Denso Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Canatu to advance the practical application of carbon nanotube technology. The two companies aim to advance autonomous driving technology and the realization of carbon neutrality.
As autonomous driving technology continues to evolve, vehicles must accurately detect their surroundings using cameras and other sensors. Frost and condensation can obstruct visibility and spoil the ability of cameras and sensors to do their job. So Denso are developing products that use transparent conductive films made from flexible, transparent materials; carbon nanotube technology is the key.
Carbon nanotubes are extremely fine structures, characterized by high strength, light weight, and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. They hold great promise for a wide range of applications. Canatu have innovative technology to facilitate efficient production of highly pure carbon nanotubes using proprietary materials, and the company have strong abilities in transparent conductive film formation.
Denso have been collaborating with Canatu by combining Canatu’s advanced transparent conductive film technology with Denso’s expertise in automotive technology and mass production. This past April, the two companies successfully developed a reactor* at Canatu’s production facility in Finland, significantly enhancing the productivity of carbon nanotubes. They have also been jointly developing transparent heaters for vehicle cameras and windshields. Now, they will continue to drive efforts toward commercializing transparent heaters and expanding their application to environmental technologies.
Cooperative initiatives will include:
- Developing new applications for carbon nanotubes, including transparent heaters and solar power technologies
- Collaborating to improve manufacturing equipment and processes to achieve the quality required for mass production
- Exploring the establishment of a reliable supply system to ensure stable and consistent delivery of high-quality products.
