World’s first see-through sensor uses quantum ink to tell a tap from a hard push

Nanomade, a company specializing in ultra-sensitive deformation sensing technology, has announced a new product developed in collaboration with PolyIC that combines capacitive touch and ultra-sensitive force sensing into a fully transparent film.

The technology is designed to enable transparent, flexible, and illuminated control surfaces without compromising performance, aesthetics, or scalability.

The development represents a step forward in Human-Machine Interface (HMI) technology, as manufacturers increasingly seek sleek, minimalist designs with integrated lighting and edge-to-edge displays.

A transparent force and touch architecture

Conventional sensing technologies often limit transparency, brightness, or design flexibility, particularly when combining multiple sensing functions. The new film combines transparent capacitive touch sensing with ultra-sensitive force detection in a single flexible structure.

While transparent capacitive solutions already exist, the companies revealed that no transparent solution combining both force and touch sensing has previously been available.

The technology is built using a printed electronics approach. PolyIC produces a transparent, flexible capacitive film with printed transparent conductive electrodes.

Nanomade then integrates its proprietary nanoparticle-based ink onto the same substrate to enable force detection.

This results in a fully transparent, flexible film that combines both sensing technologies in a single ultra-thin stack while maintaining optical clarity and light transmission.

The combined sensing system allows devices to detect both simple touch and applied pressure, creating a more advanced interaction surface.

Improved interaction in real-world conditions

By combining capacitive touch and force sensing, the system addresses some limitations of traditional capacitive touch interfaces.

The technology enables reliable operation when users are wearing gloves, improves performance in humid or wet environments, reduces false activations, and improves detection of intentional input.

Force sensing adds an extra layer of interaction, allowing devices to distinguish between a light touch and a deliberate press.

This can improve safety, reliability, and overall user experience. The technology can also provide gradual haptic feedback, enhancing interaction with touch-based interfaces.

These improvements could make the technology useful in environments where traditional touch interfaces struggle, including industrial, medical, and outdoor applications.

Expanding design flexibility and integration

Beyond performance improvements, the transparent film also opens new design possibilities for manufacturers.

The flexible stack can be laminated under existing display or interface assemblies, allowing integration without major redesigns or complex component integration.

Manufacturers could use the technology to create fully transparent control surfaces, “hidden-until-lit” interfaces, or sensing systems integrated directly into displays.

The film’s flexibility allows it to be used on curved or three-dimensional surfaces while maintaining a continuous aesthetic.

Exploring the utility

The technology is suitable for multiple industries, including consumer electronics, automotive interiors, home appliances, smart home systems, and medical devices.

Potential applications include laptops, wearable devices, backlit dashboards, glass control panels, illuminated appliance interfaces, and medical equipment control surfaces.

The proof-of-concept has already been validated, and the product is now entering the industrialization phase.

Samples are expected to be available in the third quarter of 2026, and a first demonstration is currently underway with a leading OEM as part of an ongoing project.

The companies say the transparent force and touch film could enable a new generation of interactive surfaces that integrate transparency, lighting, and force detection into a single interface layer.