Innovative bicycle lamp LUEDO”: Revolution for people with disabilities!

Innovative bicycle lamp LUEDO”: Revolution for people with disabilities!

On July 10, 2025, Richard Draxler, a mechatronics student at TU Ilmenau, documented his progress in developing an innovative prototype on a personal website. Draxler was honored for his idea at the TU Ilmenau lighting technology competition, the aim of which was to develop a user-friendly solution for conventional bicycle lamps. He was dissatisfied with the complicated fastening systems, which are difficult to use, especially for people with motor impairments. This is where the journey to develop his multifunctional lamp, which bears the name “LUEDO”, begins.

Several challenges accompanied Draxler on his project path. The functioning electronics, the housing, the software and the optics had to be brought into harmony. Fortunately, he received valuable support from the lighting technology department, which assisted him in creating an illumination curve and calculating reflections. The first simulations were supported by the Department of Electrochemistry and Electroplating and found their physical expression through 3D printing, followed by electroplating.

The concept behind “LUEDO”

The developed “LUEDO” lamp impresses with its adaptability. It recognizes its surroundings and can be easily attached to various vehicles and walking aids such as bicycles, walkers or wheelchairs. Depending on the use, the lamp lights up red on the bike and white on the walker. Draxler emphasizes the importance of the Fab Academy at the TU Ilmenau, which promoted exchange in the laboratory and the connection to the start-up cosmos. The combination of technology and user-friendliness is at the heart of his work.

R&D work in 3D printing has grown significantly in recent years. Over hnu.de It is reported that there are now over 13 different printing and rapid prototyping technologies in the 3D printing industry, supported by a comprehensive material portfolio with more than 50 materials. These technologies offer extensive product development and engineering opportunities. The development of a solution like “LUEDO” benefits from these advanced processes, which not only increase the innovative power of prototyping, but also offer the possibility of taking over complete product developments.

The role of additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing has made remarkable progress recently, with a focus on larger components and faster manufacturing speeds. The Fraunhofer IGCV is constantly researching new technologies in this area. These include hybrid construction methods in which a cost-effective process is used for the production of the base body, while complex parts with high positioning accuracy are complemented by manufacturing technology.

Furthermore, the development of processes such as high-pressure cold gas spraying and liquid metal printing shows promising approaches that can significantly reduce production costs and manufacturing times. These technologies make it possible to combine a wide variety of materials that were previously difficult to process.

Overall, 3D printing is increasingly becoming an established production process in series production, which also has an impact on the development of innovative products such as “LUEDO”, which offers a user-friendly, adaptive solution for mobility technology. By expanding his project management and communication skills in this dynamic environment, Draxler has not only advanced his own project, but also redefined pioneering work in lighting technology.