OLEDWorks has grown dramatically in recent years. Its new Digital OLED 2.0 technology and Atala automotive OLED lighting brand are leading to new partnerships with Audi and other automotive manufacturers, as well as opportunities in other industries. Kathleen Miller, director, global marketing for OLEDWorks, offers her insights into OLEDWorks’ recent growth, its Digital OLED 2.0 technology and its Atala automotive lighting brand.

Printed Electronics Now: It has been impressive to see how OLEDWorks, and its automotive brand Atala, have been making gains. What have been the advances that have led to OLEDWorks’ Digital OLED 2.0 technology?

Kathleen Miller: Digital OLED 2.0 technology was a substantial leap forward from the first generation of Atala products on the road. With Digital 2.0, our panels can include up to 128 individually addressable segments within each panel, capable of demonstrating dynamic animation sequences. To enable such a leap required several key adjustments to our manufacturing process to ensure that the products not only delivered an improved experience but also continued to meet our own rigorous quality expectations.

Our research and development teams are constantly innovating, pushing the technology to see what new capabilities we can offer our customers.

Printed Electronics Now: How has collaborating with the innovative minds at Audi allowed OLED technology to make gains in the automotive market?

Kathleen Miller: Audi has been a long-time supporter of OLED lighting technology. It’s unusual for a tier 2 lighting manufacturer to work so closely with a carmaker, but with the primary design elements of the lighting found within the OLED panel, it’s crucial to collaborate throughout the entire light design process. This direct collaboration has allowed us to accelerate research and design considerations based on real-time OEM feedback and has allowed us to bring products to market faster, reducing the time required during the development process.

Printed Electronics Now: What are the advantages of OLED technology when it comes to automotive taillights?

Kathleen Miller: OLEDWorks’ Atala taillights are comparable or better than existing LED solutions in terms of weight, energy efficiency, lifetime, and durability, while offering unique capabilities that cannot be easily replicated by existing technologies. Because of their unparalleled homogeneity and light quality, Atala products add an immediate sense of elegance and modernity to any vehicle.

The uniform surface emission of OLED technology allows Atala panels to be divided into hundreds of high-contrast segments capable of dynamic animation sequences. These sequences can communicate safety information to other vehicles or pedestrians, expand design opportunities for the brand, and allow end-users to customize their driving experience with pre-selected lighting signatures. All of these features are packaged within a panel around 2mm thick or less, reducing the space requirements for installation.

Printed Electronics Now: Are other auto makers looking at OLED technology for their vehicles?

Kathleen Miller: We are in conversation with many automotive manufacturers about including OLED lighting technology within their vehicles, and new partnerships and vehicle announcements are released regularly.

Printed Electronics Now: Is OLED lighting technology something that could become commonplace inside the vehicle as well?

Kathleen Miller: OLED lighting technology is ideal for any application that would benefit from ultra-thin, homogeneous, and dynamic lighting. Interior lighting could be a great fit for OLEDs because of their naturally diffuse emission, which makes them glare-free and comfortable to be around. Because OLEDs generate very little heat, they are also great for integration within delicate materials like fabrics and wood. We welcome discussions with vehicle manufacturers about how Atala products could illuminate their vehicle interiors.

Printed Electronics Now: Aside from the automotive segment, is OLEDWorks also advancing in other markets, and will the partnership with Japan Display aid in these developments?

Kathleen Miller: OLEDWorks is working with manufacturers in various industries and continues to develop display technology and lighting solutions for applications that would benefit from the unique properties of OLED technology. These applications could include aerospace, machine vision, medical devices, and more. In addition to lighting technology, our team has been focused on the development of high-brightness OLED microdisplay products for use in defense and industrial applications. There will be more to come related to partnerships in future public announcements.