Automotive

The surface is the control.

Solid-state piezo sensing turns exterior body parts into intelligent touch controls. No moving parts, no cutouts, no seals. The surface stays unbroken. It just does more.

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<10µA

Standby power

-40/+85°C

Operating range

IP69K

Sealed

50M+

Activations

3mm+

Through material

Application zones

Every surface becomes a potential control point.

Hover over the touch points to explore where solid-state piezo sensing integrates into the vehicle.

Why solid-state piezo

The technology behind the surface.

Parts become smart

Handles, emblems, trims, panels become touch controls. No visible change. It just does more.

All-weather reliable

Rain, snow, ice, dirt, any glove. No false triggers, every time.

Lower cost, simpler

No buttons, seals, or holes. Fewer parts, cleaner assembly, higher value.

Advanced interaction

Knock recognition, pattern commands, elbow activation. Real-time tuning under road vibration.

OEM and Tier 1 value

OEMs get seamless design. Tier 1 turns standard parts into high-value modules.

Self-diagnostics

Verify every touch point without physical activation. Field health monitoring built in.

Why solid-state vs capacitive How piezo technology works

For Tier 1 suppliers

Your exterior part. Our technology inside.

Standard exterior parts, handles, emblems, trims, become high-value functional modules. You expand your scope and margin per program. The OEM gets seamless, proven innovation.

RNC provides the sensing technology, integration support, and automotive-grade electronics. You deliver a smarter part.

Automotive use case video

Solid-state touch technology for seamless automotive design.

Development process

From concept to series production.

For OEMs: we work directly with your design and engineering teams. For Tier 1 suppliers: we enable you to turn standard exterior parts into high-value functional modules.

Concept definition

Feasibility and interaction concept

Joint review of the target part and intended function. Definition of interaction concept and feasibility assessment based on material, geometry, and environment.

Integration design

Module and part adaptation

RNC-led adaptation of both the module and Tier 1 part. Module tuned to specific geometry and environment. Internal features refined for optimal integration.

Prototype and evaluation

Joint testing and validation

Production-grade prototypes developed for integration testing. Joint evaluation with Tier 1 and OEM for functional validation and feedback.

Validation

Formal documentation

Validation by Tier 1, OEM, or accredited lab. Supported by RNC data, test results, and full documentation.

Process support

Production alignment

Support for DFMEA, PFMEA, test and assembly equipment. Alignment with Tier 1 development and production flow.

Series production

Scalable delivery

Delivery of sealed, automotive-grade modules. Designed for scalable and repeatable production integration.

Deployed

Approved for series production.

RNC's solid-state exterior touch technology has been approved for series production by a major European automotive OEM. The technology is in active development with multiple Tier 1 partners for emblem activation, door handle integration, tailgate release, and charging door controls.

OEM

Series approved

Tier 1

Active programs

Application types

European programs