In May 2019, Ultrahaptics and Leap Motion came together to form Ultraleap, a new entity in the tech space. Ultrahaptics acquired Leap Motion in a deal worth around $30 million, marking a significant milestone for both companies.
Due to the cancellation of CES, I had the opportunity to meet with Tom Carter, co-founder and CEO turned CTO of Ultraleap, to discuss the future post-acquisition. The focus was on merging the technologies of both companies, particularly in the field of extended reality (XR).
Leap Motion, established in 2010, gained recognition for its Leap Motion Controller, a device for hand tracking in VR settings. However, the initial excitement faded as other companies developed their own solutions in-house.
Ultrahaptics, founded three years after Leap Motion, utilizes ultrasound waves to create tactile feedback. The company is exploring applications in automotive and XR, with a focus on integrating Leap Motion’s hand-tracking technology to provide users with a more immersive experience.
The joint efforts of Ultrahaptics and Leap Motion aim to address the lack of sensory feedback in XR by developing a device that delivers tactile sensations while tracking hand movements. Unlike traditional solutions involving wearable gloves, Ultraleap’s approach involves a compact device that emits ultrasound waves for a more natural interaction.
At CES, Ultraleap showcased Sensation Designer, a software tool that enables developers to incorporate haptic feedback into XR experiences. This technology has the potential to enhance virtual reality applications across various industries.
