Covestro Introduces Groundbreaking TPU Innovations for AI-Driven Smart Devices at Taipei Symposium

Covestro Introduces Groundbreaking TPU Innovations for AI-Driven Smart Devices at Taipei Symposium

(IN BRIEF) Covestro unveiled its innovative thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) solutions at a symposium in Taipei, highlighting the key role of material innovation in AI-powered smart devices. With advancements in thermal management, durability, and performance, Covestro’s Desmopan® series is revolutionizing industries from IoT to robotics. The company is also advancing sustainability efforts with bio-based TPU solutions that contribute to reduced carbon footprints. Covestro’s collaboration with industry leaders continues to push boundaries in smart device design.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEVERKUSEN, 23-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — As AI continues to reshape the landscape of smart devices, material innovation plays a pivotal role in addressing the evolving needs of the sector. Covestro, a global leader in materials, recently presented its groundbreaking thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) solutions tailored for the AI era at a technical symposium held in Taipei. With AI driving the next wave of high-performance devices, including edge computing systems, IoT devices, and robotics, Covestro’s TPU innovations are at the forefront of solving challenges related to thermal management, durability, and performance.

Meeting the Demands of Advanced Smart Devices

AI-driven advancements in smart devices are placing increased pressure on the materials used in their production. In particular, laptops require solutions that tackle thermal management and weight reduction. Covestro’s Desmopan® XHR series TPU excels in providing exceptional thermal wear resistance for components exposed to heat, such as foot pads. A standout innovation from Covestro involves a single-material design approach that replaces conventional PC/ABS in laptop bottom covers with high-hardness TPU, integrating seamlessly with TPU foam foot pads. This development not only enhances component integration but also improves lightweighting and recyclability.

Alec Yang, Head of Sales and Market Development Taiwan at Covestro TPU, notes, “Taiwan is a hub for the laptop and semiconductor industries, and we are collaborating with leading ODM manufacturers to address the emerging material requirements of high-performance laptops. Our Desmopan® XHR series is demonstrating significant improvements in durability and reliability, as we continue to explore new possibilities for the industry.”

Expanding Horizons for IoT and Robotics

With IoT technologies expanding rapidly, devices require materials that offer superior environmental adaptability. Covestro’s Desmopan® IT series, which boasts outstanding overmolding capabilities, provides innovative solutions for smart Wi-Fi routers. When paired with PC/ABS materials in router panels and base plates, the TPU material enhances tactile experiences and vibration dampening while ensuring long-term stability through UV resistance and low migration properties.

Desmopan® XHR series TPU offers exceptional thermal wear resistance for heat-exposed components such as foot pads.

In the robotics industry, demand for durable and reliable components is growing. Covestro’s Desmopan® IT series TPU, engineered with enhanced hydrolysis resistance, slip resistance, and tear strength, ensures optimal performance for components like robot vacuum wheels and cleaning brushes. Furthermore, Covestro’s soft-grade TPU formulations are ideal for wearables, offering a balance of comfort, chemical resistance, and antimicrobial properties.

Sustainability and Innovation in Materials

Kevin Ho, Head of Sales and Market Development APAC at Covestro TPU, emphasizes the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “Through bio-based materials, mass balance approaches, and recycling systems, our Desmopan® CQ series now achieves up to 80% sustainable content. Our bio-based TPU solutions, which are commercially adopted by top global laptop manufacturers, help reduce carbon footprints. As a PFAS-free recyclable material, TPU also simplifies the recycling process, promoting industry-wide sustainability.”

Pioneering Smart Device Design for the AI Era

At Covestro’s TPU APAC R&D center and production site in Taichung, the company continues to support the region with rapid technical assistance. TPU’s ability to replicate diverse surface finishes allows for the direct molding of various textures, from high-gloss to fabric-like effects. Combined with TPU foaming technology, fibers, and synthetic leather innovations, these materials enhance both product functionality and aesthetics. Covestro remains committed to collaborating with value chain partners to advance TPU solutions, helping brands reimagine the design of smart devices for the AI-driven future.

TPU-based foot pads are integrated into various smart devices, including Bluetooth speakers and smart WiFi routers.

About Covestro: 
Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.

The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, Covestro aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group’s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. Covestro generated sales of EUR 14.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. At the end of 2024, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,500 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).

Forward-looking statements 
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro’s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Media Contact:

Renee Chen
email: renee.chen@covestro.com
Tel: +886-2-8726-2603/+886-905293802

SOURCE: Covestro AG