Blog

[Seoul, 2025.10.23]

Etendue Lighting at the IAA Mobility 2025

Last month our team attended the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, and this time, it was extra special for us. Not only did we introduce our PIXEL Square Fog Module to the world, but it also marked the wrap-up of the PIXEL Square line. Rest assured though, something new is already brewing.

Our key takeaways?

  • The bikers are the design connoisseurs among the mobility crowd. So many of them shared generously shared their valuable feedback with us, and we’re already working on implementing it.
  • Meeting your customers where they are beats any desk-side research.
  • Our PIXEL modules “look too nice” not to fall victim to Europe’s notorious petty thieves. (“If it looks ugly, it’s okay, these look way too nice.” – Anonymous local advice from Bella Italia, 2025.) But don’t you worry, we’re already working on a mounting solution worthy of our PIXELs.

A big thank you goes out to our co-exhibitor AG Optics for sharing the experience and keeping spirits high! And a special thanks to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, and shared inspiration!

Curious what else we were up to in Munich? Check out the video below!

[Seoul, 2025.07.16]

Field Trip to SIGMA: What We Learned (and Loved)

Last week, the Etendue Lighting crew, together with our partners from LightSKIN, packed up and headed down to Asan for a visit to our partner SIGMA’s R&D and production hub. There, we spent the day getting an inside look at how SIGMA does things, and we came back with a lot to think about (in the best way).

So, Why the Visit?

We weren’t there just to admire big, shiny machines, though there were plenty of those. The goal was to get a clearer picture of how a top-tier production facility runs, from R&D all the way to testing, and to align everyone’s vision of where the journey is headed. It was a mixed crew from engineering, R&D, marketing, and sales, which made the experience even more valuable as it fostered mutual understanding.

What Stood Out

SIGMA’s setup is impressive: clean, organized, and super efficient. From automated lines to their meticulous testing facilities, it was clear they’ve built a space designed for precision and scalability. It wasn’t just about big tech, though. Small details, like how they streamline communication or organize production flow, gave us plenty of ideas and inspiration.

Takeaways

  • A shared experience like this really helps connect the dots between teams.
  • Seeing things up close beats any PowerPoint.
  • Big, shiny machines are VERY expensive.

Looking Ahead

The visit gave us a solid boost as we think about how to level up our own production capabilities. Huge thanks to the SIGMA team for the warm welcome, and to LightSKIN for making the trip even more insightful and fun. We’re already looking forward to the next visit and continuing what we hope will be a long, fruitful collaboration.

[Seoul, 2025.06.26]

Spotted at Eurobike 2025: PIXEL x LightSKIN

We love seeing our products out in the world – especially when they’re being used in clever, well-designed ways.

At Eurobike 2025 in Frankfurt, LightSKIN, who we previously partnered with on the NACA ROAD project, are showcasing a custom mount that integrates our PIXEL modular headlamp onto bicycles and e-bikes. It’s a thoughtful design that makes PIXEL feel right at home on a bike: sleek, compact, and seamless.

They’re showing it alongside their own product lineup at the show, and of course, we’re excited to see PIXEL being reimagined in a new setting. This is a nice example of what’s possible when good design meets flexible hardware. We’re always happy to see PIXEL being used in creative ways – and LightSKIN’s mount is a great example of that.

[Seoul, 2025.06.25]

Lighting the Path to a Robotic Future: Insights from the MARS 2025 Expo

Last week, our team attended the MARS 2025 Expo at COEX, a showcase of what’s next in smart mobility, infrastructure, and AI. Innovators from around the globe gathered to share bold ideas and demonstrate the technologies shaping tomorrow.

Our Highlight: Hyundai x Boston Dynamics’ Spot

Among the standout showcases was none other than Spot, the four-legged robot developed by Hyundai x Boston Dynamics. We’ve seen Spot in videos, memes, and research papers – but watching it in action right in front of our eyes was something else. Intuitive, agile – and kind of cute, Spot quickly piqued our interest and captured our hearts. But there’s much more to Spot than its mechanical choreography.
Spot is already proving itself in real-world applications, particularly in healthcare. During the height of the pandemic, Spot was deployed in hospitals to carry out contact-free patient assessments, reducing the risk of exposure for frontline workers. It’s equipped to monitor vital signs, navigate complex environments, and deliver critical data in real time. And this is only the beginning.
We’re entering an era where robots will be more than beloved TV characters or tools – they’ll be co-workers, assistants, and even companions. Imagine Spot guiding a visually impaired commuter through a mobility hub. Or offering support in elder care environments. These aren’t sci-fi fantasies, they’re realistic scenarios following a trajectory that has already been brought into motion, supported by innovative technologies and pioneers in the field.

Why Lighting Matters in a Robotic World

So, where do the lighting industry and Etendue Lighting fit into all this, you might ask. Right at the core. While many robots nowadays can see and move and think, they still need to perceive their environment clearly – and that’s where lighting becomes a critical enabler. We believe lighting is more than just illumination. It’s a matter of perception. A tool for communication. And above all, a system of safety and clarity in spaces where humans and machines interact. Here’s how smart lighting contributes to the robotics revolution:

  • Adaptive lighting sharpens machine vision in real-time, especially in dynamic or low-light conditions.
  • Signal-based illumination helps communicate robot intentions to nearby humans – think brake lights, but smarter.
  • Sturdy, low-glare, energy-efficient systems keep operations running 24/7 without discomfort or disruption to human users.

A Moment with Spot and SPOT

Of course, our visit at MARS 2025 wouldn’t be complete without getting hands-on (or perhaps lights-on) with the tech. Our co-founder and CEO, Soyoung Lee, along with our head engineer, Gitaek Han, had a chance to get up close and personal with Spot – particularly interested in how our SPOT module lighting system might one day complement robots like it.

Lighting the Way Forward

Our takeaway from MARS 2025? Robotics is no longer confined to labs or factories. It’s moving into hospitals, homes, public transit hubs, and city sidewalks. And as that transformation unfolds, it brings with it a need for technologies that support safe, seamless integration between human and robot.
We’re proud to be building that bridge – designing lighting solutions that help machines see, signal, and serve better. Because at Etendue Lighting, we’re not just reacting to the future – we’re facing it head-on – lighting the way, one module at a time.
Curious how our lighting modules can support robotics, mobility systems, or your next-gen environment?

Get in touch!
[Seoul, 2025.06.20]

Etendue Lighting at TAE SUNG S&E Inc. – Ansys Apex Partner's 2025 Optics Day: Advancing Automotive Lighting Through Optical Simulation

On June 19th, the Etendue Lighting team got to participate in the 2025 Optics Day, hosted by TAE SUNG S&E Inc. – Ansys Apex Partner. This insightful seminar brings together leaders from academia, R&D institutions, and industry to share breakthroughs in next-generation optical technologies.

Leading the Conversation in Automotive Optics

A highlight of the event was a presentation by our Co-Founder and CEO, Sungu Kang, titled:

“Luminous Intensity Performance Analysis of Headlamp Modules under Temperature Variation and a Case Study on the Application of Multi-Physics Simulation.”

In his session, Mr. Kang addressed a critical challenge in automotive lighting: how temperature fluctuations can impact the performance of headlamp modules. By showcasing the application of multi-physics simulation techniques, he illustrated how simulation-driven design enables more accurate, reliable, and energy-efficient lighting systems for electric vehicles and future mobility platforms.

Why This Matters

As vehicles continue to evolve – becoming more electric, autonomous, and connected – the demands on lighting systems grow increasingly complex. Optical systems must now deliver consistent performance across various environmental conditions, all while meeting strict safety and design standards. Etendue Lighting is proud to be at the forefront of this transition. By leveraging simulation tools and integrating cross-disciplinary design principles, we ensure our lighting solutions remain adaptive, innovative, and future-ready.

A Platform for Collaboration and Insight

The seminar served as a vibrant forum for engineers, developers, and researchers to exchange ideas on topics ranging from optical meta-devices to simulation-driven product design. We extend our gratitude to TAE SUNG S&E Inc. for organizing such a dynamic and insightful seminar, and for fostering an ecosystem that promotes excellence in optical technology.

To learn more about how Etendue Lighting is redefining automotive optics, or to explore collaboration opportunities, get in touch with our team.