Immersion Signs ALPS Electric as First Licensed Supplier for Haptic Controls in the Automotive Industry
SAN JOSE, Calif.--April 22, 2002--Immersion Corp. , the leading developer and licensor of haptic feedback technology, and ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world's largest electronic components manufacturers with $4.6 billion in annual consolidated revenue, today announced a long-term automotive licensing agreement. Immersion and ALPS began working together in 2000 to incorporate haptic technology into the new BMW 7 Series car. Since that first successful collaborative effort, Immersion and ALPS have continued to pioneer the development and deployment of automotive haptic interfaces.
"The license agreement with Immersion is one more step by ALPS, aimed at providing its customers with the most advanced Driver Integration Technology," said Kazuya Yoshikoshi, Director, General Manager of ALPS Electric. "ALPS can now offer Haptic products based on the extensive Immersion patent portfolio. These haptic products will complement the existing ALPS portfolio of input devices and enhance ALPS HMI enabling technologies along with wireless connectivity that includes Bluetooth modules with integrated voice recognition, CDMA-based communication and system solutions for driver-activated controls. This agreement builds on the cooperative efforts with Immersion to develop the BMW 7 Series iDrive Controller and reinforces the ALPS strategy to support the growing automotive telematics market and emerging x-by-wire technology."
ALPS will work directly with automotive manufacturers in the development and commercialization of haptic technology. With experienced engineering capabilities, an extensive worldwide sales team and established production and supply channels, ALPS can accelerate the adoption of haptic interface products within the automotive market.
"The Immersion-ALPS partnership comes at a time when automotive manufacturers are actively seeking compelling alternatives to traditional user interface methods. Since our first discussions together, our collective mission for haptics in the automotive space has been to enable users to more intuitively control user interfaces through their sense of touch -- thereby allowing them to visually focus on the road," said Vic Viegas, president and chief operating officer for Immersion. "The collaboration that started with the new BMW iDrive Controller is continuing with this multi-million dollar opportunity which will help to proliferate the use of haptic interfaces in the automotive industry."
How Haptic Technology Works in Cars
In today's cars, various functions require individual controls including dials, sliders, and buttons -- many with a distinct mechanical feel. With haptics, a single user interface can replace the complex array of dials and buttons, while still maintaining the unique feel of each function. For example, as the driver operates the control in radio-tuning mode, the device will move smoothly until a preset station is reached. Tactile cues then indicate to the driver that a desired station is 'locked' in. Similarly, for balance or tone controls, programmable tactile sensations can be used to represent the neutral position and end of range. This interface can also recreate the unique and intuitive feel of many other basic functions including climate control, seat adjustments, and navigation systems.
About ALPS Electric Co., Ltd
ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. is a global leader in electronic components, with a worldwide production and marketing network spanning the five economic zones of America, Europe, ASEAN/Korea, China, and Japan. ALPS and its Group of companies are focused on the development of emerging markets. ALPS, taking into consideration its proprietary technologies and market forecast, has organized its operations into five core businesses: Communications, Components, Peripheral Products, Magnetic Devices, and Automotive Electronics. ALPS advances the development and production of various components and assemblies for onboard electronics while keeping pace with the changing market needs in the automotive industry.
About Immersion (www.immersion.com)
Founded in 1993, Immersion Corp. is a recognized leader in developing, licensing and marketing haptic technology and products. Bringing value to markets where user/ product interaction needs to be made more compelling, safer or productive, Immersion helps its partners develop and increase competitive advantage and broaden market reach by making the use of touch sense feedback as critical a user experience as sight and sound. Immersion's technology is deployed across personal computing, entertainment, medical training, automotive and three-dimensional simulation markets. Immersion and its wholly owned subsidiaries hold over 150 issued patents worldwide.
This media alert contains forward-looking statements, including in particular statements about future development plans and efforts. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are based on current information, which we have assessed but which by its nature is dynamic and subject to rapid and even abrupt changes. Immersion does not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the development and performance of touch-enabled technology. Immersion's actual results might differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties associated with Immersion's business which include, but are not limited to, delay in or failure to achieve commercial demand for Immersion's touch-enabled technology products.
Risks and uncertainties related to Immersion's business in addition to those described above are further outlined in Immersion's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These reports are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Immersion is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.