California-based UltraSense Systems, the creator of touch user interface (UI) technology for smartphones, cars, home appliances, IoT, and medical devices, has raised US$20 million in Series B funding.
The latest investment round, which brought its fundraising total to US$24 million, was led by Artiman Ventures and Robert Bosch Venture Capital, with participation from Abies Ventures, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Hui Capital and Sony Innovation Fund.
In a statement, the tech startup said it would use the fresh funding to continue to expand operations and its business reach.
Company founder and CEO Mo Maghsoudnia expects to see Ultrasense products hit the market later this year as more mobile OEMs are in active evaluation of the firm’s technology.
UltraSense Systems builds ultrasonic user experiences with precise, highly localized, buttonless interfaces that “bring surfaces to life”.
Its TouchPoint product line enables customers to deliver “seamless and natural interactions” on any surface, including metal, glass, wood, ceramic, and plastic.
Amit Shah, partner at Artiman Ventures, said they believe UltraSense’s technology is a game-changer in the way products can be designed and how consumers will interact with their devices.
“In such a short period, the company has clear traction at multiple customers in several key markets, enabling designers to provide unique user experiences like never before,” said Smith.
Last month, UltraSense Systems introduced the world’s first ultrasound system-on-a-chip sensor that enables touch sensing through virtually any material of any thickness.
Luis Llovera, managing director of North America for Robert Bosch Venture Capital, also said that they see great potential in the adoption of UltraSense’s unique ultrasound sensor.
The technology, he added, enables new industrial designs required to support 5G mmWave antenna technology for handheld devices and next-generation automobiles, providing aesthetically minimal and cleaner interiors for EV and shared vehicles by eliminating physical buttons.
Gen Tsuchikawa, Chief Investment Manager at Sony Innovation Fund, added that UltraSense is bringing to market a unique touch interface technology that not only provides practicality in implementation but also has the cool factor as it can sense through a variety of materials.
“From automotive to consumer products, we look forward to helping disrupt the touch interface market,” Tsuchikawa said.
