INTRANSIT: Innovation in Printed Electronics for Heating in Furniture

Printed electronics is becoming a revolutionary technology in multiple sectors, and our recent INTRANSIT project seeks to bring this innovation to the furniture market, developing a flexible and lightweight heating solution for sofas. This project, funded by the European Union, marks an important step in the creation of a heating element with printed electronics technology adaptable to various environments, including indoors and outdoors.

Heaters for outdoor restaurant seating made with printed electronics

What is the INTRANSIT project?

The INTRANSIT project, led by our team at Rotimpres, focuses on the creation of a prototype heater for sofas, using printed components in a scalable process. The key is to design an element that not only integrates seamlessly into the sofa, but also ensures user safety, efficiency and comfort. Starting with a technological maturity level (TRL) 4, we hope to reach TRL 7 by the end of the project, getting closer to a market-ready product.

Innovation in heating with printed electronics

The innovation of this project lies in applying printed electronics technology, traditionally used in other sectors, to heating sofas. The printed heating element is flexible and adapts to the shape of the sofa, offering an even distribution of heat. In addition, its design is energy efficient and safe, which represents an alternative to traditional rigid elements that are often uncomfortable and not very versatile.

Benefits in the furniture sector and beyond

Printed electronics enable seamless integration with sofa fabrics and materials, supporting both user comfort and design aesthetics. This technology has the potential to benefit not only end consumers, but also furniture and textile manufacturers interested in sustainable and technologically advanced products. Through projects such as INTRANSIT, we explore new applications for printed electronics in everyday life.

Moving towards sustainability and comfort

One of the challenges of current heating systems is their reliance on bulky and energy-intensive components. Our printed electronics approach to sofa heating offers a more sustainable and efficient solution. By integrating the heating element flexibly, user comfort is improved, while also exploring eco-friendly materials that could reduce the long-term environmental impact.

Printed Electronics Benefits

Next steps and opportunities

The project is structured in phases that include design, integration testing and documentation. We are currently in the prototype development phase, where the heating element is tested under different conditions to ensure its effectiveness and safety. This project not only opens doors to new heating solutions in furniture, but also positions Rotimpres as a benchmark in innovative applications of printed electronics in consumer sectors.

INTRANSIT as an example of European collaboration

INTRANSIT is part of a broader initiative that connects advanced electronics and furniture manufacturing within the European Union. Through this collaboration, we demonstrate the value of integrating printed electronics into conventional products, such as sofas, offering practical and sustainable solutions. If you want to know more about this project, you can visit the official INTRANSIT website.

At Rotimpres, we specialize in offering printed electronics solutions tailored to the needs of each client. If your company is interested in exploring the potential of this technology, do not hesitate to contact us to discuss how we can help you innovate.