Ribes Tech develops printed smart buttons to limit contagion

The system, called Daphne, is based on photovoltaic materials printed on flexible films, turning any mechanical button into contactless operation. It uses special inks and a traditional rotary printer to produce thin films adaptable to any shape. These can be integrated with electronic boards and installed on mechanical buttons. 

The activation gesture can be formulated as a simple hand detection for at least a second or more complicated movements depending on specific needs. The photovoltaic film detects a change in light and communicates with a recognition system that determines whether the activation of the button is valid or not. The smart button will provide the electrical activation signal both if pressed or if the right gesture is detected. 

Daphne can be added to existing systems while maintaining the mechanical functionality of the buttons. The technology has entered the test phase in Milan, Italy, and is expected to be commercially available in 2021. 

Ribes Tech was born from a collaboration that began five years ago between Omet and the Italian Institute of Technology in Milan. The project aims to combine Omet's technological skills in printing with the world of nanotechnologies to create electronic devices through the printing deposition of special inks. In particular, Ribes Tech is developing flexible photovoltaic modules for home automation, smart cities, and the Internet-of-Things.