broughtled

Broughtled is a term used in speculative design and science fiction to describe a hypothetical lighting technology that delivers illumination to a target area by transporting light from a centralized source to small, distributed emitters without requiring conventional fixed fixtures. The name combines bring and LED, signaling its core idea of delivering light directly to a space rather than installing traditional luminaires.

In typical conceptions, a broughtled system consists of a compact transmitter unit that emits a focused beam and a network of tunable micro-LED emitters or coated surfaces that receive and re-radiate light. The network uses advanced beam shaping, dynamic routing, and, in some variants, wireless power transfer to operate. Control is centralized but responsive to occupancy, daylight, and user input.

The term has appeared in experimental design projects, early cyberpunk-inspired fictions, and some indie games as a thought experiment about portable, rapid-deployment illumination. It is not an established technology and lacks formal specifications or industry adoption.

Dialogue around broughtled centers on energy efficiency, safety, and light pollution. Proponents emphasize flexibility, rapid setup, and minimal visible hardware, while critics point to potential inefficiencies, higher costs, and regulatory hurdles for wireless power and beam-based lighting.

See also: LED, smart lighting, optical wireless power transfer, beam projection.