News Valeo Partners with TactoTek to Revolutionize Automotive Lighting with In-Mold Structural Electronics

Valeo, a global leader in automotive lighting and mobility solutions, has entered a strategic partnership with TactoTek, a pioneer in In-Mold Structural Electronics (IMSE) technology. This collaboration aims to integrate IMSE technology into next-generation vehicle lighting, transforming both interior and exterior illumination into highly functional, intelligent, and customizable systems. By combining Valeo’s deep expertise in optical systems, LED technology, and over-molding processes with TactoTek’s innovative approach to structural electronics, the partnership is set to redefine how lighting is utilized in modern vehicles.

The Transformative Impact of In-Mold Structural Electronics​

IMSE represents a breakthrough in automotive design, seamlessly embedding electronic components—including LEDs, circuits, sensors, and capacitive touch elements—into lightweight, three-dimensional injection-molded polymer structures. Traditional lighting systems require multiple layers of wiring, mechanical enclosures, and circuit boards, often resulting in bulky assemblies that limit design flexibility. IMSE technology streamlines these components into a single, ultra-thin structure, providing an elegant and efficient solution that enhances vehicle aesthetics while improving performance.

By enabling lighting elements to be integrated directly into curved and contoured surfaces, IMSE allows automakers to push the boundaries of design while optimizing energy efficiency. The reduced need for wiring and separate circuit boards translates to lighter vehicle components, contributing to overall weight reduction and improving fuel efficiency in traditional vehicles while extending the range of electric vehicles. The seamless integration of electronic elements into vehicle interiors and exteriors also simplifies assembly processes, reducing production complexity and enhancing overall durability.

Advancing Safety with Intelligent Lighting Solutions​

Lighting is increasingly recognized as a critical element in vehicle safety. As the automotive industry shifts toward autonomous and semi-autonomous driving, lighting is evolving beyond simple illumination into an intelligent communication system between vehicles, drivers, and pedestrians. IMSE-powered lighting solutions integrated with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) offer real-time visual feedback to improve situational awareness on the road.

By embedding smart lighting directly into vehicle surfaces, Valeo’s IMSE-based technology enhances blind-spot detection, providing illuminated visual warnings when another vehicle is detected. Emergency braking alerts can be conveyed through dynamic light signals, instantly informing both the driver and surrounding vehicles of sudden stops. Smart pedestrian communication systems, particularly in electric and autonomous vehicles, can use illuminated indicators to signal crossing safety, enhancing visibility and reducing accident risks in urban environments. The ability to create dynamic turn indicators and hazard warnings further strengthens vehicle communication, improving road safety for all users.

A New Era of Personalization and Dynamic Displays​

Consumer demand for vehicle personalization has grown significantly, with lighting playing an increasingly vital role in defining a car’s character and brand identity. The integration of IMSE technology enables automakers to offer a new level of customization, allowing drivers to personalize ambient and accent lighting, dynamically adjust colors, and incorporate brand-specific animations. From color-tunable lighting that adjusts to driving conditions or user preferences to illuminated logos that enhance vehicle branding, IMSE-based solutions offer an unmatched degree of flexibility.

Unlike conventional lighting modules that require separate enclosures and external mounting, IMSE technology allows lighting to be seamlessly integrated into dashboards, door panels, and even exterior body panels. This design flexibility enables automakers to create unique lighting signatures that enhance the overall vehicle experience. As software-driven vehicles become more prevalent, lighting will play a greater role in human-machine interaction, responding to user inputs, environmental conditions, and real-time driving data to create a more immersive and engaging driving experience.

Sustainability and Efficiency in Automotive Lighting​

The shift toward sustainability is a key focus for automakers, and IMSE technology represents a major advancement in eco-friendly manufacturing. Traditional lighting assemblies rely on multiple separate components, including printed circuit boards, mechanical housings, and connectors, all of which contribute to material waste and complex production processes. By consolidating these elements into a single, lightweight structure, IMSE significantly reduces material usage while improving manufacturing efficiency.

The streamlined design of IMSE technology not only lowers production costs but also reduces plastic waste, supporting the automotive industry’s push toward environmentally sustainable solutions. With fewer components required, the energy consumption associated with production is minimized, leading to a lower overall carbon footprint. In addition, the improved durability and longevity of IMSE-based lighting systems reduce the need for replacements, further enhancing their sustainability.

Industry Leaders Driving Innovation​

Maurizio Martinelli, CEO of Valeo’s Light Division, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, highlighting how global automakers are redefining lighting strategies to meet growing demands for ADAS integration, differentiation, and vehicle-to-human communication. He noted that Valeo’s lighting solutions are evolving beyond simple illumination to offer advanced personalization, higher LED density, and enhanced safety features. By incorporating IMSE technology, Valeo aims to push the boundaries of lighting design and provide automakers with the tools to create more interactive and customized vehicle lighting systems.

Jussi Harvela, CEO of TactoTek, underscored the appeal of IMSE lighting solutions, emphasizing their advantages in terms of design flexibility, compact packaging, and superior power efficiency. He expressed confidence that the collaboration with Valeo would set new industry benchmarks by delivering innovative, sustainable, and visually compelling lighting solutions that align with the future of mobility.

Shaping the Future of Automotive Lighting​

The automotive industry is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by advancements in electrification, autonomous technology, and smart vehicle connectivity. As vehicles become more interactive and software-driven, lighting is emerging as a crucial element in defining user experience, safety, and brand identity. The partnership between Valeo and TactoTek represents a significant step forward in reimagining lighting as an intelligent and dynamic component of modern vehicles.

IMSE technology offers a revolutionary approach to lighting design, allowing for the creation of ultra-thin, energy-efficient, and highly customizable lighting systems that seamlessly integrate with a vehicle’s overall aesthetic. This collaboration not only enhances the visual and functional aspects of automotive lighting but also aligns with global efforts to create more sustainable and efficient vehicle components. As the demand for smart, connected, and personalized mobility solutions continues to grow, Valeo’s expertise in lighting innovation, combined with TactoTek’s groundbreaking IMSE technology, is set to define the next generation of automotive lighting.