BMW Looking Into Using Touch-Sensitive Smart Fabric In Future Models

Apparently the German luxury cars BMW is looking for ways to incorporate that particular touch-sensitive smart fabric into future models.

With this concept a driver can say, change the volume on their radios by gently touching their car seats. Of course automakers are looking for better ways to take advantage of the technology, hoping to do away with buttons and controls now scattered our interior. Researchers at the Polytechnic School in Montreal, Canada has successfully developed a soft polymer-based fibers with electrical properties that can be woven into fabric.

Instead of using metal wires, the smart fabric has woven conductive plastics, enabling it to be cleaned and there is nothing to be afraid of the liquid spilled into their seats and something going haywire. Electrical properties of smart fabrics may change depending on where the fabric is touched, and it will be able to detect the touch of a finger or slide on different areas in order to have different functions.

This is a rather interesting concept, but it would be more interesting on how automakers to apply Touch-Sensitive Smart Fabric to be user friendly and really helpful in functionality.