GelSight
GelSight is a privately held Waltham, MA-based metrology company that builds elastomeric tactile sensors providing sub-micron 3D surface inspection and robotics-grade touch sensing, sold primarily to aerospace, defense, automotive, and forensics customers via direct enterprise sales and a 40+ country VAR network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersWaltham, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What GelSight does
GelSight is a privately held metrology and tactile sensing company founded in 2011 by MIT research scientists and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, with a global workforce of 11–50 employees. The company has built a proprietary elastomeric tactile sensing platform, soft sensor technology that conforms to surface topography and captures high-resolution 3D surface data through digital imaging, achieving sub-micron accuracy and nanometer-scale Z-axis resolution on its highest-end system. Its product portfolio spans handheld metrology systems (GelSight Modulus with swappable optics, GelSight Mobile, the ruggedized Mobile Shock Protected edition, and GelSight Max with nanometer-scale accuracy), a compact robotics-grade tactile sensor (GelSight Mini), the Digit 360 fingertip-shaped sensor co-developed with Meta AI, and the GelSight Mobile software platform that delivers AI Toolbox, automated workflows, and API integration.
GelSight sells primarily through quote-based direct enterprise sales into aerospace and defense OEMs (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, Safran, MTU Aero Engines, Blue Origin), U.S. government agencies (U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, NASA), and select automotive and forensics customers, complemented by an online store for consumables and accessories, and a 40+ country value-added reseller network across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Revenue is generated from hardware sales (tactile sensors and swappable optics), recurring consumables ($600 gel cartridges and $57 mini replacement gels), and software (perpetual Standard License tied to hardware plus optional Subscription License for customer-supplied hardware). The company has accumulated 100+ patents and reached an explicit commercial inflection point with the 100+ unit shipment milestone of its Modulus system to commercial and Department of Defense customers.
GelSight funds growth through a combination of venture capital (notably a $10M round led by Anzu Partners in January 2020), federal research grants from the National Science Foundation and SBIR programs, and an expanding base of strategic partnerships including Meta AI, Flexxbotics, the U.S. Air Force DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center, and the National Institute of Justice for forensics. It targets multiple verticals, with aerospace and defense, automotive, and robotics/humanoid as primary, and energy, forensics, additive manufacturing, research and academia, and chemical and process manufacturing as secondary segments. The company's competitive position rests on the originality of its elastomeric sensor IP, the breadth of its installed base across demanding metrology use cases, and its integrations with industry-standard robotics and automation frameworks.
GelSight firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- GelSight
- Legal name
- GelSight
- Website
- https://gelsight.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- GelSight is a privately held Waltham, MA-based metrology company that builds elastomeric tactile sensors providing sub-micron 3D surface inspection and robotics-grade touch sensing, sold primarily to aerospace, defense, automotive, and forensics customers via direct enterprise sales and a 40+ country VAR network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
GelSight industry classification
Industry- Product category
- 3D Tactile Surface Metrology
- NAICS
- Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sensors, MEMS & Imaging ICs (HDAHAAAG)
Keywords
Where GelSight is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Waltham
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
GelSight business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sale of tactile sensing hardware including GelSight Modulus, Mobile, Max, and Mini products along with accessories
- Software Licenses: Application software licensing including Standard License (perpetual with Hardware) and Subscription License (monthly/annual without Hardware purchase)
- Sensor Materials: Disposable gel cartridges and replacement gels for tactile sensors, priced at $600 per cartridge or $57 for mini replacement gels
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gel Cartridges and Accessories |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | GelSight Mini Robotics Package |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | GelSight Mini System |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | DIGIT Tactile Sensor |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Standard License |
| Subscription | Annual | Subscription License |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
GelSight product offering
Product offeringCore offering
GelSight designs, manufactures, and sells portable elastomeric tactile sensors and supporting software that capture micron to nanometer-scale 3D surface measurements of any material. Its product portfolio includes handheld metrology systems (Modulus, Mobile, Max, Mobile Shock Protected) and a compact robotics-oriented sensor (Mini), complemented by the Digital Touch software platform for AI-powered inspection, defect detection, and quantitative reporting. The company also manufactures the Digit 360 tactile sensor in partnership with Meta AI.
Product overview
GelSight offers a portfolio of mobile tactile sensors and robotic sensing solutions combined with AI/software framework for surface analysis applications. The product lineup includes: GelSight Modulus (modular handheld metrology system with swappable optics), GelSight Mobile (portable surface analysis for general purpose use), GelSight Max (highest-resolution nanometer-scale surface analysis), GelSight Mobile Shock Protected (ruggedized version with IP54 rating), and GelSight Mini (compact tactile sensor for robotics and research). The GelSight Mobile software platform provides AI-powered inspection workflows including defect detection, roughness measurement, and customizable reporting. The company also manufactures the Digit 360 sensor in partnership with Meta AI. All products utilize proprietary elastomeric tactile sensing technology that digitizes human touch for micron-level surface characterization across any material type.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Digital Touch: GelSight's proprietary operating system that instantly analyzes tactile sensor data to provide detailed 3D surface information regardless of lighting or material reflectivity.
- GelSight Mobile
- GelSight Modulus
- GelSight Max
- GelSight Mini
Products and services
- GelSight Modulus Handheld tactile sensing system with SLR-style modular design and swappable optics for precision inspection in complex geometries. Delivers micron-level accuracy for surface analysis including scratches, corrosion, and edge wear detection. Targets aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing customers.
- GelSight Mobile Portable handheld surface analysis solution that quantifies XYZ dimensions of any surface material regardless of composition, reflectivity, or transparency. Provides precise, repeatable, in-situ measurement for production QC, jet engines, airframe, and sealing surfaces.
- GelSight Max Highest-resolution handheld 3D surface analysis solution with nanometer-scale Z-axis accuracy and surface roughness range of 0.2 to 20 µm Ra. Includes AI Toolbox for automated touch sensing applications and reduces cost per measurement by 10x compared to traditional methods.
- GelSight Mobile Shock Protected Ruggedized version of GelSight Mobile with IP54 ingress protection, oil-resistant silicone sleeve, and wrist strap. Designed for demanding environments in production lines and field operations.
- GelSight Mini Compact, affordable tactile sensor with plug-and-play setup for robotics, AI research, and industrial scanning. Provides superhuman resolution tactile sensing with 2D and 3D mapping. Compatible with ROS/ROS2 and PyTouch.
- Digit 360 Fingertip-shaped tactile sensor developed in partnership with Meta AI. Features over 18 sensing technologies, detects forces as small as 1 millinewton with micron-level resolution. Manufactured and distributed by GelSight.
- GelSight Mobile Software Inspection workflow software platform supporting calibration, capture, analysis, and reporting. Features include AI Toolbox, Operator Mode, API integration, automated defect detection, and export to STL/CSV/PLY formats.
Quantifiable outcome
- GelSight Modulus surpassed 100 units sold to commercial and DoD customers, marking commercial inflection point
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use GelSight
Customer profileNamed customers19 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
GelSight technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
AI capability7 records
Feature5 records
GelSight partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Meta AIcorePartnership to develop and manufacture Digit 360 fingertip-shaped tactile sensor. GelSight manufactures and distributes the sensor while Meta AI open-sources all code and designs. Sensor features over 18 sensing technologies and detects forces as small as 1 millinewton with micron-level resolution.
- FlexxboticscoreJoint development of integrated system for robotic nondestructive testing combining GelSight tactile sensing with Flexxbotics automation controls. Reduces inspection time by over 40%.
- Cadre ForensicsminorCollaboration to modernize forensic evidence capture and comparison workflows. High-resolution 3D surface measurement for objective, defensible evidence supporting expert testimony.
- National Institute of Justice (NIJ)minorFederal research partnership supporting validation of high-resolution 3D surface measurement for improving repeatability and consistency in forensic workflows.
- Envista ForensicsminorIndustrial forensics partnership for failure analysis and root cause investigation using GelSight portable inspection technology.
- U.S. Air Force / DEVCOM Aviation & Missile CentercorePhase II SBIR contract to develop rugged, miniaturized tactile sensors for advanced robotic grasping and manipulation. Defense applications requiring improved tactile feedback.
- Corpus Christi Army DepotcoreCollaboration with Army maintainers at Corpus Christi Army Depot for GelSight Modulus development under Contract W911W6-23-C-0002 with DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center.
- Value-Added Reseller NetworkcoreGlobal network of regional value-added resellers covering major markets: Altair Consulting (Switzerland/France), CN Bestec (China), Cornes Technologies (Japan), Everest VIT (Eastern Europe), G2metric (France/Germany/Israel/Spain), 6nokta (Turkey), RaiView (Taiwan), RMI (Czechia/Slovakia), Smart NDT (Italy), The Sempre Group (UK/Ireland), Tech Insights (Scandinavia), Youngin AT (South Korea), ND-TEC (Germany/Austria), Kheiron (various), Warsash Scientific (Australia/NZ), RVI (Southeast Asia), ENAV (Greece/Cyprus), AIET Group (Middle East/Africa)
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
GelSight competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Hexagon: Global metrology and geospatial leader with extensive surface measurement, dimensional metrology, and quality inspection product lines. Directly comparable as a competitor in industrial surface inspection; a key incumbent GelSight must defend against in aerospace, automotive, and defense accounts. Notably, GelSight's VP of Product is a former Hexagon executive.
- ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions: Major industrial metrology and surface inspection incumbent with CT, optical, and tactile measurement systems. Comparable as a broad-portfolio competitor serving the same aerospace and automotive quality-control buyers GelSight targets.
- Renishaw: Established precision measurement and tactile probe manufacturer with deep aerospace and medical-device customer penetration. Comparable as an incumbent offering tactile sensing as part of a wider metrology portfolio.
- Keyence: Global leader in industrial sensors, measurement systems, and machine vision. Comparable as a broad incumbent in factory-floor inspection and quality control that competes for the same automotive and electronics manufacturing budgets.
- FARO Technologies: Provider of 3D measurement, imaging, and realization solutions including portable CMMs and laser scanners. Comparable as a competitor in portable/handheld surface and dimensional inspection for aerospace and industrial buyers.
Direct peers
- Creaform (AMETEK): Maker of portable 3D scanners and optical metrology systems used in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing QA. Comparable as a direct peer in portable surface measurement with similar target customers and use cases.
- Tacterion: German startup developing flexible, stretchable tactile sensors for robotics, HMI, and industrial applications. Closest direct peer in elastomeric/polymer tactile sensing, competing for the same robotics and human-machine interaction use cases.
Emerging players
- SynTouch (now part of ams Osram): Pioneer in biomimetic tactile sensors for robotics and prosthetics. Comparable as a direct tactile-sensing peer historically focused on robotic fingertip sensing — similar core technology category to GelSight Mini and Digit 360.
- Contactile: Australian startup building optical tactile sensors for robotic grippers and prosthetics. Comparable as an emerging player in the same robotic tactile-sensing category, particularly relevant for humanoid and manipulation applications.
- Pressure Profile Systems (PPS): Manufacturer of tactile pressure sensors and capacitive sensing arrays used in medical, robotics, and industrial applications. Comparable as a tactile sensor specialist competing in adjacent use cases around touch and pressure measurement.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
GelSight social profiles
Digital presenceGelSight financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
GelSight leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
GelSight funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors5 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
GelSight 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 GelSight
What does GelSight do?
GelSight designs, manufactures, and sells portable elastomeric tactile sensors and supporting software that capture micron to nanometer-scale 3D surface measurements of any material. Its product portfolio includes handheld metrology systems (Modulus, Mobile, Max, Mobile Shock Protected) and a compact robotics-oriented sensor (Mini), complemented by the Digital Touch software platform for AI-powered inspection, defect detection, and quantitative reporting. The company also manufactures the Digit 360 tactile sensor in partnership with Meta AI.
Is GelSight a public or private company?
GelSight is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was GelSight founded?
GelSight was founded in 2011. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is GelSight based?
GelSight is headquartered in Waltham, United States, in the North America region.
How does GelSight make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are software Licenses and sensor Materials.
Who are GelSight's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Hexagon, ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions, Renishaw, Keyence and FARO Technologies. Direct peers are Creaform (AMETEK) and Tacterion. Emerging players are SynTouch (now part of ams Osram), Contactile and Pressure Profile Systems (PPS).
Does GelSight have an API?
Yes. GelSight Mobile software includes API capability as part of its feature set. The software supports external triggering for automated process workflows and robotic operation, enabling integration with external systems and automation controls. API integration is mentioned as a capability in the GelSight Mobile 3.8 software update and the software updates page lists 'API Capability' as a feature among the latest measurement functions and automation improvements.
What industry is GelSight in?
GelSight's product category is 3D Tactile Surface Metrology. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHAAAG, Sensors, MEMS & Imaging ICs. Its NAICS code is 334519.