There Is No Such Thing As An Intelligent Light

I have long been of the opinion that there is no such thing as an intelligent light. There are certainly automated lights, and motorized lights, and even robotic lights. But lighting is not intelligent. Lighting designers and programmers are intelligent, and that can be hotly debated in certain circumstances.

Merriam-Webster defines intelligence as follows...

(1): the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations
(2): the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria

If there is a manufacturer currently producing a lighting fixture that has the capacity to think abstractly, I would like a demo in my show room ASAP!

However, Merriam-Webster defines intelligent as follows...

(1): having or indicating a high or satisfactory degree of intelligence and mental capacity b: revealing or reflecting good judgment or sound thought : skillful
(2): possessing intelligence b: guided or directed by intellect : rational
(3): guided or controlled by a computer; especially : using a built-in microprocessor for automatic operation, for processing of data, or for achieving greater versatility

Now, it is #3 that obviously gets me. Is this what we now consider intelligence? Is it possible that concept of intelligence is no longer the private domain of living, sentient creatures but rather easily replaced by a built-in microprocessor?

I reject this last definition. I choose to cling to my belief that intelligence cannot be manufactured less expensively in China. It is at the core of the human spirit and innovation. Technology is all well and good. I need it. I like it. I sell a ton of it. But as a theatre artist, I will take one truly intelligent lighting designer with a current swatchbook and pattern catalog over 50 "intelligent lights" any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Don't mistake - I love automated lighting. Used properly in the right circumstances, automated lighting can make a production or environment really pop. There are plenty of great lights on the market, each with its own set of features and attributes. Give me a call any time and I will gladly share my intelligence with you about the various options in automated lighting. Just don't ask for an intelligent light! As far as I'm concerned, there's no such thing.