JVIS BLOG

From Comfort to Clarity: How JVIS Adapted CoreHeat® for Traffic Signal Safety

Originally developed to bring warmth and efficiency to vehicle interiors, CoreHeat® by JVIS is now making roads safer in an entirely new way. Through a seamless transition from automotive to infrastructure, CoreHeat® is transforming how municipalities manage winter visibility—by preventing snow and ice from blocking LED traffic signals.

This evolution of CoreHeat® demonstrates JVIS’s commitment to practical innovation—leveraging proven technologies to solve new challenges, whether inside a car or at a busy intersection.

Born in the Vehicle: The Origins of CoreHeat®

CoreHeat® began as a high-performance surface heating technology for automotive interiors. Designed to deliver rapid, uniform warmth to touchpoints like seats, doors, and center consoles, it uses self-regulating technology to prevent overheating and reduce energy consumption.

Unlike traditional wire-based systems, CoreHeat® is:

  • Thin and flexible, allowing seamless integration into curved surfaces
  • Fast-acting, delivering comfort within seconds
  • Energy efficient, minimizing power drain—especially critical for electric vehicles
  • Safe and consistent, with no risk of hot spots or mechanical failure

This laid the foundation for broader applications of CoreHeat®—especially in environments where precision, efficiency, and reliability are vital. Read more about CoreHeat® Technology here: Redefining Vehicle Comfort and Safety with CoreHeat™ Technology – JVIS USA, LLC

The Challenge: Snow-Covered LED Traffic Signals

As communities transition to LED-based traffic lights for their longevity and low energy use, a dangerous side effect has emerged. LEDs emit virtually no heat, which means snow and sleet can accumulate on the signal lenses, making them hard or impossible to see. This creates serious safety risks for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists during winter storms.

In cold-weather cities, this isn’t just a seasonal nuisance—it’s a public safety concern. 

The Innovation: Adapting CoreHeat® for Infrastructure

To address this, JVIS took the same CoreHeat® technology trusted in vehicles and re-engineered it for municipal use. The result is the CoreHeat® Traffic Signal Heater Insert with SnowSense™ Technology—a smart, surface-mounted heater designed specifically to keep traffic signals clear and visible in winter conditions.

Here’s how the technology translates:

  • Self-regulating heat, activates only when snow/sleet is detected
  • Low energy consumption, reduces city-wide energy load at intersections
  • Thin, flexible design, installs easily behind signal lenses without drilling
  • Fast, reliable heating, melts snow quickly to restore signal visibility
  • Non-invasive installation, no changes to visor, housing, or light output

The new CoreHeat® insert is packed with thoughtful engineering to maximize performance and minimize cost, providing a solution for cities facing winter weather challenges. With a flexible, energy-efficient design that installs easily and requires no structural changes, CoreHeat® offers a cost-effective way to improve public safety—delivering targeted heat only when it’s needed, without compromising the integrity or performance of existing signals.

Beyond the Pilot: CoreHeat® Now Installed Across Multiple States and Expanding Further

Since our initial pilot project in late 2023 with the Macomb County Department of Roads in Michigan, CoreHeat® has advanced far beyond its early testing phase. Originally tested at select intersections throughout the winter season to validate its effectiveness, this innovative technology—developed from in-vehicle comfort systems—has proven itself as a reliable, life-saving solution for citywide traffic signal heating.

Today, CoreHeat® systems are successfully installed and operational in various municipalities in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, providing critical winter safety and improved traffic flow across multiple regions. We are actively expanding into additional regions to bring this proven technology to more communities nationwide.

Read more about our initial pilot here: JVIS partners with Macomb County to launch CoreHeat™ traffic signal heating technology pilot project – JVIS USA, LLC

Building Smarter, Safer Infrastructure

CoreHeat® proves that cutting-edge innovation doesn’t have to stay in one lane. What started as a way to warm hands and elbows inside a car is now improving safety for entire communities. By rethinking how existing technologies can be adapted and applied, JVIS is helping shape the future of smart, energy-conscious infrastructure.

Whether it’s making cold morning commutes more comfortable or keeping roads safe during snowstorms, CoreHeat® is a powerful example of cross-industry innovation in action.

Interested in bringing CoreHeat® to your city’s intersections?
Contact Mike Cubon: cubon@jvis.us or visit us at jvis.us for more information.