Oulu, Finland/Trento, Italy, 1 March 2023 – TactoTek, the Finnish IMSE technology pioneer, and HSL srl have signed licensing agreement to develop illumination and smart surfaces using TactoTek’s revolutionary IMSE technology. IMSE technology enables the design and development of smart 3D surfaces and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) within cars, combining intelligent light and touch functions in new ways, as required by the latest RFIs and RFQs from several premium OEMs.
With the licensing deal, HSL gets access to TactoTek’s comprehensive Intellectual Property through TactoTek Online, which covers everything needed for designing next-generation smart surfaces. HSL will be able to build lighting designs with TactoTek’s latest lighting platform – IMSE LightChannels. Utilizing IMSE functional films from TactoTek’s partners, HSL will provide final prototyping and system integration for innovative illuminated applications. HSL´s agile manufacturing platform for small and medium series applications round off the portfolio.
Light structures enable innovative designs for our exclusive clients worldwide.
Mirko Bonvecchio, CTO at HSL srl, describes: “HSL lighting concepts require design freedom. TactoTek’s IMSE technology can enable thin structures that enable us to look at new ways to design innovative lighting systems. With new illumination concepts, we can use light for decoration, and functional value. Our current ideas for the new generation backlighting can only be achieved with the thin structures that IMSE technology provides. With these light structures, we can extend our reach into high premium car brands, enabling our designs to stand out while saving space and weight.”
An important step in showcasing the In-Mold Structural Electronics eco-system and bringing together engineering and prototyping partners to build products for serial production
Marko-Suo Anttila, SVP of Consulting and Services at TactoTek, states: “TactoTek builds a global IMSE ecosystem to enable a broader implementation of this breakthrough technology. With HSL, we are expanding the ecosystem in a very fascinating way. License holder HSL implements IMSE technology with licensing partners, including engineering design and functional structure manufacturing, or creates the entire chain independently. This combination allows HSL to focus on R&D development, as well as fast and very sophisticated IMSE prototype services and small series production. We are very enthusiastic about this cooperation."
About HSL-srl
HSL srl, builds intelligent lighting systems and High-Performance Components for the most innovative car makers and Tier 1 providers. With its agile manufacturing, HSL enables fast market entries with a strong focus on individualization and technical perfection. Founded in 1988, HSL is one of the first companies in Europe which utilized rapid prototyping technologies and is today an established leader for prototypes and small series production for intelligent lighting systems.
About TactoTek
TactoTek is the leading provider of Injection Molded Structural Electronics (IMSE®) solutions that integrate printed circuitry and electronic components into 3D injection molded smart surfaces. Leading IMSE use cases include human-machine interfaces (HMI), connectivity, and electronic styling features for automotive, smart homes, appliances, and other markets. IMSE outperforms conventional electronics manufacturing methods by reducing Greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Benefiting from simulated design processes and reduced material use, IMSE Designed smart surfaces are considerably lighter in mass, leading to substantial lifetime greenhouse gas reductions. TactoTek develops and industrializes IMSE technology, creates mass production-ready IMSE prototypes, and licenses IMSE technology for 3rd party IMSE part design and global mass production.
TactoTek is funded by international leaders in finance and industry committed to advancing technology solutions that benefit consumers and the environment. TactoTek investors include Conor Venture Partners, 3M Ventures, Repsol Energy Ventures, Faurecia Ventures, Voima Ventures, Tesi, Nidoco AB, and Cornes. For more information, please visit tactotek.com.
Media Contact
TactoTek
Karthikesh Raju
SVP Product Management and Marketing
