Zoom imageInnovative technology enables touchscreen panels to provide feedback.
Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) has acquired Artificial Muscle, Inc. (AMI) of Sunnyvale, California. AMI is a pioneer and leader in the field of electroactive polymers for the consumer electronics industry. AMI polymers provide touchscreen panels with “awareness through touch” by creating authentic tactile feedback, just like a conventional keyboard. This innovative technology has significant application potential, particularly for electronic devices such as smartphones, gaming controllers and touchpads.
The acquisition gives BMS exclusive access to a broad patent portfolio and patent applications owned or exclusively licensed by AMI. This will allow BMS to address a significant part of the value chain for films in a broad range of applications and to accelerate the market introduction of this technology within the next two years. Says BMS Management Board Chairman Patrick Thomas: “This acquisition allows us to combine AMI’s excellent technology with our existing expertise.”