeting will do it for you â€" LED light emitting carpeting; yes, it’s true.

Two Dutch-based companies, Phillips Lighting and carpet maker Desso, have announced a partnership to revolutionize the modern office space. The companies plan to develop the carpet for offices, hotels, conference centers and other public places.

So, instead of an illuminated Exit sign above the door, imagine being guided to the exit by lighting from the carpet beneath your feet.

In a joint announcement posted on the official Desso website, Philips Lighting Marketing and Sales Director Ed Huibers explains:

“This light transmissive carpet solution is designed to engage directly with people’s senses and the eyes’ natural inclination to seek out light. The technology takes advantage of people’s tendency to be guided by the floor when moving through and interacting with space. It brings information, direction, inspiration and safety via the carpet you walk on.”

Here’s a brief promotional photo showing the technology in action:

Desso envisions the new light emitting LED carpet as serving several purposes. One would be to quickly and intuitively guide people through buildings including to designated safety routes and exits. Another would be to add to the ambiance and atmosphere of public spaces. The carpet would add “lighting, design and color” as the joint statement from both companies explains.

Finally, the companies believe lighted LED carpet will allow the display of information only when needed instead of cluttering a space with lots of signs and directions.

Desso CEO Alexander Collot d’Escury explains:

“We know people spend 90% of their time indoors and our vision linked to this is to create innovative flooring solutions that contribute to people’s health and well-being. This new solution developed with our partner Philips, meets this need and offers exciting ways to enhance the interaction between the interior space and its users.”

Both companies anticipate that light emitting LED carpet may be available as soon as next year.

So remember, the next time you’re out hunting for office space, find out whether the carpet can show you the way to the bathroom - or whether you just have to find your way there yourself.