PolyIC, a subsidiary of LEONHARD KURZ, and Nanomade have announced a joint development that brings together capacitive touch and force sensing into a single transparent film. The companies are presenting the technology for the first time at Touch Taiwan 2026, positioning it as the first solution to combine both capabilities at the same point of interaction. The result is a transparent, flexible, and ultrathin sensor designed for next-generation human-machine interfaces, where visual clarity, responsiveness, and integration flexibility are all required at once.

The technology combines PolyIC’s printed transparent conductive electrode structures with Nanomade’s nanoparticle-based ink for force sensing. Together, the companies say this creates a sensor architecture that goes beyond traditional capacitive touch systems by adding precise force detection without compromising optical clarity. The film supports features such as operation with gloves, reliable use in wet or damp environments, and the ability to distinguish between light contact and deliberate pressure, enabling more advanced interaction models and reducing false activations.

For manufacturers, the development is as much about design freedom as it is about functionality. The sensor can be integrated into transparent or “hidden-until-lit” interfaces, curved surfaces, and three-dimensional control elements without requiring complex redesigns or additional components. The companies point to applications in automotive interiors, medical devices, and other environments where touch, force, and visual integration need to coexist. As printed electronics continue to evolve, the collaboration highlights how