Electromechanical component supplier SMK Corporation has agreed to license TouchSense touch feedback technology from Immersion Corporation for use in haptic touch panels for automotive and other applications.

"We believe that advancing automotive controls improves the driving experience and simplifies a growing number of functions within the car," said Shinobu Kaneuji, general manager, SMK Touch Panel Division, sales department.

Touch panels enhanced with TouchSense technology can help reduce glance times and distractions for drivers accessing in-car information. The technology works by vibrating the display's touchscreen in response to programmed effects that may vary in frequency, waveform, magnitude and duration.