The ITB Conference on smart interiors was very impressive especially with participants exhibiting technology for smart surface. Smart surface is the next great interior feature enhancement. While new interior features are being added packaging and weight reduction continues to be a challenge. Smart surfaces would greatly help enhance features within the limited package space.
Few key areas of innovation are:
- Heated surfaces incorporating Nano Technology.
- Integrated lighting and sensing.
- Enhanced driving comfort to match seat trim temperature to body temperature.
- Bio Feedback for Health and Wellness.
- Transparent HUD linked to smart phone.
- Imbedded antenna for IoT communication and better RF energy management.
- Flexible smart circuits imbedded in trim.
A few comments on the innovations from few companies:
- ESL Technology – Exact Shape Lamination: Develop application design concept for trim part with business case. Trim part to be identified through OE contacts.
- Fu-Se Vacuum Forming: Understand technology can use a molded article in place of the mold, allowing the film to be applied directly to a finished part. Ideal for low volume luxury car applications.
- Advanced Decorative Systems: In this case the one application in Ford OVH console using Capacitive Touch with IMD had challenges. Limited game changer in 2016.
- GF Machine Solutions: Good for applications in lighting, Anti-Icing, hydrophobic and other applications.
- Wittmann Battenfeld: Machines used for interior decor, exterior paneling and also motor and gear. Probably more of a Tier 1 or Tier 2 requirement.
- Tactotek: Smart molded structures. Now this is definitely innovative with multiple potential applications in lighting, control surfaces and smart surfaces. Really great opportunity for fast to market development for their Injection-Molded Structural Electronics (IMSE).
- Canatu: Transparent conductive CNB Hi-Contrast Films would be ideal for 3D Displays which is a very strong want by the OE’s today.
- Poly IC – Kurz: The issue again is application in truly value add and feature enhanced product innovation like 3D Transparent Touch Sensors and transparent heating films or EMI shielding.
- Gill Electronics: Wireless power and charging infrastructure and for Automotive/ In-Cabin Transmitter (10W). With all the competition in wireless charging need validated application design and advantages need to be identified.
- Nartron: Integrated surfaces with capacitive touch and Keyless Keypad in mirror.
- Interlink: Switching and sensing solutions for cockpit and door entry applications
