TactoTek’s objective is to enable OEMs to fulfill customer expectations, satisfy their design requirements and differentiate their products by transforming the way that electronics are designed and manufactured with injection molded structural electronics (IMSE). By encapsulating the complexity of multiple parts and technology layers into a single structure, TactoTek enables new design possibilities that align with automotive OEM objectives including lighter, thinner, seamless 3D active electronic surfaces. The EU OEMs leading IMSE adoption are embracing opportunities to differentiate their products with new styling and electronic functions. Moreover, they will do so while reducing plastics use (petrochemical products), reducing mass, simplifying assembly.
EU Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers are positioning themselves to lead the market transformation to IMSE solutions by being the first to negotiate licensing agreements with TactoTek. These agreements include commitments to develop multiple IMSE solutions that they will directly market to their OEM customers. While most of these prospective licensees have international operations that extend beyond the EU, EU automotive OEMs are their initial target customers. What’s more, the value of IMSE technology is well-recognized in Asia and other markets, and TactoTek’s early licensees will be positioned to fulfill that demand.
Socio-economic impact can be measured on a number of dimensions, including:
• Direct and indirect job creation,
• Showcasing EU technology and manufacturing innovation that enables design advances, and
• Environmentally-friendly technology.
In addition to TactoTek’s own rapid growth, TactoTek’s licensing model supports advances, innovation and growth for its licensees. By transforming commodity decorative parts manufacturers into ‘smart surface’ providers, it also drives the need for highly skilled, employees engaged in high technology manufacturing.
Integrating electronic functionality into cosmetic surfaces is a global vision, not just of TactoTek, but one shared by OEMs and their suppliers. Within the scope of the H2020 project, TactoTek is contributing to establishing the EU as the global leader in smart automotive surface innovation and productization.
Because IMSE solutions often reduce the plastics content of control panels by 50%, they dramatically reduce petroleum derived materials use and their related processing. In addition, IMSE is additive manufacturing and doesn’t generate toxic waste streams associated with some substitute technologies. Lastly, because IMSE solutions are light and thin, they reduce vehicle weight—particularly important for maximizing range and efficiency of electric vehicles.
