May 4 2010
Flexpoint Sensor Systems is currently collaborating with Tier 1 manufacturers and suppliers for the development of products that are undergoing testing in order to be incorporated in various products in the automotive industry. Flexpoint has recently provided updates on these automotive industry products.
Flexpoint Bend Sensor
These products include control panels for audio and climate controls, variable speed switches, and seat belt reminders (SBRs).
Flexpoint’s president Clark Mower informed that these automotive contracts are important to the company’s future. He also added that such collaborative work is time consuming, requires long lead times, and requires close collaboration with the OEMs and suppliers. He revealed that the company is focusing on these auto industry products. He added that once these products are made in mass volumes then it would be possible to earn revenues to the tune of $15 to $20 million every year.
The control panels based on the company’s patented Bend Sensor technology are currently under development for automobiles. This technology can also be applied for non-automotive applications related to large household applications controls.
The automobile seat is controlled through the variable speed switch. The patent for the seat switch technology is pending. The company is collaborating with Tier 1 manufacturers and suppliers who have communicated an interest in this concept. The volumes of the seat switch are likely to reach several million units once the switch is incorporated into a platform. Besides the variable speed feature, this switch assembly weighs less when compared to presently used assemblies. It is also capable of meeting the requirement of auto makers who focus on more fuel-efficient and lighter cars.
The company is developing and testing the SBRs in collaboration with suppliers and manufacturers. This sensor’s market size is more than $100 million per year and is likely to have its size doubled with the approval of new safety regulations that stipulate their installations in back seats also.
Other automotive products under development and testing by the company include enhanced seating applications with a number of multibillion-dollar Tier 1 automotive suppliers. Mower stated that the company has achieved a number of major milestones for most of its products in 2009 despite the economic downturn and anticipated that the company will experience considerable achievement and growth in 2010.