When compared to some of the other developments in automotive technology, many believe that advances in lighting haven't kept up. "Smart" lights seek to fill that void.

The technology, currently under development by Hella, employs the use of a sensor and a camera to detect vehicles in the distance. If the system identifies another car, up to 2,600 feet away, it can position the headlamp lower to cut the length of the beam and thus preventing the glare through the windshield or reflected in the mirror.

The system can detect vehicles traveling in any direction, and is even intelligent enough to identify when either vehicle is on an incline or hill. Supposedly, the system doesn't reduce the effectiveness or visibility provided by traditional headlights.

If this spells the end of misaligned lights blinding us at night, we're interested in seeing this technology come to market. But don't expect it anytime soon, as Hella maintains it won't be ready for primetime for another couple of years.

They have created 'smart' lights which can tell when vehicles - plus cyclists and pedestrians - are about to be lit by a full beam, and lower their angle so there is no chance of dazzling them.

The clever system uses a camera and sensor to continually scan up to 800 metres ahead of the car. When it detects a vehicle, it cuts the beam length by swivelling the lamp and reflector down­wards without reducing the level of brightness.

Inventors say the same system can be used to improve night-time visibility on hilly roads. The sensors will always detect where the tarmac is, and keep the beam pointed directly at it to ensure it doesn't rise and fall with the nose of the car.

Clusters of LEDs are also being tested in the new headlamps. These would allow the pattern of the beam to be adjusted automatically while driv­ing to highlight important features - so the same lamp unit could illuminate a roadside sign while staying dipped on the tarmac ahead.