TactoTek, an Oulu-based developer of In-Mold Structural Electronics (IMSE®) technology, has received a €5 million investment from Kyocera, marking a strategic partnership between the companies. Kyocera plans to incorporate its HAPTIVITY® piezoceramic actuators into IMSE-based human-machine interfaces (HMIs), creating thinner and lighter tactile feedback solutions. TactoTek licenses its IMSE technology to partners for applications such as user interfaces and lighting solutions, and the funding will be used to further develop and validate its technology for integration into commercial products. This collaboration highlights efforts to address the growing demand for compact and functional HMI designs.
TactoTek Oy is a leading company specializing in In-Mold Structural Electronics (IMSE®) technology. The company focuses on integrating electronic circuits and components directly into plastic parts, enabling the creation of smart, interactive surfaces for industries such as automotive, aviation, medical, and industrial control. TactoTek’s innovative approach allows manufacturers to produce curved and conformal electronics, offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional electronics. The company licenses its extensive intellectual property, which includes over 280 patents, to global manufacturers, supporting the widespread adoption of IMSE technology across various sectors.
Kyocera Corporation, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a multinational company known for its expertise in advanced ceramics and the integration of these materials with other technologies. Founded in 1959, Kyocera has expanded its reach into a variety of industries, including industrial components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, and smart energy systems. The company has a strong presence in the global market, with a diverse product portfolio that includes everything from printers and copiers to mobile phones. Kyocera is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, holding a prominent position in global rankings for both sales revenue and sustainable business practices.
Kyocera’s HAPTIVITY® platform is designed to combine force sensing and tactile feedback to create intuitive and user-friendly experiences. Force sensing activates capacitive touch interfaces with intent, while tactile feedback confirms actions by feel.
Kyocera’s piezoceramic actuators reflect its leadership in developing fine ceramic materials in industrial and consumer applications. As a TactoTek licensee, Kyocera has integrated its components within IMSE human-machine interface (HMI) surfaces. The result is unique HMI solutions that are thin, light, and tactile.
“With HAPTIVITY® i, Kyocera fulfills the intent of TactoTek’s licensing model—enabling our partners to combine IMSE technology with their own strengths to secure and extend their market position,” noted Jussi Harvela, CEO at TactoTek. “Kyocera’s significant investment in TactoTek’s current financing round reflects the market potential of IMSE technologies, including Kyocera’s current customers and prospects.”
TactoTek develops and validates IMSE technology that it licenses to an ecosystem of partners, including designers, manufacturers, integrators, and OEMs/brands who design, manufacture, and integrate IMSE into their product offerings. User interfaces and lighting solutions are among the prominent IMSE use cases.
“The use of capacitive touch switches in HMIs has become common, and the market demand for tactile sensation is growing. On the other hand, conventional technology has not been able to make it thinner and lighter with tactile functions.” said Masafumi Ikeuchi, executive officer of Kyocera Corporation. “HAPTIVITY® i is the world’s first technology to successfully add a tactile function to an HMI while maintaining a thin and light design by encapsulating piezo ceramics with resin using IMSE technology. IMSE also opened the possibility of integrating piezo ceramics and Kyocera’s extensive product range.”
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Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/tactotek-raises-e5m-from-kyocera/
