Lufthansa Technik turns the airplane table into a touchscreen

The table in the airplane becomes a touchscreen: Lufthansa Technik is presenting a technology that turns airplane tables into screens.

The Lufthansa subsidiary calls the technology “Nice Intellitable.” It is described as a “direct fusion of interactive functionality for the aircraft cabin with particularly high-quality haptic surfaces” by Lufthansa Technik, Lufthansa Technik describes. For example, the touchscreen can be integrated into a surface with a wood, carbon, or metal look – the system is intended more for premium classes or private aircraft.

The display only appears after activation, so the table can also be used without a screen. When food or drinks are served, the display can be shrunk and moved to the edge. The display surface is sealed, so spilled drinks or hard objects like cutlery cannot damage it.

“Since familiar interfaces can quickly appear bulky and outdated, we are constantly rethinking how technology can be integrated into interior design,” says Andrew Muirhead, Vice President Original Equipment and Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik.

Order food, adjust seat, watch movie

Lufthansa Technik is presenting a prototype of the touchscreen at the Dubai Airshow, which starts today, Monday. The demonstrator shows flight information, allows the seat to be adjusted, and food and drinks to be ordered. The display also serves as a music player, and movies can be watched or digital magazines read on it.

The Nice Intellitable is based on the Hidden Touch Display, which is mounted vertically on the cabin wall and for which Lufthansa Technik received the Red Dot Award design prize this year Red Dot Award. For the Nice Intellitable, Lufthansa Technik has miniaturized the technology of the Hidden Touch Display, which expands the possibilities for integrating control surfaces into aircraft cabins. However, the company does not reveal details about the entire technology.

(wpl)