OULU, FINLAND/KYOTO, JAPAN (April 14, 2021) – TactoTek Oy, the Finland-based company that develops and licenses Injection Molded Structural Electronics (“IMSE”) technology, and Kyocera Corporation (https://global.kyocera.com/), a leading global developer and manufacturer of industrial and automotive components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, smart energy systems, multi-function printers, and mobile phones, announced today that Kyocera has licensed TactoTek IMSE technology. Kyocera will design, develop and produce IMSE parts in Japan.
IMSE parts integrate printed electronics and electronic components within 3D injection molded plastics. They combine structure, electronic functions, and cosmetics in single piece, seamless smart surfaces. Popular uses for IMSE parts include control panels, functional and styling illumination in automotive, home appliance and smart home markets. Kyocera plans to complement IMSE technology with its broad line of Kyocera components and devices, and to address several market segments.
“We are very excited that IMSE technology will enable us to expand our capabilities and bring new value to a wide range of our products and technologies, including our display-related products and Kyocera’s patented HAPTIVITY®* tactile feedback technology,” said Masafumi Ikeuchi, General Manager of Corporate Display Group, Kyocera Corporation.
TactoTek develops and licenses IMSE technology. The company works directly with OEMs and brands to develop production-ready prototypes. Mass production is done by TactoTek licensees. IMSE licensees have rights to commercially use TactoTek’s extensive intellectual property portfolio including patents, trade secrets and know-how for designing and manufacturing IMSE parts. Much of this intellectual property is reduced to practice for technology transfer in TactoTek’s IMSE Builder® and IMSE Designer® training programs that have been completed by Kyocera.
“We are honored that Kyocera is preparing for IMSE production—they are the first full IMSE licensee in Japan. A number of TactoTek global customers have identified Kyocera as their preferred supplier,” said TactoTek CEO, Jussi Harvela. “Many Kyocera technologies complement IMSE, and in combination create unique, high value solutions. One such technology is HAPTIVITY for adding mechanical haptics to IMSE parts. As a result, Kyocera will have a unique market position and accelerate IMSE market development globally.”
*”HAPTIVITY” is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation.
About Kyocera
Kyocera Corporation (TOKYO:6971, https://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of industrial and automotive components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, smart energy systems, printers, copiers, and mobile phones. During the year ended March 31, 2020, the company’s consolidated sales revenue totaled 1.6 trillion yen (approx. US$14.7 billion). Kyocera is ranked #549 on Forbes magazine’s 2020 “Global 2000” list of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.
