Zytronic touch sensors tough out the Moscow winter to public acclaim

Zytronic, a leader in custom designed, high performance Projected Capacitive Technology (PCT™ and MPCT™) touch sensors today announced that it has supplied nearly 700 touch sensors for self-service ticket machines installed on the Moscow Metro and at Moscow bus stops. The 17 and 19 inch sensors were supplied by Elatec, Zytronic’s partner in Eastern Europe, to Russian systems integrator Progressive Self-Service Systems, JSC (PSS), and are part of a phased roll-out which will eventually extend to over 1600 machines.

PSS designed and built the new touch screen based terminals to replace existing push button mechanical self-service ticket machines. Zytronic was selected to supply the touch sensors because of the proven track record of its touch technology to operate in in the harshest environments, and its flexibility in supplying small quantities of bespoke design touch sensors as required as the roll-out proceeds. The terminals are designed to operate reliably 24-7 all year round in a range of indoor and outdoor unattended locations subject to the extremes of Muscovite seasons where temperatures can range from -30 to +40 degrees C, and the touchscreens need to work seamlessly in driving rain and snow, and still detect the touch of a user wearing heavy winter gloves.  An additional key requirement of this project was for the projected capacitive touch sensors to be mounted behind and operate through thick, toughened “sacrificial” glass windows, which could be replaced if broken or badly vandalised. As Zytronic’s touch sensors function perfectly well through glass thicknesses of over 10mm, they were the ideal choice for this demanding application.

Commenting, Anatoly V. Leonov, Regional Sales Manager, Elatec said, “Zytronic has shown great flexibility in supporting us both during the prototype and the roll-out phase of this project. They were able to supply sample touch sensors for customer evaluation initially. The Moscow transport authorities are phasing the introduction of the new touchscreen based terminals at Metro stations and bus stops as they become due for refurbishment. Zytronic is able to provide us with small quantities of specially designed touch sensors in time to support the customer’s requirement.”

Ilya Knyazev, PSS’ CEO said, “Since their installation, 50% of tickets are now sold through these new self-service machines. This has greatly improved operational efficiency at the ticket offices, and improved customer satisfaction. Their durable, touch screen interfaces  allow us to offer new ticket types, special promotions and other options, simply by updating the menu on the screen.”

In addition to buying tickets for single or return journeys, customers can replenish their “Troyka” cashless network card. The new kiosks accept banknotes or contactless credit cards.

Ian Crosby, Sales and Marketing director of Zytronic, concluded, “We’re delighted to support Elatec and PSS on this high profile public installation. This project demonstrates a number of benefits that Zytronic and its touch technology can offer designers of self-service equipment. The screens are able to resist damage and vandalism while performing reliably in the most extreme weather conditions. It also underlines the flexibility of our manufacturing process – being able to supply small quantities of specially designed touchscreens each time the customer upgrades a location. The Moscow commuters response to the new PSS machines has been exceptionally positive, which really reinforces the benefits of a touch screen interface.”