Case Studies and Research Papers

We are proud to comprise of an accomplished, diverse engineering team with over 20 years of experience developing innovative sensing solutions for complex problems. Applying our products in your research, design, and development processes gives you more data and insight, enabling you to build better products and improve project results. We have served more than 50 small to large companies in 4 continents across the globe. Our project portfolio spans body pressure mapping, medical devices, robotics, training simulations, and beyond. You can expect us to bring knowledge, precision, and quality at every step.

Our Accomplishments

Unique sensor technology with best-in-class design flexibility, sensitivity, and stability
Skillful engineering team with expertise in custom sensor design and hardware and software integration
Experienced in US and International regulatory bodies and practices (FDA, CE, UL, CSA, CMDCAS, CGMP, etc.)
Core patent protection with 11 patents issued and 5 pending in the U.S. and internationally

Meet The Team

DR. GORDON DOBIE, PPS UK DIRECTOR

Dr. Dobie leads the Research and Development team and European operations from the UK office based in Glasgow. Dr. Dobie studied for his PhD in robotics and signal processing at the University of Strathclyde. He received a Royal Society of Edinburgh Enterprise Fellowship which focused on the commercialisation of novel research. Dr. Dobie has led a number of large multi-partner research and development projects and has published numerous scientific papers. He runs a joint research program between the University of Strathclyde and PPS which focuses on the development and commercialisation of new technologies.

DR. CHARLES MACLEOD, SALES LEAD

Dr Charles MacLeod, has an MEng and PhD from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. His expertise in sensing, robotics and electronics has seen him work on a number of challenging and unique industrially focused projects. Charles has worked alongside colleagues to launch several high-profile projects across the Technology Readiness Levels. Being responsible for EU Sales and Business development Charles brings this overall expertise and enthusiasm to the PPS UK team for greater future success and growth.

History

PPS Founded

1996

PPS was founded in 1996 to leverage and enhance capacitive tactile sensing technology.

Core Technology Development

1996-1999

PPS technology was developed with the help of government grants, including the Defense Advanced Research Agency, the Army Research Lab, and the National Institute of Health. Other elements of our technology, such as our discrete tactile sensing pads, were developed through industry and university collaborations.

Applied Research & Development

1999-2002

PPS technology capabilities were expanded through project collaboration with innovative organizations such as NASA, MIT and Schick-Wilkinson Sword. New developments included increased software capabilities, faster scan-rates and new sensor material capabilities

Commercial Technology Development

2002

PPS began to apply its innovative sensor technology to products and applications where customers needed to capture contact pressure distribution. Over the past decade, using its unique sensor technology, PPS has been providing the “sense of touch” to products and tools used for their development in medical devices, robotics, ergonomics and automotive applications, as well as industrial and consumer products.

Spun-Off Two Medical Device Companies

2002-2005

PPS spun-off two medical device companies: Sierra Scientific Instruments (SSI) and Medical Tactile (MTI), where PPS sensor technology is the backbone of their products. SureTouch Breast Exam from MTI is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared medical exam without radiation that not only painlessly captures, amplifies, documents and visualizes masses as small as 5mm. Manoscan from SSI empowers physicians to evaluate how well the muscles in the esophagus work to transport liquids or food from the mouth into the stomach.

Spun-Off Consumer Electronics Company

2008

PPS founded Impress, Inc. Impress’ breakthrough technology, 3D Tactile Input, is based on internal measurement principles, enabling ultra-thin tactile sensors from PPS that seamlessly integrates into displays or touch surface assemblies and greatly expands the capabilities of touch-based interfaces.

SSI Acquired by Given Imaging for $35M

2009

Given Imaging, a global leader in patient-friendly GI diagnostic and monitoring solutions, acquired SSI for $35 million.

GoSmart, Inc. Another PPS Incubated Company

2010

GoSmart, Inc. was founded by Dr. Son to develop and market useful travel aids and consumer accessories for smart mobile devices.

PPS Expands into Europe

2015

PPS UK, was founded by Dr. Jae Son and Dr. Gordon Dobie to exploit EU opportunities. In collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, PPS have created a new R&D centre that will develop exciting new pressure sensing technologies.

Launch of Embedded tactile sensor based products

2008 – to Date

PPS sensor technology was embedded into several products from its customers giving them a “sense of touch”:

PPS partnered with eSoles, a supplier of high-performance, custom insoles, to design and produce the world's most advanced 3D foot scanning kiosk.
A new health watch embedded with PPS pulse sensors technology, the jWatch, was launched.
BarrettHands incorporating PPS sensors are now commercially available.
PPS technology was adapted by LG mobile for their BL-20 phone and was produced at more than 1M units.