“For me, innovation means building on research findings in such a way that they create real added value in industrial applications. Our aim is to combine natural materials such as wood with smart functions, thereby opening up new, sustainable applications. The fact that our technology has now been recognised once again – and this time with a special award from the Austrian State Prize for Timber Construction – confirms the successful transfer of scientific innovation into practice. I am delighted about this,” explains the award winner Lackner. Jürgen Lackner.
'Smart conductive wood' technology makes it possible to apply electrical functions directly to wooden surfaces. Using an atmospheric pressure plasma process (APPD), conductive structures such as circuit tracks, heating systems or sensors are applied directly to wood, veneer or decorative paper – without the need for additional plastic films or visible cabling. The coating process is vacuum-free, material-efficient and scalable for industrial production lines.
The technology opens up new possibilities for businesses looking to develop functional wood products. Manufacturers can integrate electrical functions invisibly into furniture, wall or floor panels, thereby developing new product categories – such as heated surfaces, smart interior fittings or touch-sensitive controls. At the same time, the process reduces material usage, assembly costs and recycling barriers, as it largely eliminates the need for additional plastics and backing materials. The technology is compatible with existing manufacturing processes; industrial applications have already been implemented in the field of LED wallpaper.
The technology offers new possibilities in terms of comfort and design. Electrical functions remain virtually invisible (“Shy Tech”) and do not affect the appearance or feel of the wooden surfaces. This enables integrated low-voltage heating systems, lighting or intuitive touch control panels to be incorporated directly into the furniture or interior fittings. In addition, sensors can be used to monitor humidity, providing early warning of damage or water ingress.
