Turning the tables of UI integration: Lufthansa Technik shows interactive fold-up tray

Lufthansa Technik has miniaturized the technology behind its award-winning Hidden Touch Display in order to pave the way for a striking new form of user interface (UI) integration in aircraft cabins: The »nice intellitable«, to be presented at the Dubai Airshow, for the first time blends high-definition touchscreen functionality directly into the high-quality haptic surface of a folding tray table. The latter’s smart and intuitive display functions only appear on the passenger’s request and just as seamlessly vanish into the tray table’s thin foldable surface when no longer needed.

The »nice intellitable« represents a strategic further development of Lufthansa Technik’s Hidden Touch Display, which earlier this year already won a prestigious Red Dot Design Award. The technology’s clou is a remarkable fusion of high-quality look and feel surfaces with interactive functionality for the aircraft cabin. Customizable for surface appearances such as wood, carbon fiber or metal, to name just a few, all control interfaces can blend seamlessly into the interior design, providing passengers with an equally intuitive yet optically and haptically sophisticated control experience.

Compared to its wall-mounted predecessor, the fully customizable »nice intellitable« also broadens the spectrum of integrated control functionalities to a large extent. The current demonstrator integrates content such as flight information, a moving map, seat adjustment, a food and beverage preview and ordering system, music and video content players, and a flipping book for digital magazines. Once the tray table is needed in its original role as the surface for culinary delights, all hidden touch functions can be minimized to a space-saving design at the edge, or simply switched off. For this role, the smart surface is completely resistant to spilled fluids and mechanical forces from silverware or other hard items.

“Sometimes, there seems to be a disconnect between how airlines and VIP operators design their control solutions, and how their passengers actually interact with the cabin environment. To get rid of traditional control interfaces, which sometimes can feel bulky and outdated, we are permanently rethinking how technology integrates with interior design, creating more cohesive and natural interactions,” said Andrew Muirhead, Lufthansa Technik’s Vice President Original Equipment and Special Aircraft Services. “The »nice intellitable« exemplifies this approach, redefining VIP, but also commercial business or first class cabins, through more intuitive and seamless technology that puts both passenger experience and airline needs at the center.”

A demonstrator of the »nice intellitable« will be exhibited at Lufthansa Technik’s booth #1120 at the upcoming Dubai Airshow from November 17 to 21.