Innovation award for G² Industrial Engineering for a joint project with MATERIALS: In collaboration with our Light and Optical Technologies research group in Weiz, novel structures for reflectors in vehicle headlights and rear lights were developed. Building on this, the company offers specialised services for the automotive industry.
Micro-optics development
As part of its own development work, G² collaborated with research group leader Andreas Weiss and his team to develop innovative reflex reflectors based on micro-optical structures. The aim was to evaluate the performance and technical feasibility of retro-reflective surfaces, particularly for safety-related applications such as vehicle headlights and rear lights.
To this end, pyramidal microstructures with a height of 30 micrometres (thinner than a human hair) were created using maskless grayscale laser lithography (MALA) and successfully transferred to a nickel-coated master mould. Initial demonstrators were then produced using UV replication.
The project demonstrates both the technical feasibility and the innovation potential of micro-optical solutions. On this basis, G² now offers a comprehensive service in the field of micro-optics development: from design and simulation to structuring and series production of micro-optical components. This offering is currently unique in the field of reflective reflectors for the automotive industry and was presented to customers for the first time at the beginning of June 2025 with the aid of demonstrators.
Nomination
The Smart Connected Lighting research group at MATERIALS in Pinkafeld was also honoured with a nomination certificate.
