Pressure Profile Systems (PPS) Company Profile

Background

Overview

Pressure Profile Systems (PPS), established in 1996 by Dr. Jae Son, specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced tactile sensing technologies. The company is headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, and operates globally, providing innovative solutions for measuring distributed tactile pressures across various industries.

Mission and Vision

PPS is committed to leveraging capacitive tactile sensing technology to create meaningful products that harness the sense of touch for medical devices, robotics, ergonomics, automotive applications, and consumer products. The company's vision is to be a global leader in tactile sensing, delivering high-precision solutions that empower industries to achieve greater accuracy and functionality.

Primary Area of Focus

PPS focuses on designing and developing highly sensitive, conformable, and ruggedized tactile sensors and pressure mapping solutions. These products are utilized in diverse applications, including medical diagnostics, robotics, ergonomics, and industrial process optimization.

Industry Significance

With over 25 years of expertise, PPS has established itself as a pioneer in tactile sensing technology. The company's innovations have significantly impacted various sectors by providing precise pressure measurement solutions that enhance product performance, safety, and user experience.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Innovation in Tactile Sensing: Continuously advancing sensor technology to meet the evolving needs of various industries.

• Customization: Providing tailored solutions that address specific client requirements across different applications.

• Global Expansion: Strengthening international presence to serve a broader client base.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Medical Devices: Developing sensors for applications such as esophageal function evaluation and non-invasive breast examination.

• Robotics: Enhancing robotic dexterity through precise tactile feedback systems.

• Ergonomics: Improving product designs by integrating tactile sensors to assess and optimize user comfort.

• Automotive Applications: Utilizing pressure mapping for aerodynamic testing and vehicle performance optimization.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Capacitive Tactile Sensors: Enabling accurate and repeatable pressure measurements.

• Flexible Sensor Arrays: Allowing integration into various surfaces and conforming to complex shapes.

• Data Acquisition Systems: Facilitating real-time pressure analysis and visualization.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Healthcare: Medical device manufacturers and healthcare providers.

• Consumer Electronics: Companies developing wearable technology and user interface devices.

• Automotive: Automotive manufacturers and motorsport teams.

• Industrial Manufacturing: Organizations seeking process optimization and quality control solutions.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

PPS has been privately funded since its inception, with financial support from various investors and grants. The company has not publicly disclosed specific funding amounts or details of individual funding rounds. PPS has received support from organizations such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Army Research Laboratory, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the development of its tactile sensing technologies.

Utilization of Capital

The capital raised has been utilized to:

• Research and Development: Advancing sensor technology and developing new products.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring products meet international standards, including FDA, CE, UL, CSA, CMDCAS, and CGMP.

• Market Expansion: Establishing a global presence and serving a diverse client base.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• SingleTact: A compact and highly sensitive capacitive pressure sensor for research and industrial applications.

• TactileGloves: Sensor-embedded gloves designed for ergonomics, health & safety, and virtual reality applications.

• Spray Pattern Sensor: Developed for fluid dynamics research, enabling precise measurement and analysis of spray distribution.

Stages of Development

PPS's products are in various stages of development, from conceptualization to commercialization. The company has a history of successfully bringing innovative products to market, such as the TactileGloves and Spray Pattern Sensor.

Target Conditions and Applications

• Medical Diagnostics: Improving diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort.

• Robotics: Enhancing precision and functionality in robotic systems.

• Ergonomics: Optimizing product designs for user comfort and safety.

• Automotive Performance: Analyzing and improving vehicle aerodynamics and performance.

Anticipated Milestones

PPS continues to focus on achieving key milestones, including:

• Product Launches: Introducing new sensor technologies to the market.

• Regulatory Approvals: Obtaining necessary certifications for global distribution.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with industry leaders to expand market reach.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• TactArray Technology: A scalable system supporting up to 10,240 sensors for real-time tactile pressure analysis.

• ConTacts Technology: Enables the creation of less than 1 mm thin discrete tactile sensing elements.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Capacitive Sensing: Utilized for accurate and stable pressure measurements.

• Flexible Sensor Integration: Allows sensors to conform to complex surfaces and shapes.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While PPS focuses on tactile sensing technologies, the company is exploring the integration of AI and machine learning algorithms to enhance data analysis and interpretation, providing deeper insights into pressure distribution and user interactions.

Leadership Team

Dr. Jae Son, Founder and Sensor Advisor

Dr. Son earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1996, focusing on enhancing robotic dexterity via tactile sensing. He founded PPS to advance tactile sensing technologies, leading to innovations such as the ManoScan system and the SureTouch (Bexa) Breast Exam.

Dr. Gordon Dobie, PPS UK Director

Dr. Dobie leads the Research and Development team and oversees European operations from PPS’s UK office in Glasgow. With a PhD in robotics and signal processing from the University of Strathclyde, he has extensive expertise in tactile sensing, automation, ultrasonic systems, and non-destructive evaluation (NDE).

Dr. Charles MacLeod, Head of Sales & Business Relations

Dr. MacLeod leads Sales and Business Development for PPS, serving as the company’s primary sales expert and a trusted partner to clients worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies. With an MEng and PhD from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Dr. MacLeod combines extensive technical expertise in sensing, robotics, and electronics with exceptional commercial acumen to drive PPS’s growth on a global scale.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The tactile sensing market is experiencing growth due to increasing demand for precise pressure measurement solutions in medical diagnostics, robotics, ergonomics, and industrial applications. Advancements in sensor technology and the integration of AI are driving innovation and competition in this sector.

Competitor Analysis

• Graco Inc.: Specializes in fluid-handling systems and products, serving various industries, including painting, fluid transfer, and lubrication.

• Fluid Equipment Development Company (FEDCO): Designs and manufactures high-pressure feed pumps and brine energy recovery devices for reverse osmosis systems.

• U.S. Bellows, Inc.: Manufactures metal bellows, fabric expansion joints, and metallic expansion joints for piping and duct systems.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

PPS has partnered with over 50 organizations, ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies, across four continents. These collaborations span diverse industries, including robotics, medical devices, body pressure mapping, wearable technology, and training simulations.