Modern street lighting is evolving beyond simple on/off/dim schedules. Amplex’s adaptive lighting solution creates dynamic “corridors of light” that follow pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles—enhancing safety while dramatically reducing energy consumption.
How Adaptive Control Works
At the heart of our adaptive system is intelligent communication between gridDOT modules. When a gridDOT-Radar or any gridDOT module connected to a Zhaga PIR/Radar module detects movement, it doesn’t just control its own luminaire—it instantly broadcasts a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) message to neighboring gridDOT modules in the area.
These neighboring modules receive the movement notification and immediately calculate whether they should respond. Using GPS coordinates stored in each module, they determine their distance from the sensor that detected movement. If they fall within the configured range—for example, 50 or 200 meters—they automatically increase light levels for a defined period.
The result is a wave of light that moves with people as they travel through the street network, ensuring they’re always surrounded by well-lit areas while keeping distant sections dimmed for energy savings.
Intelligent Relay Technology
While BLE communication typically has a range of 80-100 meters, our gridDOT modules act as intelligent relays. This means the movement signal can propagate beyond direct BLE range, allowing the adaptive lighting effect to extend across larger areas. A single detection event can trigger a coordinated lighting response across an entire street or neighborhood.
Configurable for Any Scenario
The adaptive system is fully configurable through GridLight’s interface. Municipalities can set different parameters for different areas:
- Urban centers: Shorter range (30-50m) for precise control in dense street networks
- Residential streets: Medium range (50-100m) for comfortable lighting as residents walk home
- Rural roads and paths: Longer range (100-200m) to create extended safety corridors
- Cycling paths: Asymmetric configurations that illuminate the path ahead while keeping adjacent areas dimmed
Time-based rules can also be applied. For example, adaptive lighting might operate from 10 PM to 5 AM when traffic is minimal, while running fixed dimming schedules during evening rush hours when traffic is predictable and constant.
Real-World Benefits
The advantages of adaptive lighting are substantial:
Energy Savings: By keeping lights dimmed except when needed, municipalities typically achieve 40-60% additional energy savings compared to fixed dimming schedules.
Enhanced Safety: Pedestrians and cyclists are always surrounded by well-lit areas, reducing the risk of accidents. The dynamic lighting also has a psychological benefit—people feel safer when lights respond to their presence.
Reduced Light Pollution: Lights remain dimmed in unpopulated areas, minimizing sky glow and protecting nocturnal ecosystems.
Extended Luminaire Lifespan: Lower average operating levels reduce thermal stress on LED modules, extending their operational life.
Vandalism Deterrent: The dynamic lighting response can discourage vandalism, as it’s clear the system is actively monitoring the area.
Compatible with All Zhaga Luminaires
Unlike traditional PIR or radar sensors that require the Zhaga connector to point downward, our gridDOT-LTE modules can be mounted in any position on the luminaire. This means adaptive control works with all Zhaga Book 18 equipped LED luminaires, regardless of where the manufacturer positioned the Zhaga socket.
For motion detection, the gridDOT-Radar provides superior performance with 360° coverage, all-weather reliability, and zero maintenance for environmental factors like dirt or snow.
Combining Adaptive and Traffic-Based Control
Amplex’s unique position as the world’s only provider of BLE traffic detection in a Zhaga controller opens even more possibilities. The same gridDOT infrastructure can simultaneously:
- Provide adaptive lighting based on local motion detection
- Collect traffic data for urban planning
- Adjust base dimming levels based on overall traffic density
- Coordinate with the HiFLEX demand response system for grid balancing
All of this runs on the same hardware, managed through the same GridLight interface.
Future-Proof Investment
Because adaptive control is a software feature running on existing gridDOT hardware, municipalities that deploy our modules today can activate adaptive lighting whenever they’re ready—even years after initial installation. As lighting needs evolve, the system adapts without requiring hardware replacement.
See It in Action
We’re currently demonstrating adaptive lighting in several pilot installations across Denmark. If you’re interested in seeing how adaptive control can transform your municipality’s street lighting, contact us to arrange a demonstration or site visit.
The future of street lighting isn’t just smart—it’s adaptive, responsive, and intelligent. And it’s available today with Amplex gridDOT modules.
For more information about adaptive lighting control, contact us at info@amplex.dk.