Fascination Technology Solid Wood Becomes a Digital Control Panel

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In our "Fascination Technology" section, we present impressive projects from research and development to designers every week. Today: A touch control panel made of solid wood.

Wood in cars has so far primarily been a design element. In the future, however, a real wood surface could not only look good but also detect touches, display light, and provide haptic feedback. The research project "Woodtouch" is investigating how natural materials can be combined with printed electronics and bio-based plastics. The goal is an interface for vehicle interiors that is functional, intuitive, and more resource-efficient than previous solutions.

The joint project started with a kickoff at Hof University (Germany). Involved are the Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers at Hof University, the University for Sustainable Development Eberswalde (Germany), and several companies from the fields of automotive supply, wood processing, screen printing, plastics technology, and tool manufacturing.

Control Panel under Solid Wood

The focus is on a multifunctional interior module for vehicles. The surface is to consist of a thin, light-transmissive real wood veneer. The controls are barely or not visible in their normal state. Only when needed can they be highlighted by backlighting.

The touches are detected by a capacitive sensor system. This principle is also known from smartphones: the sensor detects when the electric field on the surface changes due to the touch of a finger. In Woodtouch, however, the corresponding electronics should not be visibly placed on the wood but integrated into the material system.

Electronics Made of Conductive Ink

For this purpose, researchers print conductive tracks and sensor elements with conductive inks directly onto a suitable substrate. This printed sensor technology makes it possible to integrate electronic functions into the component in a space-saving manner. Classic electronic components and additional wires can thus be partially eliminated.

A particular challenge lies in combining the technical requirements with the properties of wood. The material is not completely uniform, can absorb moisture, and must be sufficiently stable for use in a vehicle. Additionally, the optical quality of the surface and the reliable functionality of the sensors must align.

Wood and Biopolymers Instead of Plastic

Woodtouch builds on so-called MID technologies. The abbreviation stands for Molded Interconnected Devices, referring to plastic components in which electronic conductive tracks and additional functions are directly integrated. Until now, petroleum-based plastics such as polycarbonate or polybutylene terephthalate are often used for this purpose.

In the new project, this technology is to be further developed with solid wood, biopolymers, and conductive pastes. Biopolymers are plastics that are at least partially made from renewable raw materials. The material combination aims to reduce the use of fossil resources while also facilitating later recycling.

Our project addresses several challenges of the automotive industry: the careful use of resources, improved recyclability, the integration of additional functions, and high-quality design.

Annette Wimmer-Schuster, Senior Project Manager

From Material to Demonstrator

At the beginning of the project, the partners are developing a requirements profile for a door interior trim with backlit control elements. In doing so, they must consider technical, ergonomic, design, and vehicle-specific requirements. Based on this, a demonstrator is to be created to test the various functions.

Hof University is developing, among other things, circuit track layouts for the printed control elements and investigating the mechanical and electrical properties of the new material combinations. The University for Sustainable Development Eberswalde is researching deformable and translucent wood-based materials.

Freudenberg Industrie Siebdruck GmbH (Germany)  is working on suitable printing processes and conductive inks. Fritz Kohl GmbH & Co. KG contributes its experience with veneers and real wood surfaces. Komos GmbH focuses on tool and injection molding technologies. Motherson DRSC Deutschland GmbH complements the project with requirements from industrial vehicle development and potential later series production.

More than a Touchscreen

Woodtouch is not limited to touch recognition. The project partners are also exploring haptic feedback. In this process, the surface changes its response so that operation becomes not only visible but also tangible.

In addition, the focus is on so-called morphing surfaces. Their shape can intentionally change, for example, to highlight control elements or provide feedback. Controllable warmth and cooling effects are also part of the concept.

This creates a multisensory control panel that combines multiple perceptions. Light can indicate where a function is available. A change in the surface can confirm operation. Warmth or cold can convey additional information. The control surface is thus intended to become more intuitive without all functions needing to be permanently visible.

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