March 18, 2026 – Rochester, NY – Lighting and Sensing Converge
OLEDWorks, a leading manufacturer of OLED lighting panels, has demonstrated a smart ceiling panel that integrates Panasonic PIR sensors directly into the lighting surface. The panel combines OLED illumination with motion sensing, creating a responsive lighting system that can track occupants and adjust lighting patterns accordingly.
The technology, showcased at the LightFair International trade show, represents a new direction for integrated building systems where sensors become invisible components of architectural elements.
Technical Specifications
- Light source: OLEDWorks OLED panel (3000K, 2000 lumens)
- PIR sensor: Panasonic PaPIRs+ with 416 detection zones
- Sensor placement: Embedded in OLED panel surface
- Sensor visibility: Invisible when off, visible as small dot when illuminated
- Coverage area: 4m × 4m per panel
- Zones: 64 detection zones (8×8 grid) per panel
- Power consumption: 25W (lighting) + 15 µA (sensor)
How It Works
The PIR sensor array is embedded directly into the OLED panel during manufacturing. The sensor grid creates a 64-zone detection map covering the area below the panel. When occupants move through the space, the system can:
- Detect which zone(s) are occupied
- Adjust lighting output in occupied zones
- Maintain lower light levels in unoccupied zones
- Create a “light bubble” that follows occupants
The system can also learn occupancy patterns over time, preemptively adjusting lighting in zones where occupants are likely to move.
Key Innovations
Invisible Integration
The PIR sensors are integrated into the OLED panel in a way that makes them nearly invisible. When the panel is off, the sensors are not visible; when illuminated, they appear as small dots that are not distracting to occupants.
Zone-Level Control
The 64 detection zones enable fine-grained lighting control. Unlike traditional ceiling sensors that trigger whole-room lighting, this system can selectively illuminate occupied areas while maintaining lower light levels elsewhere.
Energy Savings
OLEDWorks claims the system can reduce lighting energy consumption by an additional 20-30% beyond traditional occupancy-based lighting by dimming unoccupied zones rather than simply switching them off.
User Experience
The responsive lighting creates a natural, intuitive environment. Light follows occupants as they move through a space, eliminating the need for manual controls while maintaining comfortable illumination levels.
Applications
Open Plan Offices
In large open office spaces, the system can provide task-level lighting that follows workers as they move between desks, conference tables, and collaborative areas.
Corridors and Walkways
Sequential zone lighting can create a “light path” that moves with occupants, eliminating the need for full corridor illumination.
Museums and Galleries
Selective illumination can focus light on exhibits when visitors are present, saving energy while preserving light-sensitive materials.
Healthcare Facilities
Night lighting can follow staff while maintaining darkness in patient areas, supporting circadian rhythms while ensuring safety.
Market Availability
The integrated OLED-PIR panels are expected to be commercially available in 2027. Pricing is expected to be $200-300 per panel (2ft × 2ft), with volume discounts for large installations. The panels are compatible with standard ceiling grid systems.
Industry Reaction
“This is a glimpse of the future of architectural lighting,” said a lighting industry analyst. “By embedding sensors directly into lighting fixtures, we’re moving toward intelligent environments that respond to occupants without visible sensors. This integration will become increasingly common as LED and OLED technologies advance.”
Conclusion
The integration of PIR sensors into OLED lighting panels represents a significant step toward seamless building automation. By combining lighting and sensing in a single architectural element, manufacturers are creating intelligent environments that respond naturally to occupant presence.