TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A French tech startup has unveiled quantum sensors at Taiwan's premier technology exhibition that can transform ordinary metal surfaces into touch-sensitive interfaces, potentially revolutionizing industries from automotive to personal computing. Nanomade's sensors, presented at the 2025 COMPUTEX trade show, represent a breakthrough in deformation measurement technology, according to company officials.
"Our sensors focus on detecting micro deformations in structures," said Jean Rassou, CEO and co-founder of nanomade, on Tuesday (May 21). "We've received numerous requests, particularly from the automotive industry, where our technology helps eliminate false touch alarms in car interiors." The highly sensitive quantum sensors can detect subtle changes in metal surfaces when touched, creating tactile interfaces without additional hardware layers. This capability has drawn attention from multiple sectors seeking innovative user interface solutions.
Battery monitoring represents another promising application. The sensors can detect early volume changes in batteries, potentially providing critical data for performance optimization and safety monitoring in electric vehicles and portable electronics. "This is a critical market for us," Rassou noted during the product demonstration. "The ability to detect minute changes before they become problematic could significantly enhance battery management systems."
Perhaps most intriguing are the sensors' applications for human biometric monitoring. The technology's sensitivity extends to measuring micro deformations caused by the human body, enabling precise monitoring of vital signs. "Our sensors can detect heart rate and breathing rhythm with remarkable accuracy," Rassou explained. "In the future, we anticipate being able to assess stress levels through these same measurements."
The company envisions premium transportation applications, with Rassou highlighting how the technology could transform passenger experiences. "It can be applied to business-class airplane and car seats, where the technology can predict when a person is about to sleep and adjust the seat according to the circumstances it senses." Looking ahead, nanomade is setting its sights on Taiwan's robust PC manufacturing ecosystem.
Rassou emphasized the company's intention to demonstrate how their quantum sensor technology could revolutionize human-computer interaction. "Taiwan's ecosystem in the PC market makes it the perfect partner for further development of our technology," Rassou said. "We believe our sensors can fundamentally change how people interact with their computers."
Nanomade joins four other French startups at the Choose France pavilion within InnoVEX, the startup-focused segment of COMPUTEX Taipei. The quantum sensor developer is showcasing its technology alongside more than 1,500 exhibitors at the 2025 COMPUTEX, which runs through Friday, featuring innovations in computing, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things applications. ◼