UltraSense Systems Company Profile

Background

UltraSense Systems, founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Jose, California, specializes in developing ultrasonic user interface solutions that transform solid surfaces into touch-sensitive controls. The company's mission is to revolutionize human-machine interactions by replacing traditional mechanical buttons with seamless, buttonless interfaces across various industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, home appliances, and medical devices.

Key Strategic Focus

UltraSense Systems focuses on integrating multi-mode touch sensing, illumination, haptic feedback, and AI/ML algorithms to create intuitive and responsive user interfaces. Their technology enables touch detection through diverse materials such as metal, glass, plastic, wood, and leather, facilitating minimalist and modern design aesthetics. The primary markets targeted include:

Automotive: Enhancing vehicle interiors with smart surfaces that replace mechanical controls, contributing to sleek designs and improved user experiences.

Consumer Electronics: Implementing touch interfaces in smartphones and wearable devices to eliminate physical buttons and enable innovative designs.

Home Appliances: Integrating touch controls into appliances for a seamless and modern user experience.

Medical Devices: Providing touch interfaces that can operate through various materials, ensuring reliability and hygiene in medical environments.

Financials and Funding

UltraSense Systems has successfully secured funding to support its growth and technological advancements:

Series B Funding (February 2020): Raised $20 million, led by Artiman Ventures and Robert Bosch Venture Capital, with participation from Abies Ventures, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Hui Capital, and Sony Innovation Fund. This funding aimed to accelerate execution and support strategic customers in the U.S. and Asia.

Series C Funding (December 2021): Raised $19 million, further bolstering the company's financial position to expand its market presence and continue product development.

Technological Platform and Innovation

UltraSense Systems' proprietary technologies set it apart in the industry:

TouchPoint HMI Controllers: These integrate multi-mode touch sensing, lighting control, and algorithm processing into a single chip, enabling versatile applications across various industries.

InPlane Sensing Solutions: Combining multi-mode sensing, illumination, and haptics on a single PCB, these solutions offer a comprehensive touch experience, reducing the need for mechanical components and allowing for thinner, lighter designs.

CapForce™ Edge: Launched in June 2025, this is the industry's first fully integrated capacitive and force-sensing controller, providing advanced touch capabilities for various applications.

UltraSwitch: Introduced in March 2025, UltraSwitch represents the future of automotive door switches, offering solid-state touch-enabled solutions that enhance design and functionality.

Leadership Team

Mo Maghsoudnia: Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Board Member. Mo brings extensive experience in semiconductor technology and has been instrumental in steering the company's strategic direction.

Hao-Yen Tang: Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer. Hao-Yen leads the technological innovations at UltraSense, focusing on developing cutting-edge touch interface solutions.

Sina Akhbari: Co-Founder and Chief Sensor Architect. Sina specializes in sensor design and architecture, contributing to the development of the company's proprietary technologies.

Daniel Goehl: Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer. Daniel oversees business development and strategic partnerships, driving the company's growth across various markets.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The touch interface market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the demand for seamless and intuitive user experiences across various industries. The automotive sector, in particular, is transitioning from mechanical buttons to touch-sensitive surfaces, mirroring the evolution seen in consumer electronics.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the touch interface market include:

Sentons: Specializes in touch and force-sensing solutions for consumer electronics, offering ultrasonic-based interfaces similar to UltraSense's technology.

NextInput: Provides force-sensing solutions for various applications, including automotive and consumer electronics, focusing on enhancing user interfaces through pressure-sensitive technology.

Sorex Sensors: Develops resonant mass sensors for touch and force sensing, targeting applications in consumer electronics and industrial sectors.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

UltraSense Systems has established significant partnerships to strengthen its market position and innovation capacity:

Novares Group: In May 2022, UltraSense was awarded the 2022 Innovation Prize by Novares, a global plastic solutions provider for the automotive industry. This collaboration aims to co-develop integrated concepts for automotive applications, leveraging Novares' extensive relationships with OEMs and Tier-1 companies.

Novem: In December 2024, UltraSense partnered with Novem, a leading supplier of high-quality decorative trim elements, to transform premium decorative materials into smart surfaces, enhancing automotive interior designs.

Operational Insights

UltraSense Systems' strategic considerations include:

Market Position: By offering versatile touch interface solutions that work through various materials, UltraSense differentiates itself from competitors relying solely on capacitive sensing technologies.

Competitive Advantages: The company's proprietary ultrasound-based technology enables touch detection through conductive materials like metal, which is challenging for traditional capacitive sensors. This capability allows for innovative design possibilities and broader application across industries.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

UltraSense Systems is poised to capitalize on several strategic opportunities:

Automotive Industry Expansion: With the automotive sector increasingly adopting touch interfaces, UltraSense's technology aligns with the trend towards sleek, buttonless designs, offering significant growth potential.

Consumer Electronics Integration: The company's solutions are well-suited for integration into next-generation smartphones and wearable devices, providing opportunities to collaborate with leading OEMs.

Product Development: Continued innovation, such as the development of the CapForce™ Edge and UltraSwitch, positions UltraSense to meet evolving market demands and expand its product portfolio.