The collaborative project involves the Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers (ibp) at Hof University as a scientific partner. Its goal is to develop a multifunctional, translucent solid-wood interior component featuring integrated printed sensors on a bio-based substrate. Sustainability, advanced manufacturing technologies, and intuitive user interaction are at the heart of the project.
When Wood Becomes a Touchscreen
The project's core innovation is a novel capacitive control panel. Similar to a smartphone touchscreen, integrated sensors detect touch input – but they remain completely hidden beneath a premium real-wood surface. The wood veneer is backlit so that control elements become visible only when needed.
Instead of mounting conventional electronic components, the sensors are printed directly onto the substrate using conductive inks, a technology known as printed electronics. Combined with translucent veneers – exceptionally thin layers of wood that allow light to pass through – the result is a natural wood surface that simultaneously functions as a sophisticated interactive control interface.
A Sustainable Alternative to Existing Technologies
A key innovation of WoodTouch is the further development of conventional Molded Interconnected Device (MID) technology. MID components integrate electronic circuits directly into plastic parts and are currently manufactured primarily from petroleum-based plastics such as polycarbonate (PC) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).
WoodTouch instead combines genuine wood veneers, bio-based polymers derived from renewable resources, and conductive pastes with resource-efficient material formulations.
"Our project addresses several key challenges facing the automotive industry: conserving resources, improving recyclability, integrating additional functionalities, and creating premium interior designs," says Annette Wimmer-Schuster, project coordinator.
Strong Partnership Combining Complementary Expertise
During the kick-off meeting at Hof University, the project partners aligned their objectives, work packages, and technical interfaces. One of the first milestones is the development of a comprehensive requirements profile for an interior door panel featuring illuminated touch controls and additional smart functions.
Based on these specifications, the consortium will develop a demonstrator – a fully functional prototype combining technical performance, ergonomics, aesthetics, and automotive requirements.
The consortium was established with the support of neowistra GmbH, which also provides project management. Project partners include KOMOS GmbH, Freudenberg Industrie Siebdruck GmbH, Fritz Kohl GmbH & Co. KG, Hof University of Applied Sciences with its Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers, and the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development with its Research Group for the Chemistry and Physics of Wood. Motherson DRSC Deutschland GmbH participates as an associated industrial partner.
Hof University's Contribution
Hof University contributes its extensive expertise in bio-based polymers, circular economy, and sustainable manufacturing technologies. Researchers at the Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers are responsible for developing conductor layouts for the printed control elements and investigating the mechanical and electrical properties of the novel material combinations. Their work provides an essential scientific foundation for the overall system.
The remaining project partners contribute complementary expertise: Eberswalde University investigates formable and translucent wood materials; Freudenberg develops suitable screen-printing processes and conductive inks; Fritz Kohl contributes its expertise in premium veneers and solid-wood surfaces while developing appropriate processing and finishing technologies; KOMOS focuses on tooling and injection-moulding technologies; and Motherson, as an automotive supplier, provides industrial application requirements and supports the project's path toward future series production.
More Than Touch: The Future Car Engages Multiple Senses
WoodTouch goes far beyond conventional touch controls. The project also investigates haptic feedback, enabling users to physically feel responses from the interface. Researchers are further developing morphing surfaces that can actively change their shape, as well as controllable heating and cooling effects.
Together, these technologies create a multisensory user interface that intelligently combines visual appearance, tactile interaction, and functionality. The goal is an interface that is not only elegant but also intuitive, functional, and sustainable.
Research for the Mobility of Tomorrow
With the successful project launch, the foundation has been laid for close interdisciplinary collaboration. WoodTouch demonstrates how natural materials and advanced electronics can merge to create entirely new concepts for vehicle interiors. The technologies developed within the project may ultimately find applications far beyond the automotive sector.
"WoodTouch offers the opportunity to rethink wood as a sustainable, high-value material. Our ambition is to combine functionality, design, and sustainability in a single innovative solution," explains Bernd Trinkwalter of Motherson DRSC Deutschland GmbH.
The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) through the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM).
Contact for scientific information:
Annette Wimmer-Schuster
