STOCKHOLM – Autoliv Inc., a global leader in automotive safety, and Neonode Inc., the optical touch technology company, announced they will jointly showcase the next generation of automotive human machine interface at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

To date, the joint development has focused on accelerating the development of the next generation of driver interface concepts focusing on the safe and intuitive interaction between the driver and the control of the automobile. The new technology provides a light-based “touchless touch,” sensing with visual guidance and eliminating the need for the driver to move the hands off the wheel while interacting with the car. It also will replace mechanical switches and allows the car to know where the driver’s hands are placed on the wheel.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Neonode to integrate its light-based zForce AIR MultiSensing technology into the steering wheel,” commented Johan Lofvenholm, group vice president, product and process development at Autoliv. “This will create new possibilities as we enhance our capabilities towards automated driving.”

“Neonode’s strength in innovative user interfaces, based on its proprietary optical technology, creates a joint opportunity to lead the industry toward a more powerful and innovative way to interact with automobile systems. We are delighted to work with Autoliv. Together, we can create a safer and more enjoyable interaction in the driving environment,” said Thomas Eriksson, CEO at Neonode.

Autoliv and Neonode will introduce the first joint concept “zForce DRIVE – Active Sensor Steering Wheel,” which is based on Neonode zForce AIR technology, at CES 2015, Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas.