The Eurecat technology centre has developed a smart plastic surface just 3 millimetres thick which has an interface that allows users to interact and communicate with a machine, software or intuitive system with built-in LED lighting and capacitive sensors which is expected to be embedded in the central electronic control system of the new generation of cars.
“The need for digital transformation and the growing importance of design, integration, personalisation and standing out from the competition means the industry is constantly evolving and developing highly innovative products and services,” says David Pardos, Head of Business Development in Eurecat’s Mobility team. “By way of example, functional surfaces with haptic response activation featuring tactile sensations are gaining ground.”
The innovation has been created as part of the Púlsar project which has been run at Eurecat’s plastronics pilot plant. The facility specialises in functional printing and embedded devices and “has a track record spanning over 10 years of experience in electronics whether printed, hybrid or injected in plastic parts and functional fabrics,” notes Iker Arroyo, Head of the In Mould Electronics Line in Eurecat’s Functional Printing and Embedded Devices Unit. “This enables the technology centre to deliver solutions to complex and specific challenges across a wide range of sectors such as the automotive industry.”
The Púlsar project is on show at the eMobility Expo World Congress this week in Valencia, where Eurecat is also presenting its new technological breakthroughs and innovations in areas including sustainable mobility, electrification and batteries, hydrogen for mobility, aerial robotics, drones and new advanced materials for lightweighting.
