Flexible, organic and printed electronics
Driven by the integration of flexible, organic and printed electronics, the automotive industry is undergoing a profound shift. These technologies not only enable innovative vehicle functions, but also promote more environmentally friendly and sustainable production processes.
Growth of the market for printed electronics in the automotive sector
The market for printed electronics in the automotive sector is experiencing significant growth. According to a report by P&S Intelligence, the market reached a volume of USD 3,983.3 million in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 10,556.0 million by 2030, which is equivalent to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.1%. This growth is driven by the rising demand for advanced driver assistance systems, infotainment and other electronic components in vehicle interiors.
Sustainable production methods and materials
A key advantage of flexible, organic and printed electronics is the ability to use materials and processes that are more environmentally friendly. For example, a team of researchers at Linköping University in Sweden has developed a sustainable method of producing organic semiconductors that avoids the use of environmentally harmful solvents. Such approaches help reduce the ecological footprint of electronics production and promote sustainable manufacturing processes in the automotive industry.
Companies driving innovation
Many companies play a decisive role in developing and implementing these technologies in the automotive sector. An excerpt:
- Flexoo GmbH: The German company specializes in the development and production of large-area, ultra-thin sensors and heating elements. These components can be seamlessly integrated into vehicle interiors and enable innovative functions such as seat occupancy detection or adaptive heating systems.
- ESC Europa-Siebdruckmaschinen-Centrum GmbH & Co. KG: ESC, based in Bad Salzuflen, is a leading supplier of printing machines for flexible films and 3D surfaces. The company offers customized solutions for screen, pad and digital printing, enabling the production of functional and decorative surfaces in the automotive sector.
- FlexEnable: Based in Cambridge, UK, FlexEnable specializes in flexible organic electronics. Its technology enables the production of flexible displays and sensors that can be seamlessly integrated into curved surfaces—ideal for modern vehicle interiors.
Applications in the automotive industry
The integration of flexible, organic and printed electronics opens up a wide range of potential applications in the automotive sector.
- Flexible displays and user interfaces: The use of flexible displays enables vehicle manufacturers to create innovative cockpit designs that adapt to users’ needs while reducing vehicle weight.
- Printed sensors: These sensors enable continuous monitoring of vehicle components and contribute to predictive maintenance, which extends the service life of vehicles and minimizes downtime.
- Energy-efficient lighting: Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) offer new possibilities for indoor and outdoor lighting that are not only esthetically pleasing but also energy-efficient.
Despite the promising advances, manufacturers face challenges such as integrating these technologies into existing production processes, ensuring long-term reliability and developing recycling strategies for new materials. Nevertheless, the trend is clear: Flexible, organic and printed electronics will play a central role in future automotive development by promoting sustainable and innovative solutions.