Brighter Signals provides a flexible multi-modal tactile sensor platform to detect and measure touch. | Credit: Adobe Stock
Brighter Signals B.V., a sensing technology company, emerged from stealth today. The Amsterdam-based company, founded by Andrew Klein, Christine Fraser, and Edward Shim, announced its emergence from stealth mode. It has also acquired a portfolio of fabric-based multi-modal tactile sensor patents.
The company’s sensor technology is designed to detect and measure touch. It is protected by patents and aims to capture gradients of pressure in real-time. The sensors can be embedded into fabrics, surfaces, and structural components.
The company states the sensors are lightweight, durable, and recyclable.
Brighter Signals is initially focusing on three industries:
- Robotics: Sensors are intended for use in robotic grippers, manipulators, and humanoid systems.
- Automotive: Proof-of-concept deployments include occupant classification and airbag control through in-seat sensors.
- Healthcare: The technology is being applied for passive, continuous monitoring of heart rate, breathing patterns, and blood pressure via wearables and smart mattresses.
Tactile sensing finds use in robotics
Enhanced tactile sensing in robotic grippers facilitates more precise handling of objects, reduces errors, and thereby improves efficiency on the factory floor.
The increased sense of touch allows robots to detect variations in texture, pressure, and shape, enabling them to perform complex tasks such as stretching fabrics over curved surfaces or handling irregularly shaped objects with precision.
Furthermore, a robust sense of touch allows robots to handle delicate items with gentleness, making them suitable for tasks involving fragile or sensitive materials and minimizing damage.
The company is collaborating with robotics OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers of tactile solutions, as well as automotive OEMs. In healthcare, Brighter Signals is working with academic and clinical partners to validate its sensing capabilities.
“We’ve quietly built a platform technology that delivers true tactile intelligence—capable of transforming how machines and systems interact with the world,” said Klein, CEO of Brighter Signals. “With the support of Antler, the global early-stage VC firm, and incredible partners across robotics, mobility, and healthcare, we’re now ready to scale.”
Fraser, chief operating officer, added: “From adaptive grasping in robots to real-time passenger classification in vehicles and passive vitals monitoring in healthcare, our multi-modal sensors enable safer, smarter, more responsive systems. It’s a rare combination of versatility and commercial readiness.”
Inventor Edward Shim developed the patented sensor suite through more than $2 million in R&D grants and years of prototyping.
“What began as a mission to improve pressure sensing has matured into a platform with global relevance,” said Shim. “We’re excited to bring it to market with partners who can build truly intelligent systems.”
“With the world racing towards smarter, safer systems, we see accelerating demand for non-invasive and context-aware sensing,” added Ronald Jan Schuurs, a partner with Antler in Amsterdam. “We could not be more excited to back this truly disruptive technology and the highly accomplished team.”
Brighter Signals is preparing for volume production of its sensors through outsourced manufacturing partnerships in Europe and Asia.
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