Meet UNICORN’s Use Case 3– Printed Electronics for Human Detection and Alerting
Developed by TNO, IEE Sensing, TactoTek and New Cable Corporation, UC3 advances smart automotive safety by embedding sensing and signalling (light) functionalities into the car’s seat and door panels using hybrid printed electronics (HPE) and In-Mould Structural Electronics (IMSE). The aim? Safer, reliable, more intelligent, and sustainable in-cabin monitoring systems.
Key functionalities:
• Seat-integrated printed sensors for human presence and biometric detection
• Emergency lighting embedded in IMSE door panels for real-time optical feedback
• Lightweight shielded flat flexible cables for seamless, connector-less communication
Circularity at the core:
• Green Functional Electronics using bio-based thermoplastics, recycled inks and low-VOC materials
• Energy & Material Efficiency: over 90% reduction in cable weight and space, recycled substrates
• Design for Disassembly: Reversible adhesives for easy repairability and recycling of in-molded printed electronics and components
💡 Watch how UC3 is enabling safer, greener, and more responsive mobility: https://youtu.be/d8Dq2iVdkkg