Boréas Technologies’ Haptic Module Drives Industry-Breakthrough Touch in New NIO ET9

--The Boréas automotive haptic module in NIO ET9’s center-console touch bar delivers crisp, context-sensitive tactile feedback to customers

BROMONT, Québec--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Boréas Technologies — a pioneer in third-generation, piezo-based haptics for automotive, consumer and mobile applications — today announced that NIO, the global company for smart electric vehicles in the premium segment, has integrated Boréas’ powerful automotive haptic module into TUI Bar, the touch area in NIO ET9. This makes NIO ET9, the company’s Smart Electric Executive Flagship, the world’s first tech-luxury EV to offer highly responsive, tactile feedback in an automotive infotainment system.

“NIO ET9’s TUI Bar touch area is a benchmark achievement in user interface design,” said Felix Wu, Head of Digital Space Experience Team & Expert, Experience Manager in Digital Product Experience Department, NIO. “Enabled by Boréas’ automotive haptic module, it’s an ultra-responsive, richly textured platform that enhances the overall feeling of luxury you experience when you’re driving NIO ET9.

“Instead of using older LRA technology, which produces a mushy tactile sensation at best, NIO’s TUI Bar uses Boréas’ piezo haptic technology to best advantage, rendering crisp and reassuring touch feedback that rapidly confirms driver-selected functionality through an elegant touch interface,” added Mr. Wu.

“NIO is the worldwide leader in developing and adopting the most technologically advanced functionality in tech-luxury EVs,” said Simon Chaput, President & Founder, Boréas Technologies. “By integrating Boréas’ automotive haptic module into TUI Bar in NIO ET9, NIO has taken haptic feedback in cars — and user satisfaction — to a phenomenal new level. In doing so, NIO is also promoting safer driving because drivers who experience realistic tactile confirmation on a touch platform keep their eyes on the road instead of on a screen. NIO has proved that it’s possible to achieve exceptional user experience, outstanding industrial design, and a safe driving experience in the same car. By doing so, they’ve set a new high point in the future of automotive interior design.”

NIO ET9’s TUI Bar supports a compelling set of user experiences: Its three-zone design is multi-faceted, with the left and right zones controlling the driver and passenger Skyline screens respectively, while the middle zone interacts with the ICS central control screen. Drivers and passengers can use the central control screen in a variety of ways, such as adjusting the progress of songs, selecting media, and controlling the volume.

TUI Bar also supports tapping for rewind or fast-forward as well as different functionality for one-, two- and even three-finger usage.

About Boréas’ Automotive Haptic Module

Boréas’ automotive haptic module leverages piezoelectric (piezo) design to offer dramatic improvements in quality and feedback response time over other haptic technologies, such as linear resonant actuators (LRAs). Boréas thereby allows automotive OEMs and integrators to provide the reassuring tactile feedback that satisfies the human need for intuitive touch.

Featuring Boréas CapDrive® Technology, a patented, scalable, ultra-low-power architecture that promotes responsive localized haptic feedback and integrated force sensing in a wide range of applications, Boréas’ automotive haptic module includes the BOS1211, its powerful piezo haptic driver IC that is AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualified for the automotive market.

About Boréas Technologies

Boréas Technologies Inc. is an award-winning fabless semiconductor company commercializing ultra-low-power piezo IC platforms in automotive, consumer and industrial markets. With origins in research conducted at Harvard University, Boréas is based in Bromont, Québec and is supported by a global distribution network. The company’s CapDrive ICs are ideal for automotive environments, PC trackpads, smartwatches and fitness trackers, smartphones, VR game controllers and peripherals, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Connect with Boréas on LinkedIn or email: [e-mail].

About NIO

NIO Inc. is a pioneer and a leading company in the global smart electric vehicle market. Founded in November 2014, NIO aspires to shape a sustainable and brighter future with the mission of “Blue Sky Coming.” NIO envisions itself as a user enterprise where innovative technology meets experience excellence. NIO designs, develops, manufactures and sells smart electric vehicles, driving innovations in next-generation core technologies. NIO distinguishes itself through continuous technological breakthroughs and innovations, exceptional products and services, and a community for shared growth. NIO provides premium smart electric vehicles under the NIO brand, family-oriented smart electric vehicles through the ONVO brand, and small smart high-end electric cars with the FIREFLY brand.

NIO is the first car company listed on the NYSE, HKEX and SGX. The company has R&D and manufacturing facilities in Shanghai, Hefei, Beijing, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Wuhan, San Jose, Munich, Oxford, Berlin, Budapest, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi. It has also established sales and service networks in China, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and the UAE.

For more information on NIO, visit: https://www.nio.com/

The Boréas logo and CapDrive are registered trademarks of Boréas Technologies Inc. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.