Contactile

Overview

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.

Recent Developments

  • June 2025: Contactile received a Commercialisation and Growth grant from the Australian government’s Industry Growth Program. This grant supports the commercialization of their next-generation robotic gripping system designed to emulate the human sense of touch.
  • February 2024: They introduced robotic grippers capable of advanced tactile feedback, helping to bridge the gap between human and robotic capabilities.
  • May 2022: The company closed a $2.5 million seed funding round led by True Ventures with participation from Flying Fox Ventures and UNSW Founders, which enabled the acceleration of their tactile sensor technology development.

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date2019
HeadquartersSydney, Australia
FoundersHeba Khamis, Benjamin Xia, Stephen Redmond
RevenueNot publicly disclosed
ProfitsNot publicly disclosed
Key InvestorsTrue Ventures, Flying Fox Ventures, UNSW Founders
IndustryRobotics, Electronic Equipment and Instruments
Number of Employees8

Early History

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.

Company Profile and Achievements

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.

  • 2022: Secured $2.5 million in funding to expand sensor technology.
  • 2023: Awarded a significant grant under the Industry Growth Program, marking recognition of their technological contributions.
  • Collaborated with major universities and research councils to refine and improve tactile technology.
  • Filed three patents protecting their innovative sensor technology.

Current Operations and Market Position

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.

Conclusion

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.

References

  1. Tracxn - Contactile Overview
  2. Contactile Official Website
  3. PitchBook
  4. Press Release via PR Newswire
  5. CB Insights Company Profile
  6. UNSW Founders - Contactile
  7. Contactile and Robotics Development
  8. Industry Growth Program News Article
  9. Business Think - UNSW
  10. Startup Daily