Tyneside tech firm Zytronic reimagines slot machines with futuristic glass technology
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Tyneside touch screen tech firm Zytronic UK has created a futuristic new gaming concept for casinos and bars which has gained interest from US leisure developers.
The Blaydon company has developed the ElectroglaZ gaming concept, which features components that appear to float on a clear panel, all of which is powered invisibly using electrically conductive glass.
The ElectroglaZ itself is a single sheet of laminated glass, which wirelessly powers embedded devices including a touchscreen LCD monitor for players to interact with. It also has an induction phone charger, a USB port to integrate other devices, and a branded programmable LED display.
The coated glass acts as a wire, transferring power through contact alone, creating the effect that devices are freely ‘floating’ within a clear panel.
The gaming concept was recently exhibited at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, the largest global casino gaming trade event, where it received significant interest from slot machine product developers.
To create the ElectroglaZ unit, Zytronic laminated together two layers of transparent, electrically conductive glass. Electricity flows into the glass via a hidden connection, through the conductive glass’ lamination, and out to the touchscreen and other devices through apertures and contact points.
The company has more than 20 years of experience, making touch sensors for the gaming, vending, financial and industrial markets, and it took a hit at the start of the pandemic when leisure venues around the world closed during lockdowns.
It has also been working around the well-documented global shortage of computer chips, with its research and development team identifying, approving and in some instances redesigning, to accommodate the various electronic component shortages.
As well as developing ElectroglaZ – which will be demonstrated at a trade expo in Germany next year – the firm has also been finalising the release of other technologies it will release at a show in Spain.
Dr Andrew Morrison, technical director at Zytronic said: “Gaming is among the world’s most rapidly evolving markets, where players and product developers alike are always looking to try out innovative and futuristic new technology. Using wireless power transfer, Zytronic are revolutionising the look and feel of traditional gaming machines to enhance the gaming experience.
“The ElectroglaZ concept unit we’ve created represents just one possible configuration of the technology.
“Devices such as speakers, sensors, cameras and microphones can be seamlessly incorporated and data transferred by Wi-Fi modules powered via the glass, to create a truly transparent and immersive gaming experience without the visual distraction of ugly power cables.”
Zytronic also works with Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, to process other products for use in its touchscreen products.
