Continental and kitchen manufacturer Nobilia have developed a joint innovation project that will shortly debut at Nobilia’s in-house exhibition in Verl, Germany. ContiTech has contributed its expertise in material development and surface technology from the automotive interiors and furniture industries to redefine the kitchen as a modern living space.
“For many decades, our materials and technologies have shaped modern living spaces – from vehicle interiors to home furniture. With this concept kitchen, we’re showing how our expertise can be transferred to new requirements: for greater functionality, user-oriented design and technology in everyday life,” said Ralf Imbery, head of design, marketing and strategy for Continental’s global surface materials business. “For us, cooperation projects of this kind are an important strategic tool that allow us to test innovations at an early stage and, together with partners, develop new perspectives for future living environments.”
From automotive innovation to everyday life
What started as cutting-edge automotive technology at Continental’s automotive group sector has since been adapted for household use by Aumovio Engineering Solutions. The company has repurposed its smart AI systems, originally designed for vehicles, to assist with everyday living.
The technology can identify food items, suggest recipes and provide nutritional information. Beyond the kitchen, it also incorporates safety functions, such as issuing alerts when water is boiling or flagging objects that could pose risks to children.
Some of the materials and technologies used are already production-ready, while others are still at the prototype stage. However, they provide a concrete preview of future applications and design possibilities for home spaces.
Starting with the surface
Under the tagline ‘Evolution of Senses – Feel. Connect. Inspire.’, the jointly developed concept kitchen aims to demonstrate how comfort, safety and design can be reimagined through functional materials and technologies. ContiTech’s translucent surface solutions, with light permeability and integration of printed electronics, enable alternative functionalities. These surfaces form the technological foundation for applications such as wireless smartphone charging; heating and cooling zones for keeping food and drinks warm or cold; and touch control panels, which remain invisible when not in use and only appear when activated on the countertop.
The potential of surface technology is also evident in the kitchen niche, where a screen is integrated behind a translucent wood-look decorative film, remaining invisible when switched off and only appearing when activated.
Resource-conscious artificial leather, skai Evida Fiber, used on the chairs in the concept kitchen, consists of over 90% bio-based and renewable raw materials, such as organic cotton, which serves as the backing fabric and is grown according to certified ecological standards.
“The collaboration with Continental is a real game-changer. It enables us to create intuitive surfaces that respond to the user while at the same time preserving the elegant design of modern kitchens,” added Florian Degenhardt, head of Innovation at Nobilia.
In related news, Škoda continues to focus on sustainable materials with four interior design options for the Elroq
