Combined expertise at embedded world 2025: LEONHARD KURZ, PolyIC and DATA MODUL present next-generation display integration

Fürth/Germany, March 05, 2025: The demands placed on modern operating and display concepts are continuously growing. Particularly in the automotive, consumer electronics, and home appliances sectors, solutions are needed that combine intuitive interaction, high-quality optics, and technological efficiency. Displays should be seamlessly integrated into elegant surfaces, while offering maximum readability and an outstanding user experience.

Thin-film specialist LEONHARD KURZ, KURZ subsidiary PolyIC – a leading provider of advanced touch sensors – and Munich-based full-service display provider DATA MODUL are meeting these challenges with an innovative hidden-til-lit display solution that will be presented at embedded world 2025. The companies are using a demonstrator to show an optimized form of display integration: A large display that is fully integrated into the surrounding decor and only becomes visible when activated.

A perfect balance of aesthetics and function

A key unique selling point of the display concept is its ability to integrate completely into the surface design when deactivated, blending into its surroundings. Whether wood, stone or metal look - the entire structure remains consistently homogeneous, since neither display contours nor technical control elements are visible and the surface retains its original aesthetics. This seamless integration is made possible by KURZ's high-precision thin-film technologies. Various KURZ processes can be used to produce and finish the hidden display, depending on individual requirements.

In addition to the visual fusion, haptics also plays a central role: The high-quality decorative layers create an authentic material look and feel that, on the one hand, preserves the tactile quality of the surface and, on the other hand, ensures that the display blends harmoniously into the surface.

The advanced solution combines the hidden-til-lit property with modern touch sensing, opening up new possibilities for innovative and aesthetic HMI concepts. The interface only appears when activated and offers a precise, responsive touch experience. This creates an elegant combination of minimalist design and intuitive operation – ideal for applications where aesthetics and user-friendliness are key. PolyIC contributes its expertise here: The KURZ subsidiary offers versatile sensor solutions that can be flexibly integrated into the system.

The display unit itself benefits from DATA MODUL's many years of experience in high-performance display technologies. The high brightness and exceptional contrast of the displays used ensure that content is displayed clearly and in razor-sharp focus, even in strong sunlight or in environments with difficult lighting conditions. The basis for this is the HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging process of the 17.3-inch TFT display, which impresses with outstanding contrast and brilliant color reproduction.

New possibilities for design and interaction

Hidden-til-lit technology opens up a wide range of application scenarios, particularly in areas where combining elegance and functionality is of central importance. In the automotive industry, new design approaches for vehicle interiors are emerging, as displays are increasingly seen as an integral part of high-quality surfaces. The technology can also be used in the household appliance industry to integrate control panels harmoniously into modern appliance fronts, which only appear as interactive surfaces when they are actually used.

“Thanks to our close collaboration between PolyIC and DATA MODUL, we have been able to implement a solution that combines design freedom with technical excellence. Our expertise is an ideal match, ensuring that all components of the hidden display are perfectly coordinated,” explains Gerhard Scheuing, Product Manager Automotive and Senior Expert Touch Sensor Systems at PolyIC.

“The integration into the surface is achieved thanks to full bonding and the high contrast, which is characterized by very low light emission in black image areas and very high emission in light areas. This results in a brilliant contrast ratio in the active state. When deactivated, the display is almost invisible,” explains Andreas Huber, Head of Products – Displays at DATA MODUL.

Further information can be found at www.data-modul.com

Experience live at embedded world 2025

At embedded world 2025, trade visitors will have the opportunity to experience the new generation of display integration live for the first time. At the exhibition booths of PolyIC (booth 1-270) and DATA MODUL (booth 1-368), they will be able to see for themselves the versatile design options and the optical and functional quality.