After years of modest product updates, Nanoleaf is undergoing a brand transformation to evolve beyond smart lighting. The company plans to leverage embodied AI, robotics innovations, and an expanding red light therapy line to differentiate itself in a market facing commodification due to open standards like Matter.
- Nanoleaf aims to lead with embodied AI products launching in 2026
- Wellness devices like red light therapy panels become a new focus
- Smart lighting still core but faces commodification from standards
What happened
Nanoleaf has maintained a low profile with product launches over the past two years while competitors accelerated innovation. This pause reflects a strategic pivot toward integrating AI, robotics, and wellness into its offerings. The company is shifting from being solely a smart lighting brand to a broader technology company with multiple product categories.
CEO Gimmy Chu indicated that Nanoleaf plans to launch at least three new products featuring embodied AI in 2026, including an AI-driven toy, a desk companion, and a robotic microcontroller. Alongside these innovations, the company continues to expand its wellness portfolio, releasing multiple new red light therapy devices with features such as heating and massage functions.
Why it matters
Smart lighting has become increasingly commoditized due to open standards like Matter, which have lowered barriers for many companies to offer similar products at lower prices, such as IKEA’s $10 smart bulbs. This commodification pressures traditional lighting innovators like Nanoleaf to find new ways to grow and differentiate.
Nanoleaf’s focus on embodied AI—integrating intelligent technology into devices with physical interaction capabilities—positions it to capitalize on the transformative potential of AI beyond conventional voice assistants or software. By embedding AI and robotics into hardware, Nanoleaf is aiming to create more meaningful, personalized experiences that can impact daily living, education, and wellness.
What to watch next
Nanoleaf plans to continue supporting and innovating within its core smart lighting segment, including upcoming products compliant with Matter versions 1.4 and 1.5 in 2026. The company expects smart lighting to remain a major revenue driver, comprising 80 to 90 percent of its business despite diversification.
Market watchers should monitor Nanoleaf’s upcoming product launches at the IFA tech show in Berlin this fall, which will provide clearer insights on how well the company balances its legacy lighting products with new AI-powered and wellness devices. The reception of its red light therapy offerings and robotic AI products will be critical indicators of the success of its new brand evolution.