What FOGALE nanotech does

FOGALE nanotech, operating commercially as FOGALE Sensors, is a French precision measurement company founded in 1983 in Nîmes by engineers originating from CEA and ONERA, France's national energy and aerospace research institutions. The company designs and manufactures non-contact capacitive, optical, and inductive sensing systems with sub-nanometer resolution, capable of operating in extreme environments ranging from cryogenic temperatures (20K) to 1400°C, in vacuum, radiation, and high-vibration conditions. Its portfolio comprises thirteen named product families covering blade tip clearance and timing (CAPABLADE), cryogenic liquid hydrogen level and mass measurement (KRYON), gun barrel bore inspection (BARYS), non-contact distance and displacement sensing (LYSENO), structural alignment and hydrostatic levelling (GEODYN), tip/tilt nanopositioning for segmented optics (TILTRA), rotation speed tracking (VELINO), thickness measurement (LAMINO), nuclear fuel rod gap measurement (GAPLINE), embedded anti-collision for collaborative robotics (SENSKIN/Smart Skin), and displacement sensing for alignment and motion control (MOVALYS), supported by application-specific products including Body Angel for medical imaging safety and HADRON for debris detection.

FOGALE generates revenue through two principal streams: (1) custom measurement systems designed and manufactured to specific customer requirements, generating project-based hardware sales, and (2) catalog product families sold as configurable or customizable systems. The company also derives ancillary revenue from technical support, calibration, integration assistance, and application engineering services. Pricing is exclusively quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with the company operating a custom quotation system requiring detailed installation and application specifications, indicative of a consultative, high-touch enterprise sales model. Distribution is handled through direct enterprise sales from the Nîmes headquarters and through the US subsidiary Texys America, LLC in Indianapolis, supplemented by partnerships with Texense, Optel, LGS Technologies, and ThermoEst for combined instrumentation offerings. Active lead generation occurs through major industry exhibitions (Automate, ASME TurboExpo, Aerospace Test & Development, CTOTF).

The company serves five primary verticals — Aerospace & Defense, Nuclear and Energy, Automotive & Transportation, Medical Equipment & Healthcare, and Automation & Robotics — plus three secondary verticals (Industrial Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Civil Engineering, and Large Scale Scientific Infrastructures). With over 120 patents, 2,000+ structural monitoring systems deployed worldwide, and more than 80% of parts manufacturing subcontracted to certified partners (with design, assembly, and calibration retained in-house), FOGALE operates as a privately held SAS with €22,000,000 share capital under SIREN 908 667 819. In 2023, the company joined forces with Texys Group, a European leader in embedded measurement systems for motorsport, automotive, and aerospace, strengthening R&D capabilities and market reach. The earlier 2016 acquisition of Altatech extended the company's process-control capabilities. No public equity listing, venture funding rounds beyond a 2015 Jolt Capital investment, or external institutional investor details are disclosed.

Name

FOGALE nanotech

Legal name

SAS FOGALE Sensors

Website

https://fogale.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

FOGALE nanotech (operating as FOGALE Sensors) designs and manufactures non-contact capacitive, optical, and inductive precision measurement sensors operating from cryogenic to 1400°C, serving aerospace, defense, nuclear, automotive, medical, and robotics industries globally from its headquarters in Nîmes, France.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Precision Measurement Sensors

NAICS

Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)

akta.pro primary industry

Metrology & Dimensional Measurement (CMMs, laser trackers, gauges, surface/roughness) (IMAGAFAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination) (IMAGAFAB), Industrial-Grade Sensors & Transducer Components (Discrete sensing elements, transducers, MEMS sensors) (IMAGAJAO), Metrology, Inspection & Machine Tool Accessories (CMMs, Probing, Gauging) (IMAHADAK)

Keywords

• Precision measurement sensors
• Non-contact capacitive sensing
• Cryogenic level measurement
• Blade tip clearance systems
• Embedded robotic safety sensors

Headquarters

HQ city

Nîmes

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Measurement Systems: FOGALE designs and manufactures high-precision measurement systems tailored to specific customer requirements, from advanced sensors to complete measuring systems with software integration. Revenue is generated through project-based engagements with aerospace, defense, nuclear, automotive, medical, and robotics clients requiring bespoke sensing solutions.
2. Catalog Products: Standard measurement product families including CAPABLADE, KRYON, BARYS, LYSENO, SENSKIN, GEODYN, TILTRA, GAPLINE, LAMINO, VELINO, and MOVALYS, sold as configured or customizable systems.
3. Technical Support Services: Technical support, calibration, integration assistance, and application engineering services supporting product deployment and maintenance.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

FOGALE nanotech designs and manufactures non-contact capacitive, optical, and inductive precision measurement sensors and complete measuring systems for extreme environments — cryogenic to 1400°C — achieving sub-nanometer resolution. The company sells both standard catalog product families (CAPABLADE, KRYON, SENSKIN, BARYS, LYSENO, GEODYN, TILTRA, VELINO, LAMINO, GAPLINE, MOVALYS) and fully customized measurement solutions to aerospace, defense, nuclear, automotive, medical, robotics, civil infrastructure, and scientific research industries.

Product overview

FOGALE Sensors is a precision measurement company offering both catalog products and fully customized systems. The portfolio centers on capacitive, optical, inductive, and hybrid sensing technologies achieving resolutions down to sub-nanometer levels. Key product families include: CAPABLADE (blade tip clearance and timing for turbomachinery), KRYON (cryogenic level and mass measurement for LH₂ and cryogenic fluids), BARYS (non-contact bore inspection for gun barrels), LYSENO (non-contact distance and displacement sensors), GEODYN (hydrostatic leveling and wire positioning for structural monitoring), TILTRA (tip/tilt and nanopositioning for optics and astronomy), VELINO (rotation speed tracking), LAMINO (thickness measurement for manufacturing lines), GAPLINE (nuclear fuel assembly gap measurement), SENSKIN/Smart Skin (embedded anti-collision and proximity detection for robotics and medical), and MOVALYS (displacement for alignment control). Solutions serve aerospace, nuclear, automotive, robotics, medical, civil infrastructure, and scientific research industries. The company joined Texys Group in 2023, expanding embedded sensing capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LYSENO: Non-contact distance measurement systems for harsh environments
• BARYS
• CAPABLADE
• GEODYN
• SENSKIN
• KRYON
• TILTRA
• MOVALYS
• HADRON
• VELINO
• LAMINO
• GAPLINE
• SmartSkin / Smart Skin
• SENSKIN Modular

Products and services

• CAPABLADE Blade tip clearance and tip timing measurement systems using capacitive sensors for rotating machinery (aero engines, heavy gas turbines, high-speed rotating equipment), operating from -80°C to +1400°C with modular architecture supporting development testing, certification campaigns, and operational monitoring.
• KRYON Cryogenic level and mass measurement solutions using capacitive probes for liquid hydrogen (LH2), helium, and nitrogen tanks, operating from 20K to 358K with <±0.5% accuracy, ATEX-certified versions available, for automotive LH2 storage, aerospace launchers, hydrogen-powered aircraft, and industrial hydrogen systems.
• SENSKIN Advanced anti-collision systems using embedded capacitive proximity sensors integrated into flexible or rigid surfaces for robotics and medical equipment. Detects human presence up to 20 cm, supports ISO 13849-1 PL d / Category 3 functional safety, and enables fence-free collaborative workspaces.
• SENSKIN Modular Next-generation retrofit-ready embedded adaptive robotic safety system based on SENSKIN guarded capacitive technology. Enables manufacturers and integrators to equip existing 6-axis robots with embedded adaptive safety capabilities. Supports ISO 13849-1 PL d / Category 3 requirements.
• SENSKIN (Next Evolution) Major evolution of the SENSKIN anti-collision platform for industrial and collaborative robotics. Provides predictive collision avoidance, precise real-time 3D proximity detection, human-aware robot behavior, and dynamic speed and motion adaptation, supporting ISO 13849-1 PL d / Category 3.
• BARYS Non-contact bore inspection system for gun barrels from 4.6mm to 155mm calibers. Self-centering probe with micron-level resolution for internal diameter, surface profile, and pit detection; embedded camera for visual inspection from 100mm; modular extension shafts up to 7+ meters; 2D/3D barrel mapping with exportable profiles.
• LYSENO Non-contact distance measurement systems using capacitive or inductive sensors with sub-micrometric resolution. Ultra-low drift electronics, recalibration-free, designed for vacuum, cryogenic, high-temperature, or vibration-prone environments; integration-ready for OEM, laboratory, or embedded field use.
• GEODYN Alignment and structural monitoring systems comprising Wire Positioning Systems (WPS) for 1D/2D displacement (±0.1–0.3 µm resolution) and Hydrostatic Levelling Systems (HLS) for vertical movement (±5 to ±100 mm range, 0.5–2 µm resolution). Modular and scalable architecture supporting 2 to 200+ measurement points for particle accelerators, civil infrastructures, and power generation.
• TILTRA Tip/tilt and nanopositioning systems using capacitive or inductive angular displacement sensors with sub-microradian resolution in compact form factors, compatible with extreme environments. Used for segmented telescope alignment (e.g., ELT), adaptive optics, beamline components, and nanometric alignment platforms.
• VELINO Rotation speed tracking systems for high-speed or constrained mechanical systems using non-contact capacitive or variable reluctance sensors. Ultra-stable electronics for high-frequency signal processing. Applications include aircraft landing gear, turbomachinery test benches, and automotive turbocharger testing.
• LAMINO Thickness measurement systems using dual capacitive sensors in opposed configuration with micron-level resolution for metal strips, coatings, glass/plastic bottle walls, and brake wear monitoring. Configurable for various materials and production lines, stable over temperature and vibration.
• GAPLINE Gap measurement systems for nuclear reactor fuel assemblies using optical (civilian PWR) or capacitive (naval submarines) technologies. Optical systems for clean-room inspection; capacitive probes for flat fuel assemblies up to 2m length with ≤1 µm resolution. Non-contact, compatible with irradiated and submerged environments.
• MOVALYS Displacement measurement sensors for alignment and motion control, monitoring radial displacement in industrial, defense, and scientific applications. Inductive sensing for submarine missile launchers within confined tubes. High long-term stability in compact designs for tight spaces.
• Body Angel Anti-collision system for medical imaging devices using guarded self-capacitance technology. Provides 3D capacitive proximity detection, real-time contouring for C-arm systems, smart algorithms for safe motion paths. Non-contact patient and staff detection without cameras or infrared components. Over 20 years proven in operating rooms.
• Smart Skin Flexible capacitive sensing surface for collaborative robots providing non-contact anti-collision detection and 3D interaction capabilities. Detects humans or objects up to 20 cm away in 3D space, enables real-time motion adaptation. PL d, Cat. 3 safety readiness per EN ISO 13849-1. Compatible with 6-axis robotic arms without altering weight or size.

Quantifiable outcome

• Cryogenic liquid hydrogen measurement accuracy: <±0.5% of tank height
• +5 more outcomes

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, regional and secondary.

• Texys GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023In 2023, FOGALE Sensors joined forces with Texys Group, a European leader in embedded measurement systems for motorsport, automotive, and aerospace. This strategic acquisition strengthened R&D capabilities, expanded market reach, and positioned the combined entity as a comprehensive player in high-performance sensing across all precision-driven industries.
• Texys America, LLCregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS subsidiary office in Indianapolis, Indiana providing sales, support, and customer service for North American customers. Part of Texys Group structure.
• TexensecoreTechnology or IntegrationCombined offering with Texense provides complementary embedded sensing technologies for motorsport, automotive, and aerospace applications, expanding the portfolio of high-performance measurement solutions.
• OptelcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership providing combined instrumentation for turbomachinery measurement including pressure, temperature, speed, and phase reference sensors alongside FOGALE's blade monitoring solutions.
• LGS TechnologiessecondaryTechnology or IntegrationCombined expertise in position, proximity, vibration monitoring, non-contact speed, pressure, and temperature sensing for integrated turbomachinery instrumentation solutions.
• ThermoEstsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationPartnership covering temperature sensing solutions using thermocouples, fiber optics, and infrared technologies for comprehensive turbomachinery instrumentation.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Micro-Epsilon: German-headquartered precision sensor manufacturer offering capacitive, eddy-current, optical, and laser-based non-contact displacement and position sensors for industrial, R&D, and OEM applications. Closest large-scale direct competitor to FOGALE's LYSENO and MOVALYS displacement/gap measurement product families.
• MTI Instruments: US-based provider of non-contact capacitance and fiber-optic displacement sensors specifically targeting turbomachinery blade tip clearance and timing—directly overlapping FOGALE's CAPABLADE product family and serving the same aerospace, energy, and industrial gas turbine OEMs.
• Lion Precision: US manufacturer of capacitive and eddy-current sensors for displacement, position, and vibration measurement in industrial and laboratory applications. Comparable technology base to FOGALE's LYSENO, GEODYN, and TILTRA lines serving similar precision OEM and lab customers.
• Kaman Precision Products / Kavlico: US supplier of inductive, eddy-current, and LVDT-based position and proximity sensors for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Comparable in technology and end-market exposure (military/aerospace) to FOGALE's inductive GAPLINE and MOVALYS solutions.
• Capacitec: US specialist in non-contact capacitive sensors for gap, thickness, and displacement measurement in extreme temperature, vacuum, and harsh-environment applications—directly comparable to FOGALE's LAMINO thickness and capacitive GAPLINE products.

Broad incumbents

• Renishaw: UK-based global leader in precision measurement, metrology, and additive manufacturing, offering encoders, probes, and laser/ballbar systems. Overlaps with FOGALE in high-precision displacement and nanopositioning but operates a much broader portfolio and global service network.
• Keyence: Japan-headquartered global leader in industrial sensors, measuring systems, and machine vision. Comparable capacitive/inductive proximity and displacement sensors at much higher volume and broader application range; represents the standard catalog alternative to FOGALE's custom solutions.
• SICK AG: German manufacturer of industrial sensors and safety systems for factory, logistics, and process automation. Overlaps with FOGALE in proximity sensing and increasingly in cobot safety, but at much broader scale across multiple sensing modalities.
• IFM Electronic: German industrial sensor manufacturer offering inductive, capacitive, optical, and safety sensors for factory automation. Serves similar industrial customers as FOGALE for proximity and displacement sensing but at high-volume catalog scale rather than custom engineered systems.
• Balluff: German industrial sensor and connectivity specialist offering inductive, capacitive, and optical position sensors for factory automation. Comparable proximity and displacement technology to FOGALE but with broader product breadth and global industrial OEM channel coverage.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fogale-nanotech

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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

M&A1 record

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about FOGALE nanotech