TactoTek, the global leader in In-Mould Structural Electronics (IMSE) technology, and Motherson, a global Tier 1 automotive supplier, have signed an IMSE technology license agreement. The partnership expands OEM access to scalable production of IMSE-based smart surface parts for both interior and exterior vehicle applications.
The agreement provides OEMs with a proven industrial route to IMSE adoption by combining TactoTek’s licensed technology platform with Motherson’s vast Tier 1 program execution, engineering depth, and manufacturing scale.
Essential surfaces with added intelligence
Motherson’s portfolio covers the essential surfaces where OEMs are adding intelligence and differentiation across the vehicle. By utilising IMSE, Motherson can offer highly integrated components that seamlessly blend decorative elements with illumination and functionality for interior systems, such as cockpit and instrument panel systems, door panels, decorative trims, and centre consoles, as well as exterior applications, including bumpers and advanced brand-defining lighting signatures.
“OEMs need confidence that smart surface technologies can be sourced, industrialised, and scaled through established Tier 1 suppliers,” said Sami Hyyryläinen, SVP, Licensing, Strategic Sales and Markets Expansion at TactoTek. “Licensing IMSE to Motherson strengthens the technology’s position as a leading platform for intelligent vehicle surfaces and provides the global footprint needed to support adoption across major vehicle platforms.”
Intuitive, illuminated, and integrated
“Smart surfaces are becoming central to vehicle differentiation as OEMs look for more intuitive, illuminated, and integrated user experiences,” said Mario Küfner, Global Director PLUStronic – MPP Division Motherson, Vice President Research & Development – Motherson DRSC. “These requirements are appearing in more RFQs, and IMSE is moving into the mainstream of smart surface development. TactoTek’s technology strengthens our ability to combine design, illumination, electronics, and functionality at an ultra-thin form factor and competitive cost levels for scalable series-production applications.”
TactoTek’s IMSE technology integrates electronic functions, lighting, and circuitry directly into three-dimensional moulded structures. By replacing conventional multi-component architectures with structural electronics, IMSE provides designers with unparalleled freedom to combine form and function. The results are lightweight, thin, smart surfaces that offer improved performance and efficiency, while reducing assembly complexity and total system cost.