Dätwyler is undertaking the industrialization phase of a novel transducer technology completely made out of polymers ('electroactive polymers' or EAPs), with a first industrial-scale pilot production line due to be operational by Q4 2024. Dätwyler EAPs are versatile actuators that can be manufactured in various geometries and sizes, customized to customers' specific needs. EAPs are intrinsically silent, self-sensing, compact and lightweight, with low energy consumption and high strokes at low response times. They constitute a robust, low-mechanical-complexity alternative to conventional actuation technologies and can be straightforwardly integrated and assembled with reduced costs.

Textile-based composite solutions are a growing trend in the automotive sector, not only for structural applications but also for interior decorative purposes. These solutions take advantage of a wide array of materials ranging from natural fibers to high-performance yarns such as carbon or basalt, and conductive yarns that provide the structure with smart functionalities. Advanced textile manufacturing techniques allow the combination of these materials into hybrid yarns and fabrics, or complex tailored structures integrating smart elements that can be processed into composite parts with improved aesthetics, high performance, integration of smart features and low environmental impact.

The evolution of automotive interiors into sophisticated and interactive work and leisure spaces is driving the development of smart surfaces – those that have both a decorative and a functional purpose. As never before, there is a desire for smart surfaces that are not only visually attractive and glare-free matt in appearance but also softer to touch, offer more accurate control and are anti-fingerprint. This presentation introduces a new range of matt hardcoated films that offer visually stunning design options for interior designers. It also discusses support for existing film insert molding (FIM) processes.

As the automotive industry undergoes a revolution to become cleaner, it is crucial to achieve a reduced environmental impact. Bcomp’s proprietary flax-based materials, ampliTex and powerRibs, applied to automotive interiors, can help decrease carbon footprint by cutting weight and reducing plastics use. These materials also offer recyclability and aesthetic design features, contributing to a more sustainable industry through circular opportunities and seamless integration into existing manufacturing process. Proven in use cases with brands such as Cupra, Volvo and Polestar, Bcomp’s technologies are challenging standard solutions with one based on nature.

Over the past decade, automotive interiors have undergone significant transformations, marked notably by the integration of light, transparent materials and human-machine interface (HMI) functions. While consumers have welcomed these advancements, the next critical challenge lies ahead: the transition toward employing more sustainable materials. The rigorous demands and stringent standards of automotive applications raise concerns regarding the broader adoption of sustainable materials across various applications. Consequently, there is an increasing need to comprehend the performance levels, long-term supply safety and quality consistency of material options provided by suppliers throughout the value chain. Simultaneously, there is a noticeable shift in the color, material, and finish (CMF) design language toward expressing sustainability, propelled by the younger generation's heightened environmental consciousness. These changes must be evident, identifiable and effectively communicated through the vehicle's appearance to signify ecological awareness. At Covestro, we aim to outline potential strategies to address these consumer demands through the use of our material solutions. This should serve as a foundational step for further exploration and discussion.

On the road to automated and connected driving, the vehicle interior is facing a complete redesign. Global future trends have a significant influence on the ambience of future interiors, as they shape the development of interior design. Textiles play a decisive role in automotive interiors, as they fulfill a variety of functions and have a significant influence on the ambience, appearance and comfort. By integrating additional functions into the textile, innovative solutions are offered to meet the needs of the occupants. The presentation will show different textile-based developments in the interior world.

The automotive industry currently makes use of a wide variety of composite materials and complex processes. Over the past few years, we have seen a trend of simplification, specifically within interior applications. At Freudenberg Performance Materials, we now offer innovative design solutions to keep pace with the current demands of the market.

Smaller and more powerful electronic components imply higher power consumption and more thermal management issues. Current solutions - fans assisted heat sinks are heavy, noisy and produce vibrations. CEDRION’s patented technology of ionic wind creates devices that are half the weight, volume and power consumption than traditional technologies and do not have moving parts, so they are completely silent. We can help increase the range of the electric vehicles, by reducing weight and consumption and increasing the comfort in the cabin. We have prototypes and ongoing projects with automotive and aeronautic companies and products already in the market in electromedicine sector.

At present, functional electronics utilize scarce metals and unsustainable materials for conductive circuits. CIDETEC is developing green conductive inks suitable for different applications (such as RFID tags, microsupercapacitors, etc), including fully-organic graphene-based inks and cellulose-based hydrogel inks. These inks will be suitable for printed electronics, enabling low-cost yet scalable fabrication of biocompatible “metal-free” electronic components on different types of substrates.

The presentation will explore different CTAG innovations for optimizing vehicle cabin thermal systems for enhanced energy efficiency and passenger comfort and a cutting-edge sound system innovation that not only provide greater design flexibility, but also can contribute to enhanced safety performance. These developments aim to create a more comfortable, efficient, and safer driving experience, setting new benchmarks for future vehicle design.

Until now, PEDOT-type organic inks have been used to manufacture flexible transparent printed electronics solutions for automotive HMIs, electrodes/buttons. However, these types of solutions suffer degradation when exposed to high temperatures during the vehicle lifetime. This degradation produces a loss of tactile sensitivity to the user and a shorter useful life for the product. As a solution to this issue, Embega has developed high technology materials and processes for producing 50-micron lines silver ink-based patterns, for electrodes/buttons of the HMIs, to avoid these losses in sensitivity and offering a more robust and durable product on the market.

The speech aims to highlight the quantum leaps that plastronics is experiencing as a result of its integration into low-cost, high-performance printed electronics inside plastic structural parts. In addition, new use cases will be presented to explore the challenge of thermoforming processes in greater depth. Such is the case of the Púlsar Project, developed in Eurecat's plastronics pilot plant, which comprises a smart plastic surface of only 3 mm thick featuring an intuitive HMI interface with seamless LED lighting and a capacitive sensor. All this is, monolithically embedded inside a single piece of plastic.

Reducing the carbon footprint is a global goal, with the EU aiming for a 55% reduction by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Transport is responsible for 25-30% of the EU’s annual CO2 emissions, though this may be underestimated. This project aims to reduce the carbon footprint in the mobility sector through three complementary strategies. It focuses on reducing CO2 emissions in manufacturing processes by developing sustainable materials for vehicle parts made from bio-based composites reinforced with natural fibres.

Our approach combines beauty and functionality, creating flexible solutions for many industries and design needs. Whether enhancing modern automotive interiors and exteriors or pioneering innovative product designs, our decorative pieces not only elevate the appearance of any project but also offer strength, practicality, and easy maintenance. Made with advanced printing techniques on plastic foil, our products are both durable and stylish. We are specialists in "secret till lit" technology, seamlessly integrating hidden displays and backlit components. The surfaces include capacitive buttons for smooth, responsive interaction, making them a great choice for anyone wanting to enhance their product with new technology.