Tanvas shows world’s first automotive multi-touch display to produce programmable textures and haptic effects with a solid-state actuator

Embedded World provides showcase for the TanvasTouch software-defined programmable haptic/multi-touch technology implemented on a 15” Innolux automotive display

NUREMBERG, GERMANY – February 25, 2020 – Tanvas, Inc. (https://tanvas.co), pioneers of the next generation of multi-touch haptic technology, today announces it is demonstrating at the Embedded World 2020 exhibition (Nuremberg, 25-27 February) the world’s first piezo-free, non-vibrating automotive multi-touchscreen display that enables car manufacturers to produce custom, programmable textures and haptic effects on the screen’s smooth glass surface. 

The innovative 15” display, developed in partnership with Innolux Corporation (http://www.innolux-automotive.com), implements TanvasTouch technology to produce an infinite variety of software-defined textures and haptic effects that can be felt with the swipe of a finger. Streamlined surfaces are replacing physical knobs and dials inside the cabin, and this technology assists the driver to find and adjust controls while keeping eyes on the road.  

The solid-state TanvasTouch technology, which uses an electric field to modulate friction locally where the user’s fingers move across a surface, is an ideal replacement for traditional vibrotactile haptics in automotive applications. This is because it has no moving parts and generates no vibration. 

This eliminates the need to build dampening structures into the assembly of a display which produces vibration-based haptic effects. It also introduces new manufacturing options which enable automotive manufacturers to re-imagine the design and feel of the vehicle’s interior. 

Unlike electro-mechanical haptics, solid-state TanvasTouch haptic technology can also be implemented in any display format, including large and curved displays. The technology can be deployed on surfaces of any shape. Suitable substrates include glass, plastic, metal, ceramics, and natural surfaces. The technology provides freedom for the car manufacturer to create a uniform or harmonious touch experience across multiple surfaces – not only the display screen, but also the steering wheel, exterior door handle and even upholstery. 

“The automotive display has until now been a predominantly visual interface even though the focus of the driver’s eyes should be on the road, not on the screen,” said Phill LoPresti, CEO of Tanvas. “Tanvas’ technology, now realized for the first time with an automotive-qualified display supplier, allows car manufacturers to create a rich and vivid palette of effects and textures to enable touch rather than vision to become the primary means of control of the Center Information Display.” 

Automotive manufacturers can implement TanvasTouch with a combination of: 

Tanvas and Innolux will demonstrate the 15” TanvasTouch display at booth 3-258 at Embedded World 2020.  

To meet with Tanvas, schedule an appointment via the company’s contact page. Learn more about TanvasTouch for Automotive here.