UltraSense Systems
UltraSense Systems is a fabless semiconductor company that sells AEC-Q100-qualified ultrasound-based HMI controllers and integrated modules to automotive Tier 1 suppliers, with additional platform extensions into AR glasses, smart rings, and robotics.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersSanta Clara, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What UltraSense Systems does
UltraSense Systems Inc. is a Silicon Valley-based fabless semiconductor company founded in 2018 that has developed the Ultrasound Intelligent Platform, a vertically integrated technology stack spanning MEMS piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducers (PMUTs), mixed-signal ASICs, firmware, AI/ML edge algorithms, and finished HMI modules. Its core products are the TouchPoint family of System-on-a-Chip HMI controllers (TouchPoint C, Q, Z, and Edge) that combine multi-mode sensing (capacitive, ultrasound, and piezoelectric force), integrated MCU processing, and feedback control for haptics and illumination, qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 2 for automotive use. Supporting offerings include InPlane Sensing modules for ultra-thin driver-vehicle touch interfaces, Solid-State Interface (SSI) modules for exterior automotive applications, and reference designs for overhead consoles, door release, and metal sliders.
The company's revenue is generated primarily through B2B hardware sales of HMI controllers and modules to automotive Tier 1 suppliers, who integrate them into OEM vehicle programs — design wins include Hyundai Genesis GV80/GV70/G80, the FAW Hongqi E001, and an unnamed global SUV platform (production ramp October 2025), with more than 4 million AEC-Q100-qualified units shipped cumulatively as of April 2026. Beyond automotive, the company has launched UltraTouch AR2 / USG4000 Series for AR glasses, UltraTouch RG1 for smart rings, and an Ultrasound Tactile Platform for Physical AI targeting humanoid robotics — each leveraging the core capability of sensing through conductive and non-conductive materials that capacitive technology cannot penetrate. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales through direct Tier 1 engagement and a regional distributor network spanning China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Europe, with wholly-owned offices in San Jose (HQ), Shanghai, Taiwan, and Seoul.
UltraSense Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- UltraSense Systems
- Legal name
- UltraSense Systems Inc.
- Website
- https://ultrasensesys.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- UltraSense Systems is a fabless semiconductor company that sells AEC-Q100-qualified ultrasound-based HMI controllers and integrated modules to automotive Tier 1 suppliers, with additional platform extensions into AR glasses, smart rings, and robotics.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
UltraSense Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive HMI Sensors and Controllers
- NAICS
- Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (33441), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sensor Fusion, Interface ICs & Modules (AFE/Readout/Packaging/Calibration) (HDAHALAO)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Analog Front-End (AFE) ICs (Sensor/Medical/Industrial AFE) (HDAHAIAJ), Sensors, MEMS & Imaging ICs (HDAHAAAG), Automotive Instrument Clusters, Displays & HMI Electronics Manufacturing (IMACAJAG)
Keywords
Where UltraSense Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Santa Clara
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
UltraSense Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- HMI Controller Chips (TouchPoint Family): Sale of proprietary System-on-a-Chip HMI controllers (TouchPoint C, Q, Z, Edge) to Tier 1 automotive suppliers and OEMs. Devices integrate sensing, processing, feedback control, and connectivity in a single AEC-Q100-qualified component. Revenue generated per unit with automotive-grade qualification requirements.
- InPlane Sensing Modules: Fully integrated multi-mode sensing, illumination, and haptics modules sold as PCB assemblies to automotive Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs. Configured for specific vehicle platforms (steering wheel, center console, overhead, door).
- Solid-State Interface (SSI) Modules: Pre-calibrated, plug-and-play sensing modules for exterior automotive applications (charge port doors, trunk emblems, exterior door panels). Sold as ready-to-integrate assemblies to Tier 1 suppliers.
- UltraTouch Platform (AR/Wearables): UI platform licensing or module sales for AR glasses and smart wearables, including USG4000 Series HMI controllers and UltraTouch RG1 smart ring technology targeting emerging consumer electronics markets.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels6 records
UltraSense Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
UltraSense Systems designs and sells ultrasound-based Human-Machine Interface (HMI) controllers, InPlane sensing modules, and Solid-State Interface (SSI) modules that enable touch sensing through any material — including metal, glass, wood, leather, and plastic — for automotive, consumer electronics, AR/wearables, and robotics applications. The company's flagship TouchPoint HMI Controllers integrate multi-mode sensing (capacitive, ultrasound, piezoelectric force), on-chip AI/ML algorithms, illumination, and haptic feedback into AEC-Q100-qualified System-on-a-Chip solutions sold to automotive Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs.
Product overview
UltraSense Systems offers the Ultrasound Intelligent Platform — a vertically integrated technology stack spanning MEMS transducers, mixed-signal ASICs, firmware, algorithms, and HMI modules. The core product family includes TouchPoint HMI Controllers (TouchPoint C/Q/Z/Edge) providing fully integrated multi-mode sensing, lighting control, and algorithm processing in System on a Chip solutions. Supporting products include InPlane Sensing for ultra-thin automotive touch interfaces, SSI Modules for plug-and-play exterior applications, TouchPoint Door Release for glass pillar entry, and UltraSlide Metal Sliders for steering wheels. The company has expanded into wearables with UltraTouch RG1 for smart rings and UltraTouch AR2/USG4000 Series for AR glasses. Recent additions include the Ultrasound Tactile Platform for Physical AI targeting robotics applications. The platform enables touch sensing through any material including metal, glass, wood, leather, and plastic with AI/ML algorithms for touch pattern recognition.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- TouchPoint HMI Controllers Family of fully integrated System-on-a-Chip HMI controllers that combine multi-mode touch sensing, lighting control, haptic feedback, and AI/ML algorithm processing in single-chip solutions for automotive and consumer electronics applications. AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualified for automotive deployment.
- InPlane Sensing Driver-vehicle touch interface technology integrating multi-mode sensing, illumination, and haptics on a single PCB, delivering 80% less plastic, 70% less volume, and 65% less weight than traditional mechanical button modules for automotive interior applications.
- SSI Module (Solid-State Interface) Plug-and-play pre-calibrated sensing module integrating multi-mode sensing, customizable lighting, and controls for exterior automotive applications including charge-port door systems, trunk emblems, and door entry. IP65-69 waterproof rated with LIN connectivity.
- UltraTouch RG1 UI platform for smart rings enabling high-performance ultrasound-based touch and gesture control on metal and ceramic surfaces, supporting tap, slide, and press gestures without physical buttons for premium smart ring wearables.
- UltraTouch AR2 / USG4000 Series High-integration HMI controller family for AR glasses combining ultrasound, capacitive, and force sensing across magnesium, titanium, and plastic frames, delivering reliable zone-based controls with sub-5mm thickness and ultra-low power operation.
- TouchPoint Door Release Glass pillar door switch module integrating touch and force sensing for handle-free vehicle entry, with configurable force thresholds (3-15N) and support for glass and PMMA materials up to 4mm thickness.
- UltraSlide Metal Slider High-resolution metal slider module for steering wheels that replaces mechanical scroller wheels with solid-state linear finger position sensing, customizable haptic feedback, and TouchPoint Edge SoC integration.
- Overhead Console Reference Design Reference design for automotive overhead control modules featuring 6 CapForce buttons, capacitive slider, RGB ambient lighting, 2 map lights, and speaker, controlled by TouchPoint Edge in a 14mm ultra-thin profile.
- Touch on Metal Solution Ultrasound-based touch sensing solution for conductive surfaces including metals and carbon fiber, integrating side-emitting LEDs, light guides, FPC substrate, and ultrasonic sensors for icon sizes typically greater than 8mm diameter.
- Ultrasound Tactile Platform for Physical AI Ultrasound-based tactile intelligence platform with protected sub-surface sensing architecture for Physical AI applications including humanoid robot hands, robotic grippers, and industrial automation end effectors. Customer evaluation kits available June 1, 2026.
Quantifiable outcome
- 80% plastic reduction, 70% volume reduction, 65% weight reduction, 60% fewer parts compared to traditional mechanical button modules
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use UltraSense Systems
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
UltraSense Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature11 records
UltraSense Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Mobase Electronics Co., Ltd.coreMobase Electronics, a leading Korean automotive components manufacturer and Tier 1 supplier to Hyundai Kia and global OEMs, partnered with UltraSense to deliver next-generation solid-state infotainment touch bars to global automotive OEMs. The partnership expanded from initial collaboration (2023) to a production ramp of solid-state infotainment touch bars shipping on a high-volume global SUV platform. The combined solution integrates UltraSense's Force HMI Controller with capacitive touch, piezoelectric force sensing, and localized haptics for a premium press-to-confirm user experience.
- MankiewiczflagshipUltraSense Systems and Mankiewicz, a global leader in high-performance coating systems (founded 1895, Hamburg), announced a collaboration to modernize automotive interiors with cost-effective ShyTech smart surface solutions. The partnership combines Mankiewicz's INSIGHT ShyTech hidden-until-lit coating technology with UltraSense's integrated HMI controllers, replacing traditional mechanical buttons with sleek, intuitive surfaces. Mankiewicz brings expertise in industrial coating systems for automotive, aviation, and machinery applications.
- AAC TechnologiescoreAAC Technologies partnered with UltraSense Systems in December 2023 to co-develop touch-and-haptics technologies for transforming surfaces into touch-enabled interfaces targeting automotive and consumer electronics applications. AAC Technologies provides haptic motor components used in UltraSense demonstration platforms (e.g., CES car console demonstrator).
- BCS-AIS (Auto Leeyo)coreBCS-AIS (Auto Leeyo) serves as the Tier 1 supplier for the UltraSense steering wheel design win in the 2024 FAW Hongqi E001 electric vehicle, with SOP in December 2023. The partnership enables stalk-replacement solid-state turn signal and steering wheel touch controls through UltraSense InPlane Sensing technology.
- Cirrus LogicCirrus Logic provides haptic driver ICs used in UltraSense SmartSurface demonstration platforms at CES, contributing to the premium haptic feedback experience in car console and steering wheel demos.
- Novem (Automotive Surface Materials)Novem provides premium surface materials (metal, wood, leather, etc.) used in UltraSense SmartSurface demonstration platforms at CES, showcasing the ability of UltraSense technology to operate through natural and decorative materials.
- Scala Design Technische Produktentwicklung GmbHIndustrial design partner collaborating with UltraSense on automotive SmartSurface demonstration platforms at CES, providing design expertise for sleek and functional HMI interface aesthetics.
- AdvantechUltraSense Systems and Advantech announced an innovation partnership focused on edge computing applications, with joint go-to-market activities for industrial and edge AI applications. Announcement made July 16, 2025.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
UltraSense Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Synaptics: Synaptics supplies touch controllers, HMI SoCs, and display drivers for automotive, mobile, and IoT — directly competing with UltraSense's TouchPoint family in automotive touch and HMI applications.
- Goodix Technology: Goodix is a leading supplier of capacitive touch controllers, fingerprint sensors, and automotive HMI ICs, directly overlapping with UltraSense's capacitive + force touch and automotive HMI controller products.
- TDK InvenSense (Chirp Microsystems): TDK/Chirp pioneered MEMS ultrasonic sensors for 3D sensing and gesture recognition, directly comparable to UltraSense's PMUT-based ultrasound touch and force-sensing platform.
Broad incumbents
- NXP Semiconductors: NXP is a top-tier automotive semiconductor supplier with broad HMI, MCU, and connectivity portfolios; it competes broadly in the same Tier 1/OEM design-in slots UltraSense targets.
- Infineon Technologies: Infineon supplies automotive MCUs, sensor ICs, and HMI components with deep European OEM relationships, competing for the same automotive touch and SmartSurface design wins.
- STMicroelectronics: STMicroelectronics offers automotive microcontrollers, sensors, and HMI solutions, with strong relationships among European Tier 1s and OEMs that overlap UltraSense's automotive pipeline.
- Texas Instruments: Texas Instruments provides analog and mixed-signal ICs for automotive HMI, including touch and force sensing front-ends, broadly competing with UltraSense's AFE-integrated TouchPoint controllers.
- Qualcomm: Qualcomm's Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit platforms integrate touch and HMI capabilities that compete with UltraSense at the OEM cockpit architecture level, especially in premium vehicles.
- Renesas Electronics: Renesas is a major automotive MCU and SoC supplier with deep Japanese OEM relationships, competing for the same HMI and touch controller design slots in vehicles.
- Microchip Technology: Microchip supplies automotive microcontrollers, touch controllers, and mixed-signal ICs used in HMI applications, overlapping UltraSense's automotive customer base with a broader portfolio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
UltraSense Systems social profiles
Digital presenceUltraSense Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
UltraSense Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
UltraSense Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
UltraSense Systems subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
UltraSense Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors6 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
UltraSense Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about UltraSense Systems
What does UltraSense Systems do?
UltraSense Systems designs and sells ultrasound-based Human-Machine Interface (HMI) controllers, InPlane sensing modules, and Solid-State Interface (SSI) modules that enable touch sensing through any material — including metal, glass, wood, leather, and plastic — for automotive, consumer electronics, AR/wearables, and robotics applications. The company's flagship TouchPoint HMI Controllers integrate multi-mode sensing (capacitive, ultrasound, piezoelectric force), on-chip AI/ML algorithms, illumination, and haptic feedback into AEC-Q100-qualified System-on-a-Chip solutions sold to automotive Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs.
Is UltraSense Systems a public or private company?
UltraSense Systems is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was UltraSense Systems founded?
UltraSense Systems was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is UltraSense Systems based?
UltraSense Systems is headquartered in Santa Clara, United States, in the North America region.
How does UltraSense Systems make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. HMI Controller Chips (TouchPoint Family) is the primary driver. The others are inPlane Sensing Modules, solid-State Interface (SSI) Modules and ultraTouch Platform (AR/Wearables).
Who are UltraSense Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Synaptics, Goodix Technology and TDK InvenSense (Chirp Microsystems). Broad incumbents are NXP Semiconductors, Infineon Technologies, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, Renesas Electronics and Microchip Technology.
Does UltraSense Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for UltraSense Systems.
What industry is UltraSense Systems in?
UltraSense Systems's product category is Automotive HMI Sensors and Controllers. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHALAO, Sensor Fusion, Interface ICs & Modules (AFE/Readout/Packaging/Calibration), with a secondary code of HDAHAIAJ, Analog Front-End (AFE) ICs (Sensor/Medical/Industrial AFE). Its NAICS code is 33441 and its SIC code is 3823.