"We are already shaping the lighting of tomorrow today"

What will the lighting of the future look like? Will it simply become brighter and more efficient – or also smarter, more digital, and more sustainable? At R. STAHL’s lighting site in Weimar, the answers are already taking shape. Here, not only are robust luminaires for hazardous areas produced, but also pioneering technologies developed that could transform entire industries. In this interview, Rico Schulz reveals which innovations are already reality today – and what customers can look forward to in the years ahead.

Rico Schulz: Over the past years, our site has gone through remarkable change. We have completed the full transition to LED technology and, since 2025, produce exclusively LED-based luminaires. For our customers, this means maximum energy efficiency, long service life, and a direct contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions. Especially in explosion-protected areas, reliability is paramount – and that is precisely what our products stand for.

Rico Schulz: The future is already here. Customers expect more than just efficient light – they want intelligent solutions. That means luminaires must be seamlessly integrated into digital systems, providing transparency on operating status and enabling predictive maintenance. Preventive servicing before a potential failure is a real game-changer – particularly in the area of safety lighting.

Rico Schulz: For us, digitalization means simplicity, not complexity. Operating and managing lighting systems must be intuitive. By using sensors, for example, we can take advantage of daylight or detect motion so that luminaires are only switched on when truly needed. This saves energy and extends product lifetime significantly.

Rico Schulz: Imagine a warehouse where staff are not constantly present. With presence sensors, the lighting switches on only when someone is there and turns off automatically once they leave. It’s simple, efficient, and dramatically extends the service life of the luminaires.

Rico Schulz: We are already working on enabling wireless communication for lighting. While most signals today still run over cables, wireless solutions will play a key role in the future. It’s not just about transmitting signals from A to B – it’s also about ensuring our customers’ IT security. We take responsibility for delivering cutting-edge innovations without compromising IT infrastructure.

Rico Schulz: Weimar is and will remain our heart. It’s where we design, test, and manufacture the products our customers rely on worldwide. With a strong team and state-of-the-art facilities – from R&D to production to our new logistics center – we have everything in place to drive innovation, deliver safety, and foster sustainability for decades to come.

Rico Schulz: For expertise in explosion protection, for pioneering innovation, and for our clear commitment to developing today the solutions our customers will need tomorrow.