Vancouver-based Miru Smart Technologies is taking another step toward putting its dimmable glass into production vehicles through an agreement with automotive glass manufacturer Carlex.
The companies will integrate Miru’s technology into Carlex’s manufacturing facility in Nashville, Tennessee, initially focusing on automotive roof systems. Carlex is adapting its production line to incorporate Miru’s electrochromic glass processes, with plans to support other vehicle glass applications over time.
The collaboration combines Miru’s materials and product expertise with Carlex’s capabilities in glass shaping, lamination, roof engineering and manufacturing equipment. Carlex supplies original equipment and replacement glass to automakers and aftermarket customers across North America.
“We have built Miru’s dimmable glass technology to integrate into existing glass manufacturing lines,” said Curtis Berlinguette, Miru’s founder and CEO.
Berlinguette said the Carlex partnership puts that approach into practice, beginning with roofs before expanding to other parts of the vehicle.
Miru’s glass electronically changes tint, allowing occupants to adjust incoming light and glare while preserving their view. The company says its technology offers a neutral grey appearance and very low haze, and can be applied after glass has been bent to accommodate large, complex curves.
That flexibility is intended to give automakers more freedom when designing glass roof systems. Carlex chief commercial officer Mark Hebert said the collaboration will focus on the quality, performance and manufacturing consistency required by vehicle manufacturers.
The agreement follows another automotive milestone for Miru. In October, the company announced it had completed preliminary durability testing validated by a North American Tier 1 automotive supplier. The testing covered impact, heat, humidity, ultraviolet exposure and repeated tint switching. Miru said the results satisfied one of the key criteria needed to secure future vehicle programs.
Carlex first announced the collaboration at the European Vehicle Glazing Innovation Summit in Stuttgart. The next phase includes manufacturing integration, assembly of complete roof systems and testing to establish production processes and performance data for future automotive programs.
The announcement does not identify a vehicle customer or a production launch date.
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