RAFI

What RAFI does

RAFI GmbH & Co. KG is a privately held, family-run German Mittelstand industrial technology company, headquartered in Berg/Ravensburg, Germany, founded in 1900 and operating for over 125 years. The company specializes in two integrated business areas: Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems and Electronic Engineering and Manufacturing Services (E2MS/EMS). The HMI portfolio is built around modular platforms — GLASSCAPE (capacitive touchscreens manufactured in Germany), FLEXSCAPE (haptic operating elements applied over closed touch surfaces), JOYSCAPE (joysticks ranging from compact to heavy-duty), ECU embedded control units, Extended Display Link (up to 100m CPU-to-display bridging), and the new Steering Stick (steer-by-wire with TrueMotion adaptive force feedback and contactless Hall sensing). Supporting these platforms is a deep control components range (RAFIX, RAMO, LUMOTAST, IO-LINK, E-BOX, signal lamps, emergency stops) and tactile switches (MICON, RACON) with extreme temperature tolerance for automotive and outdoor use. The E2MS division provides electronics assembly and full product lifecycle manufacturing across facilities in Germany, Hungary, and China.

The company sells primarily through enterprise field sales and a global network of regional sales partners spanning 40+ countries, complemented by an eCatalog, Customer Net (RCN) portal, and direct OEM engineering relationships. Revenue is generated across three streams: hardware sales (HMI products and systems sold to OEMs and through distributors), professional services (E2MS contracts with engineering and lifecycle management), and subscription/recurring revenue via the KIS.ME digital solutions platform. Customer concentration spans multiple industries — automotive (Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks), agricultural machinery (Valtra, Pistenbully), construction, mining, forestry, medical technology, industrial automation, and robotics — with notable design-in positions such as the UNI-TOUCH control unit for the Unimog.

RAFI maintains a broad regulatory and certification moat, with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 13485 (medical), ISO 45001, ISO 50001, and IATF 16949 (automotive) certifications across most sites, plus ISO 25119/13849 functional safety compliance on key HMI platforms. The legal structure is a German Kommanditgesellschaft (limited commercial partnership) with RAFI Beteiligungs GmbH as the liable partner. Operating subsidiaries include RAFI Eltec GmbH, RAFI Hungaria Kft., RAFI Poland sp. z o.o., RAFI Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., RAFI North America, RAFI Italia SRL, and RAFI Werk Bad Waldsee. Leadership comprises Managing Directors Dr. Lothar Seybold and Lothar Arnold.

Name

RAFI

Legal name

RAFI GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://rafi-group.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1900

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

RAFI is a family-run German Mittelstand company specializing in Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems — touchscreens, joysticks, control components, and tactile switches — and Electronic Engineering and Manufacturing Services (E2MS), serving automotive, agricultural, construction, medical, and industrial automation OEMs globally through direct enterprise sales and a 40+ country partner network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Human Machine Interface (HMI) Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing (334), Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411)

SIC

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600), Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590), Electronic Computers (3571)

akta.pro primary industry

Embedded & HMI Electronics Manufacturing (Industrial PCs, HMIs, Panel PCs) (IMAGAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG), Industrial IoT/Edge Electronics Manufacturing (Gateways, Edge Controllers) (IMAGAGAC), Automotive ECUs/Control Modules & Embedded Electronics Manufacturing (IMACAJAC), Automotive Instrument Clusters, Displays & HMI Electronics Manufacturing (IMACAJAG)

Keywords

• Human machine interface
• Electronic manufacturing services
• Industrial control components
• Capacitive touchscreen technology
• Tactile switches

Headquarters

HQ city

Berg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. HMI Products and Systems: Sale of Human Machine Interface products including touchscreens, joysticks, control components, tactile switches, and complete HMI platforms. Products are sold directly to OEM customers and through distributors.
2. E2MS (Electronic Engineering and Manufacturing Services): Electronics assembly and manufacturing services with in-house engineering expertise. Realizes complex projects flexibly, quickly, and reliably from development to life cycle management. Production in Germany, Hungary, and China.
3. Digital Solutions (KIS.ME): Digitalization solutions for process optimization and linking manual processes in companies.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

RAFI develops and manufactures Human Machine Interface (HMI) products and systems — including capacitive touchscreen platforms (GLASSCAPE), haptic operating elements (FLEXSCAPE), joystick and steering platforms (JOYSCAPE, Steering Stick, Linear Joystick), embedded control units (ECU), and control components (RAFIX, LUMOTAST, RAMO, IO-LINK) — for industrial OEMs in medical, agricultural, construction, off-highway, automation, robotics, and automotive sectors. The company also provides Electronic Engineering and Manufacturing Services (E2MS/EMS), handling complete electronic product realization from development through lifecycle management at production facilities in Germany, Hungary, and China.

Product overview

RAFI is a technology leader in Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems and Electronic Engineering and Manufacturing Services (E2MS/EMS). The HMI portfolio consists of modular platforms including GLASSCAPE (touchscreen with capacitive input), FLEXSCAPE (haptic elements for touchscreens), JOYSCAPE (joysticks from compact to heavy-duty), ECU (embedded control units), EXTENDED DISPLAY LINK (long-distance CPU-to-display connectivity up to 100m), SAFETY TOUCH (safety-rated touch), and Autonomy Kit (robotics). Supporting these are control components including RAFIX (modular pushbuttons and switches), IO-LINK (smart sensors), LUMOTAST and RAMO (pushbutton series), E-BOX/E-BOX XL (housings), emergency stops, and signal lamps. Tactile switches include MICON and RACON series with media-robust options. Digital solutions are offered through KIS.ME. The EMS division provides electronic manufacturing services with facilities in Germany, Hungary, and China. Products serve industries including medical technology, agricultural and construction machinery, mechanical and plant engineering, robotics and automation, and building and control technology.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GLASSCAPE: Capacitive touch input and intuitive operation technology platform for industrial environments
• FLEXSCAPE
• JOYSCAPE
• ECU
• EXTENDED DISPLAY LINK
• KIS.ME
• RAFI Academy
• MICON
• RACON
• RAFIX
• RAMO
• LUMOTAST
• E-BOX
• IO-LINK

Products and services

• GLASSCAPE Capacitive touchscreen platform for intuitive industrial touch input. Touch sensors manufactured in Germany for maximum quality, short supply chains, and supply security. Available as standard touch sensors with control boards, individual designs, or force-feedback touchscreens, for industrial HMI applications.
• FLEXSCAPE Haptic operating elements that attach to closed touchscreen surfaces without any apertures or holes. Combines touchscreen advantages with haptic input for higher operational safety, precision, and blind operation capability in industrial and machinery applications.
• JOYSCAPE Joystick platform offering ergonomic and flexible controls ranging from Tiny to Rough variants. Enables personalized designs and customer-specific functions in handles, suitable for various industrial and off-highway applications.
• ECU Embedded Control Unit Computer platforms and ECUs providing an optimal ratio of computing and graphics power for customer-optimized base boards. Fanless design with extended temperature range for industrial use, available as plug-in modules or individually integrated solutions.
• Extended Display Link Platform bridging large distances of up to 100 meters between CPU and HMI display, enabling central processor unit architectures where CPU and HMI are remotely located.
• SAFETY TOUCH Safety-rated touchscreen platform for industrial applications requiring safety functionality.
• Autonomy Kit Product from RAFI Group in the field of robotics, enabling autonomous functionality for various applications.
• Steering Stick Steer-by-wire joystick with software-controlled adaptive force feedback based on TrueMotion technology. Eliminates mechanical components for wear-free operation. Compact, slim design suited for industrial trucks and mobile agricultural/construction machinery, with contact-less Hall sensor technology for reliable long-lasting signal detection.
• Linear Joystick Joystick with precise 3D Hall sensor technology, capacitive hand detection, and ergonomic design for safe and intuitive operation in demanding systems.
• Smart Encoder Encoder with programmable haptics for customizable control feedback in HMI applications.
• Standard Keypads and Encoder Robust HMI solutions for heavy equipment with ISO 25119/13849 certification and Secure Boot, CRA-compliant features. Designed for off-highway vehicles including construction, agricultural, mining, and forestry machinery, supporting modern vehicle architectures.
• RAFIX Control Components Modular control components consisting of an actuating element and a switching element, allowing many combination possibilities. Available in series including RAFIX 16, RAFIX 16 F, RAFIX 22 QR, RAFIX 22 FS+, RAFIX 22 FSR, and RAFIX 30 FS+, used widely as a standard in many HMI systems.
• IO-LINK Pushbutton Box IO-LINK fieldbus-independent interface at sensor and actuator level, with the IO-LINK-capable pushbutton box described as unique in the market. Combined with RAFI signal lamps, it offers a simple entry point into IO-LINK technology.
• LUMOTAST Compact illuminated pushbutton series with simple mounting and one-piece housing. Available in multiple sizes including LUMOTAST 16, LUMOTAST 22, LUMOTAST 25, and LUMOTAST 75, suitable for electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and vehicle construction industries.
• RAMO Pushbutton series easily integrated via plug&play M12 connectors with all-sided sealed housing. Available in sizes RAMO 22 and RAMO 30 with all common actuation functions and emergency stop versions.
• E-BOX Complete housing for RAFIX 22 FS+ control devices enabling mounting in remote locations. Features various connection options including M12 plug&play, designed for 40mm aluminum profile rails in assembly workstations, machines, systems, and robot cells.
• E-BOX XL Extra slim housing concept for control and signaling components with expanded dimensions, as a larger variant of the E-BOX.
• M12 Control Components M12 connector-based control components for reliable industrial connections.
• Emergency Stop Emergency stop/e-stop components available in optically matching versions for various RAFI control components, with various filters and detailed product category information.
• Signal Lamps Durable, energy-efficient, and maintenance-free signal lamps using LED technology. Available with various connection types including M12 plug&play, and lamp types such as recessed or machine lamps.
• MICON Tactile Switch Short-travel tactile keyswitches with exceptional tactile feedback, gold contacts for reliable operation, and extreme temperature tolerance from -40°C to +125°C, suitable for automotive or outdoor applications. Available as MICON 5 series.
• RACON Tactile Switch Tactile switches available in multiple sizes (RACON 8 ST and RACON 12 ST) with different dimensions and actuating forces. Available in both SMT and THT versions with high IP protection ratings for PCB mounting with conformal coating or potting.
• Media Robust Electronics MICON and RACON tactile switches protected through potting or molded interconnect device (MID) coating processes for robustness against environmental influences, dust, and moisture.
• KIS.ME Digital Solution KIS.ME digitalization solution for making companies more transparent by linking and optimizing manual processes, providing simple digitalization wherever people work.
• EMS / E2MS Services Electronic Engineering and Manufacturing Services providing complete solutions from development to life cycle management. Production facilities in Germany, Hungary, and China offer the right production location for every batch size with state-of-the-art technologies and high process reliability.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ergonomics study shows joystick steering reduces physical strain compared to steering wheel in agricultural machinery
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Furtwangen UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Furtwangen University collaborated with RAFI on an ergonomics study comparing steering wheel and joystick steering in agricultural machinery. The study used electromyography to measure muscle activity and subjective evaluations from 21 participants. Results demonstrated that joystick steering significantly reduces physical strain compared to traditional steering wheels.
• Mercedes-Benz Special TruckscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRAFI implemented customized operating solutions for Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks that are part of the new UNI-TOUCH control unit for Unimog implement carriers.
• Schindler Parent GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSchindler Parent GmbH handles design, graphic realization, and implementation of the RAFI website.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• EAO: Swiss-headquartered specialist in human-machine interface components (pushbuttons, indicators, emergency stops) for industrial, transportation, and machinery OEMs — directly comparable to RAFI's RAFIX, LUMOTAST, RAMO, and Emergency Stop product families.
• Schurter: Swiss manufacturer of input systems, switches, and EMC/RFI components for industrial, medical, and automotive applications — directly competes with RAFI's tactile switches (MICON, RACON), control components, and HMI modules.
• APEM (IDEC): Global specialist in HMI switching and joystick products serving industrial, off-highway, and medical markets; competes directly with RAFI's JOYSCAPE joysticks, Steering Stick, and standard keypad product lines.

Broad incumbents

• Siemens: Diversified industrial automation incumbent with SIMATIC HMI panels and factory automation; competes with RAFI in industrial automation HMIs but at much broader portfolio scale and software-led go-to-market.
• Schneider Electric: Global industrial automation and HMI incumbent (Magelis/Harmony series) with overlapping customers in factory automation and machinery — a broader incumbent rather than a specialized HMI competitor.
• ABB: Industrial automation and robotics giant with HMI/touch panel offerings integrated into its broader DCS/PLC portfolio; competes with RAFI's automation and robotics HMI modules as part of a much wider offering.
• Eaton: Diversified power management and industrial controls manufacturer with HMI and operator interface products; overlaps with RAFI in industrial control components and ruggedized machine interfaces.
• TE Connectivity: Global connectivity and sensor manufacturer with industrial HMI and ruggedized input products serving automotive, industrial, and aerospace — a broader incumbent with overlapping customer base but wider portfolio scope.
• Phoenix Contact: German industrial connectivity, automation, and HMI specialist serving machinery and process automation customers; overlaps with RAFI's industrial automation HMI and IO-LINK control component offerings.

Emerging players

• Fingerworks (Hoffmann + Krippner): Specialist in custom membrane switches, capacitive touch, and HMI solutions for industrial and medical OEMs; an emerging/niche player with partial overlap to RAFI's GLASSCAPE capacitive touch platform.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xxing.com/pages/rafi
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCIM3XfMly0DlfuW3ZSEwN1A
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rafi-gmbh-&-co-kg
• Instagraminstagram.com/ausbildung_rafi

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RAFI