has developed a unique technology that brings back the sense of touch to touchless interfaces by feeling without touching. The system uses ultrasound to project sensations through the air and directly onto the user. Users can feel touchless buttons, get feedback for mid-air gestures or interact with virtual objects.
The company’s ultrasonic haptic technology will be licensed into various markets including consumer electronics, household appliances and the car industry. The company already has several leading businesses enrolled onto its evaluation programme.
Mark Reilly, Head of Technology at IP Group, said: “Ultrahaptics has created a unique technology with the potential to transform the user experience of increasingly prevalent touchless interfaces. IP Group is excited to be participating in the company’s development and growth.”
Tom Carter, Chief Technical Officer at Ultrahaptics, added: “The Ultrahaptics evaluation programme launch has received a very warm reception from those within the industry. A lot of interest has been registered from several blue-chip organisations and the additional funding will help us to meet the needs of our customers.”
Ultrahaptics is a University of Bristol spin-out company based on research developed by in the .
The company’s early commercialisation efforts were supported by the University’s team and funded from the University’s EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account. Following the team winning last year’s , the company was set up and has since received support and advice from the – the University’s double award-winning business incubator.
Next year, January 2015, Ultrahaptics will feature in Eureka Park at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The company will be in booth #75619, Tech West, Sands Convention Centre.