The AIMPLAS iMoLab will improve sustainability and safety in the automotive and transportation industries by integrating sensor systems into lightweight components to comprehensively monitor numerous parameters related to vehicle structural and operational integrity.
The laboratory will enable automotive and transportation companies to develop lightweight vehicle components that integrate various sensors and will offer advisory services on sensor selection, material formulation for enhanced performance, sensor integration into different manufacturing processes, and data acquisition validation.
To provide a more immersive view of the project's progress, AIMPLAS has created the virtual reality experience imolabaimplas.es, where users can immerse themselves in an interactive virtual environment. Here, they can explore the latest innovative mobility technologies developed by the center and gain a deeper understanding of the positive impact these advancements have on sustainability, safety, and efficiency.
As a demonstrator of this technology, AIMPLAS has developed a thermoplastic composite component into which fiber optic sensors have been integrated, in collaboration with the Institute of Telecommunications and Multimedia Applications (iTEAM) at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), along with flexible electronics developed by AIMPLAS in previous projects. The aim is to demonstrate that these sensors can withstand temperature, time, and pressure without increasing the weight that would result from using traditional electronics. Furthermore, the lightweight thermoplastic composite materials allow for a reduction in vehicle weight and, consequently, energy consumption, making them more sustainable. The sensors integrated into these materials can be strain, temperature, piezoelectric, or capacitive. The technology will be validated in collaboration with the company ITERA, which will allow for verification of its functionality and applicability.
The iMoLab project represents a coordinated R&D effort to create a network of smart mobility laboratories, with separate facilities at different technology centers. The Biomechanics Institute (IBV) is coordinating this project, which also involves AIMPLAS, the Energy Technology Institute (ITE), the Metalworking, Furniture, Wood, Packaging and Related Industries Technology Institute (AIDIMME), the Packaging, Transport and Logistics Technology Institute (ITENE), and ITI, a technology center specializing in ICT.
