Lead-Free Haptic Feedback Actuator: Pioneering a Greener Future for Human-Machine Interaction

As your fingertip glides across the edge of a smartphone, a crisp “click” sensation emerges—evoking the tactile feel of a physical button. Yet, there’s no mechanical key beneath your finger. Behind this tactile illusion lies the power of piezoelectric haptic feedback technology. At Sensor Converge 2025, ADW unveiled its cutting-edge lead-free haptic feedback actuator, a flagship innovation redefining the boundaries of touch-based interaction.

A New Era of Haptics: The Evolution of Piezoelectric Technology

For years, virtual buttons without tactile sensation have dominated smartphone interaction design. While efficient and multifunctional, these touchpoints often lack the natural, intuitive feel that users crave.

Haptic feedback actuators are changing that narrative. By harnessing the direct and inverse piezoelectric effect, these actuators generate mechanical deformation in response to applied voltage—creating precise localized vibrations. The result is a tactile response far more refined and natural than traditional linear motors.

When scrolling through a page, for example, the actuator can simulate a subtle “click-click” sensation under your fingertip—reminiscent of a classic mouse scroll wheel. During photography, it can mimic the distinct two-stage feel of a DSLR shutter button—providing both a half-press focus and a full-press capture experience. This is a level of multidimensional feedback unattainable by conventional mechanical buttons.

A Green Leap Forward: Lead-Free Materials for Sustainable Innovation

Traditional piezoelectric ceramics often contain 30–40% lead content, posing significant environmental risks during production and disposal. In response, ADW has committed to sustainable innovation—successfully developing a lead-free haptic feedback actuator using advanced eco-friendly materials.

ADW Technology Advantages: Elevating the Haptic Experience

ADW’s lead-free haptic feedback actuator represents the forefront of tactile interaction technology, offering advantages across multiple dimensions:

• Energy Efficiency: Consumes 10–13 times less power than traditional mechanical technologies (e.g., strain or voice coil actuators), significantly extending battery life in mobile devices.

• Miniaturized Design: With a compact footprint down to the millimeter level, standard product thickness ranges from 0.5 mm to 1 mm—freeing up valuable space in compact electronic designs.

• Environmental Resilience: IP68-rated protection ensures excellent resistance to water, dust, oil, and contaminants, making it ideal for harsh usage environments.

• Programmable Tactility: Software-controlled feedback allows fully customizable tactile effects, enabling precise tuning for various devices and user scenarios.

A standout feature of ADW’s actuator is its dual-function integration—it can both sense external force and deliver haptic feedback using the same component. This unified design simplifies hardware architecture, streamlines sensor layout and algorithm development, and enhances overall system integration.

Discover More at Sensors Converge 2025

Join us at the exhibition to explore ADW’s lead-free haptic actuator and discuss the future of green, intelligent touch technology:

• Event: Sensors Converge 2025

• Date: June 25–26, 2025

• Location: Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, CA

• Booth: #1239