Contactile is an Australian company specializing in the development of advanced tactile sensing technology for robotics. Founded in 2019 by Heba Khamis, Benjamin Xia, and Stephen Redmond, the company is based in Sydney, Australia. They focus on creating force-based touch sensors designed to provide robots with a human-like sense of touch, enhancing robotic manipulation and dexterity. To date, Contactile has raised $2.5 million in funding to advance their technology and bring it to market.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia |
| Founders | Heba Khamis, Benjamin Xia, Stephen Redmond |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | True Ventures, Flying Fox Ventures, UNSW Founders |
| Industry | Robotics, Electronic Equipment and Instruments |
| Number of Employees | 8 |
Contactile was founded as a spin-off company from research conducted at UNSW Sydney. It was established to commercialize tactile sensors inspired by human touch. In its early days, the company participated in several accelerator programs including CSIRO ON Accelerate and UNSW Founders 10x, which provided vital mentorship and funding strategies to navigate the challenges of startup life. The founders, leveraging their extensive academic backgrounds in electrical and biomedical engineering, developed a prototype tactile sensor that emulates the dexterity and adaptability of human touch.
Contactile’s business model centers around the development of tactile sensors that enable robots to grip objects with the same precision as a human hand. Their technology measures forces and torques across three dimensions, enabling nuanced robotic manipulation capabilities.
Contactile operates primarily in the field of robotic sensors and electronic instruments. Their advanced technological solutions offer competitive advantages by providing superior touch feedback that simulates human dexterity. As of 2025, they maintain a strong market position emphasized by partnerships seen in grant awards and robust investment rounds.
Contactile is pioneering tactile technology innovation aimed at enhancing the sensitivity and dexterity of robotic systems worldwide. They continue to push the boundaries of what robotics can achieve, with their sensors allowing for more intelligent interaction with various objects. With government backing and significant private investments, Contactile is well-positioned to expand its market influence and continue to lead advancements in robotic sensory technology.