VoxelSensors Expands its Spatial and Empathic Computing Solutions with Gaze Tracking, Acquires EyeWay Vision’s IP, and Unveils the Plan for its First Spatial Awareness System for Mobile
Brussels, Belgium, 22 February 2024 – VoxelSensors, a leading startup in sensing technologies, announced a significant step towards real-life communication and intuitive interaction in the digital world. This strategic announcement, unveiled at MWC Barcelona, entails the acquisition of EyeWay Vision’s intellectual and industrial property, along with their expertise in gaze tracking and projection technology for XR. By seamlessly integrating this technology with its innovative Single Photon Active Event Sensor (SPAES), VoxelSensors strengthens its leading position in Spatial and Empathic Computing for Mobile and XR to unlock next-generation user experiences across various devices.
This expansion follows the closing of VoxelSensors’ €9.5 million Seed Round, empowering its ambition to spearhead the fusion of depth sensing and gaze tracking for stellar spatial and empathic immersive experiences. The company is set to expedite the development and rollout of its technology with an upcoming Series-A funding round.
VoxelSensors acquires EyeWay Vision’s IP to advance Spatial and Empathic Computing
On a track to enhance spatial and empathic computing experiences, VoxelSensors has completed the acquisition of EyeWay Vision’s industrial and intellectual property (IP) portfolio and know-how. Founded in 2014, EyeWay Vision is an Israeli company pioneering immersive XR glasses. Its innovation includes a novel gaze contingent projection architecture including underlying technology, such as dynamic exit pupil shifter, varifocal foveated projection, laser-based gaze tracker, and efficient sequential graphical pipeline.
This architecture simultaneously addresses many critical XR requirements, such as:
- Power efficiency for all-day use, daylight visibility, and dynamic range
- Solution for vergence accommodation conflict
- Continuous varifocal interaction
- Zero perceived latency and image persistence
- Virtually pixel-less and photorealistic perceived 5K image
- Situational awareness due to wide dynamic field-of-view
With this acquisition, VoxelSensors further strengthens its portfolio. The combined technology holds promise for truly immersive experiences across diverse sectors like entertainment, health, shopping, education, and professional applications.
“The acquisition of EyeWay Vision’s IPs and the mobile depth system mark key milestones for VoxelSensors,” stated Johannes Peeters, CEO of VoxelSensors. “Together, these advancements position us as a major player in the rapidly evolving spatial and empathic computing market for mobile and XR devices. By combining our technologies, we can offer seamless and intuitive interactions in these domains, significantly enhancing user experience while utilizing our efficient SPAES sensor.”
SPAES for Mobile
At MWC, VoxelSensors will preview its first Spatial Awareness system for mobile, powered by a single SPAES sensor and a single illuminator. This novel system is part of the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of low-power, low-latency, and precise spatial awareness and empathic computing for intuitive user interfaces, biometric face authentication, enhanced photos and videos, and mobile augmented experiences.
“The combined power of Single Photon Active Event Sensing and EyeWay Vision’s technology addresses customer demands for power-efficient, low-latency, and precise perception and interaction systems. This opens exciting new opportunities for integration in mobile and XR platforms, with fully immersive and intuitive experiences that redefine spatial and empathic computing,” said Ward van der Tempel, CTO of VoxelSensors. “The synergy of technologies pushes the boundaries of what is possible and marks a major step forward in our industry.”
VoxelSensors at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2024
Visit VoxelSensors at MWC Barcelona (stand 7G51) and 4YFN Barcelona (stand D11) between the 26th and 29th of February for the SPAES demo experience. Contact [email protected] to schedule a meeting.
About VoxelSensors
VoxelSensors develops groundbreaking sensing technology for Spatial and Empathic interfaces and Mobile, XR, and industrial applications. Our proprietary Single Photon Active Event Sensor (SPAES) technology and system architecture are designed to fulfill the demands of end-product manufacturers seeking power-efficient, low-latency spatial awareness, gaze tracking, and intuitive interaction solutions. By transcending the experience barrier, our technology propels the growth of the Mobile and XR markets while satisfying the rising demand for Spatial and Empathic applications across various industries.
The foundational SPAES technology enables a revolutionary sequential system based on Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) that are single-photon sensitive and uniquely deliver low-power, low-latency data paths, and highly precise information. This game-changing innovation unlocks the full potential of immersive and autonomous experiences, transforming consumer electronics, smartphones, wearables, and industrial applications.
For Press Information contact:
Karina Kovalenko - MarCom Manager
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://voxelsensors.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voxelsensors
VoxelSensors completes its Seed Round with an Additional €3 Million, Totaling €9.5 Million for XR and Mobile Spatial and Empathic Computing
Brussels, Belgium, 30 January, 2024 - VoxelSensors, a leading Belgian semiconductor deep tech start-up, closes its Seed Round with a €3 million in tail investment led by a new investor SFPIM Relaunch with participation from existing investors Qbic Fund and finance&invest.brussels. The funding is an extension of the company's €5.5 million Seed Round of May 2023, led by Capricorn Digital Growth Fund and Qbic Fund, which now totals €9.5 million.
The investment will boost VoxelSensors’ international growth, technology advancement, and customer engagement for its low-power, low-latency Spatial and Empathic Computing solution for mobile and XR devices. VoxelSensors will also use the funds to prepare for the Series A round to support the company’s ambitions.
Spatial and Empathic Computing is an emerging field that aims to create technology that can enhance user perception based on user intentions for unique and personalized experiences. This technology will enable many applications for consumer electronics and professional applications on XR devices. VoxelSensors strives to make wearables more intuitive and user-friendly and foster the mass-market adoption of mobile and XR applications.
XR wearables and mobile spatial and empathic devices are projected to grow at the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.9% from 2022 to 2027.
“We think that Spatial and Empathic Computing is the future of XR and Mobile technology, and we are happy to be among the pioneers of this field,” said Johannes Peeters, CEO of VoxelSensors. “We are grateful to have secured this investment. It will allow us to keep innovating and developing our technologies to meet customer needs. We appreciate the support of institutional investors who align with our vision and values for the future of spatial and empathic computing in Brussels, Belgium and of electronic-semiconductor companies in Europe. Their investment is a recognition of the quality of our business and the promise of our technology.”
New investor SFPIM Relaunch for the future is a subsidiary of the Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPIM), which is Belgium’s Sovereign Wealth Fund. The main objective of SFPIM Relaunch for the future is anchoring digital technological expertise in Belgium.
“We are delighted to support and invest in this young and ambitious Belgian tech company that is making waves in a highly competitive and strategic market. By supporting deep tech companies like VoxelSensors, SFPIM Relaunch for the future aims to boost Belgium and EU competitiveness in the semiconductors industry, in line with the EU Chip Act objectives that seek to enhance the production and innovation of microelectronics in Europe,” said Céline Vaessen, CEO SFPIM Relaunch.
Qbic Fund is an inter-university venture capital fund that focuses on the transformation of technological breakthroughs into sustainable businesses. They support spin-offs and start-ups that valorize research from Qbic’s knowledge partners in the deep tech, software, biotech, and health tech sectors.
“Qbic is pleased to keep investing in VoxelSensors and further support its Seed Round. The VoxelSensors team has demonstrated consistent progress since we first invested in 2023, delivering their technology roadmap, management skills as well as market penetration. We are also glad to support their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are in line with our values,” said Steven Leuridan, Partner at Qbic Fund.
finance&invest.brussels is a public limited company that facilitates and completes the financing chain of value-creating companies in the Brussels region. They provide financing solutions for start-ups, scale-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), social enterprises, and cooperatives.
“We are happy to reinvest in VoxelSensors, a Brussels deep tech leader in 3D Perception semiconductors,” said Antoine Kuypers, Investment Manager at finance&invest.brussels. “Our investment aligns with the Brussels Region’s goals to foster innovation and green transition. We trust that VoxelSensors and its low-power technology will boost collaboration, productivity, and sustainability in enterprises.”
“Spatial and empathic computing devices need efficient and reliable perception and understanding of user and environment for widespread adoption. This requires a new sensing and algorithmic paradigm,” said Ward van der Tempel, CTO of VoxelSensors. “VoxelSensors’ unique SPAES (Single Photon Active Event Sensor) technology enables low-power and low-latency sensors that combine into a multimodal perception system to connect user gaze and gesture to its environment. This synergy is the heart of successful spatial and empathic computing in XR systems.”
About VoxelSensors
VoxelSensors develops groundbreaking Spatial and Empathic Sensor Fusion technology for Mobile, XR, and industrial applications. Our proprietary SPAES (Single Photon Active Event Sensor) technology and system architecture are designed to fulfill the demands of end-product manufacturers seeking power-efficient and low-latency perception solutions. By transcending the experience barrier, our technology propels the growth of the Mobile and XR markets while satisfying the rising demand for Spatial and Empathic experiences across various industries.
SPAES enables a revolutionary sequential system that delivers low-power Spatial Awareness and a low-latency data path. This game-changing innovation unlocks the full potential of immersive and autonomous experiences, transforming consumer electronics, smartphones, wearables, and industrial applications.
For Press Information contact:
Karina Kovalenko - MarCom Manager
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://voxelsensors.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voxelsensors
About SFPIM Relaunch
SFPIM Relaunch is a subsidiary of the Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPIM), Belgium’s Sovereign Wealth Fund. The main objectives of SFPIM Relaunch are to restart the Belgian economy after the impact of Covid, the energy crisis, and to meet the challenges of tomorrow by promoting economic prosperity and employment in Belgium. SFPIM Relaunch is committed to long-term profitability, combined with promoting sound corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. SFPIM Group supports current or future Belgian companies whose business model, in addition to a normal financial return, makes an important contribution to the transition in terms of mobility, inclusion, productivity and/or digitalisation. For more information see SFPIM website.
For Press Information contact:
Joel Decerf
Email: [email protected]
Website: Our subsidiaries - SFPIM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sfpi-fpim/
About finance&invest.brussels
finance&invest.brussels is a public limited company that facilitates and completes the financing mix for Brussels-based companies with a clear focus on a number of key sectors that promote sustainable economic development and job creation.
The company provides concrete solutions to the financial needs of entrepreneurs, in the form of loans, capital or guarantees, at decisive moments in their journeys. These financing solutions are aimed at start-ups, scale-ups, SMES, but also very small social entities and cooperatives.
For Press Information contact:
Mélusine Baronian – Press & Public Affairs Manager
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.finance.brussels/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/srib/
About Qbic
Qbic Fund is an inter-university sector-agnostic seed and early-stage venture capital fund, supporting young innovative companies that valorize research from Qbic's knowledge partners. The fund typically participates in the first external investment round of a company and continues to support and invest in these companies throughout their growth. Across 3 funds, Qbic has close to € 200M in AUM.
For Press Information contact:
Steven Leuridan
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.qbic.be/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qbic/
VoxelSensors introduces new Head of Spatial and Empathic Sensor Fusion Team, Boris Greenberg, at CES 2024
Las Vegas, USA, January 3, 2024 — As it enters the final stretch of the seed funding campaign, VoxelSensors is proud to introduce the new VP of XR Solutions, Boris Greenberg, who will spearhead the Spatial and Empathic Computing Solution teams. With over 21 years of expertise in multi-disciplinary R&D within the high-tech industry and academia, Mr. Greenberg brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. His previous roles include founding EyeWay Vision, I.C. Inside, and serving as an R&D lead in Automated Optical Inspection at Orbotech. Notably, Mr. Greenberg holds more than 20 patents and pursued his studies in physics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
“For widespread adoption, XR devices need to address human interaction, a synergy of sensing and perception modalities to enable developers to create powerful XR user experiences,” says Boris Greenberg.
VoxelSensors leverages its distinctive SPAES (Single Photon Active Event Sensor) technology, allowing the integration of multimodal perception sensors, such as innovative hand and gaze tracking and SLAM, with high precision, low power consumption, and low latency. Fusing these key modalities will enable the development of next-gen XR systems.
“In 2023, VoxelSensors started collaborations with customers to test SPAES and tailor our solution to their specific needs,” Johannes Peeters, CEO at VoxelSensors, emphasizes. “We can clearly see the positive influence of our technology and systems in creating new mobile and empathic XR Systems. We are also thrilled to share the news of a new capital increase in the final days of 2023, concluding our Seed Round with the support of both new and existing shareholders.”
Experience the Future of Spatial and Empathic Computing during CES 2024
Visit VoxelSensors during CES 2024 to learn about the future of Mobile and XR applications and experience the latest advancements in Spatial and Empathic Computing:
- Andromeda 2, Evaluation Kit composed of 2 SPAES sensors, an illumination, and the latest Software VoxelSensors SDK 2.0
- SLAM module
- SPAES for Mobile
- Gaze tracking
To schedule a meeting and become part of the journey, contact us at [email protected].
About VoxelSensors
VoxelSensors develops groundbreaking Spatial and Empathic Sensor Fusion technology for Mobile and XR. Our proprietary SPAES (Single Photon Active Event Sensor) technology and system architecture addresses OEMs’ demands for power-efficient and low-latency perception solutions. It enables Mobile and XR markets growth by crossing the experience barrier and meeting the growing demand for empathic experiences that understand user intent.
SPAES enables a cutting-edge sequential 3D depth system that provides low-power spatial awareness and low-latency data path. SPAES is a game-changing innovation that unlocks the true potential of fully immersive experiences for consumer electronics, smartphones, and wearables. To learn more, visit us at https://voxelsensors.com.
For Press Information Contact:
Karina Kovalenko - MarCom Manager VoxelSensors
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://voxelsensors.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voxelsensors
VoxelSensors wins the Best Presenting Company Award at Tech Tour Photonics 2023
VoxelSensors, led by CEO Johannes Peeters, was recognized with the Best Presenting Company Award at Tech Tour Photonics 2023 in Eindhoven.
Proud to further drive photonics innovation!
Discover our journey and ties with the Tech Tour Community in this interview: Interview.
Information about the event: Link.
VoxelSensors participates in the Horizon Europe SPEAR project in AI and Robotics
VoxelSensors is excited to announce its participation in the "SPEAR: Spatial Perception & Embodied Autonomy Research" project under Horizon Europe.
"We are pleased to collaborate on this project, focusing on adapting our Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor (SPAES) - serial spatial 3D data format for drones. This adaptation promises to significantly enhance drone navigation in challenging conditions, thanks to SPAES' low-power consumption and low-latency 3D perception subsystem," shared Andre Miodezky, CGO of VoxelSensors.
SPEAR project aims to transform aerial robotics by tailoring designs for specific missions and environments. Using evolutionary algorithms, a blend of materials, diverse sensors, efficient propulsion, and deep neural networks, SPEAR creates adaptable robots. The goal is to develop efficient, resilient, and safe aerial robots optimized for specific tasks. This project has the potential to shift aerial robot design from human-led to automated, task-specific models.
SPEAR responds to the HORIZON-CL4-2022-DIGITAL-EMERGING-02-06 solicitation, building on the expertise of institutions like NTNU (Coordinator, NO), TU Delft (NL), Lulea Technological University (SE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (NL), IMEC (BE), ETH Zurich (CH), University of Paderborn (DE), VoxelSensors (BE), Biodrone (NO), and the Center for Security Studies (GR).
Official text: Link.
VoxelSensors Strengthens the Board with Tim Droz and Youssef Benmokhtar. Company to Exhibit at AWE in Singapore on August 30-31, 2023
Brussels, Belgium, August 22, 2023 - VoxelSensors, the creator of cutting-edge 3D perception technology for XR, proudly appoints two seasoned industry leaders. This strategic decision strengthens the company's management in its ambition to grow in the XR market, particularly in the USA and Asia. In May, VoxelSensors announced €5 million in Seed Funding and is now gearing up for the next investment round. At AWE Asia in Singapore on August 30-31, VoxelSensors will showcase its Andromeda (gen 1) Evaluation Kit at booth #D3 (contact [email protected] for information and purchases).
Tim Droz (USA) joins the company as an independent board of directors member, while Youssef Benmokhtar (USA) joins the advisory board. With vast experience in semiconductors, 3D sensing, systems architecture, natural interaction, customer engagement, and XR wearables, their expertise will take the company to new heights, facilitating growth and global engagements.
Tim Droz has recently become an independent Board member at VoxelSensors, enriching the board of directors with his vast leadership experience in consumer electronics, perception engineering, and executive management. With expertise in AR/VR systems, 2D and 3D cameras, imaging and depth sensors, Mr. Droz has held senior technical management positions at Meta Reality Labs, Sony DepthSensing Solutions, and Canesta (acquired by Microsoft), where he contributed significantly to the advancement of camera and depth technologies. He holds an MSEE in Electrical and Computer Engineering from North Carolina State University.
“I am excited to join the Board of VoxelSensors and contribute to the company's remarkable journey of innovation and growth,” said Tim Droz. “VoxelSensors' dedication to pushing the boundaries of sensor technology and depth subsystems aligns perfectly with my passion for disruptive advancements. I look forward to collaborating closely with the talented team at VoxelSensors to drive the development of groundbreaking solutions and capitalize on the exciting opportunities ahead.”
Youssef Benmokhtar has recently joined VoxelSensors as an Advisory Board member, bringing in a wealth of experience as a business development executive in the consumer electronics and mobile industries. Currently serving as the CEO of GelSight, a leading USA company specializing in tactile sensing technology, he has also held significant positions as the former SVP of Business Development at Magic Leap and DigitalOptics Corporation. Leveraging his extensive expertise, Mr. Benmokhtar plays a crucial role in establishing valuable connections with relevant customers and investors within our industry. He holds degrees in Industrial Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a Master’s in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
“While at Magic Leap, we were always looking for the most advanced 3D imaging technologies that could be integrated into our Augmented Reality headset. Hence, when I met the VoxelSensors team and they showed me their unique technology, I was blown away. Their technology offers the extreme low power consumption, ultra-low latency that are required to be integrated into AR devices,” says Youssef Benmokhtar, CEO of GelSight and Advisory Board member at VoxelSensors.
Reducing system-level power consumption is pivotal for XR to thrive. VoxelSensors’ SPAES (Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor) is a novel 3D perception architecture that addresses OEMs’ demands for power-efficient and low-latency perception systems. It is an efficient sequential 3D data path that replaces power-hungry legacy frame-based visual pipelines, enabling low power, low latency spatial mapping, anchoring, segmentation, and natural interaction in XR.
“As a seasoned professional in the 3D sensing industry, I perceive a growing momentum and keen interest surrounding VoxelSensors’ elegant approach to addressing the challenge of delivering low power with low latency for 3D perception,” stated Andre Miodezky, President of VoxelSensors. “We are truly honored by the exceptional individuals who have joined our company on the journey to transform the 3D perception industry.”
About VoxelSensors
VoxelSensors is at the forefront of 3D perception, providing cutting-edge sensors and solutions for seamless integration of the physical and digital worlds. Our patented Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor (SPAES) technology represents a novel category of efficient 3D perception systems, delivering exceptional low latency with ultra-low power consumption by capturing a new Voxel with fewer than 10 photons. SPAES is a game-changing innovation that unlocks the true potential of fully immersive experiences for both consumer electronics and enterprise AR/VR/MR wearables.
Press Information Contact
Karina Kovalenko - Marketing Manager Voxelsensors
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.voxelsensors.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voxelsensors
VoxelSensors Debuts the Global Premiere of Revolutionary Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor Evaluation Kit for 3D Perception to Seamlessly Blend the Physical and Digital Worlds
BRUSSELS, Belgium, May 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - VoxelSensors is to reveal its innovative 3D Perception technology, the Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor (SPAES), and globally premiere the related Andromeda Evaluation Kit at AWE USA 2023. Experience this breakthrough technology from May 31 to June 2 at AWE booth #914 in Santa Clara (California, USA).
VoxelSensors’ Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor is a novel category of ultra-low power and ultra-low latency 3D perception sensors for Extended Reality (XR) to seamlessly blend the physical and digital worlds.
Extended Reality device manufacturers require low power consumption and low latency 3D Perception technology to flawlessly blend the physical and digital worlds and unlock the true potential of immersive experiences. VoxelSensors’ patented Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor technology has uniquely resolved these significant challenges and is the world’s first solution that has achieved a threshold of less than 10 milliwatts in terms of power consumption, combined with less than 5 milliseconds of latency. Furthermore, this is possible while being resistant to indoor and outdoor lighting at distances over 5 meters and being immune to crosstalk.
This breakthrough technology offers an alternative to traditional 3D sensors, eliminating the need for slow frames. It sends 3D data points in real-time serially to the device and application at nanosecond refresh rates. Designed for efficiency, SPAES delivers the lowest latency for perception applications at minimal power consumption addressing previously unmet needs such as precise segmentation, spatial mapping, anchoring, and natural interaction.
“SPAES disrupts the standard in 3D Perception,” says Christian Mourad, co-founder and VP of Engineering at VoxelSensors. “The Andromeda Evaluation Kit, available for the selected OEMs and integrators in the summer of 2023, demonstrates our commitment to advancing XR/AR/MR and VR applications. This innovation, however, isn’t limited to Extended Reality and expands into robotics, the automotive industry, drones, and medical applications.”
VoxelSensors was founded in 2020 by a team of seasoned experts in the field of 3D sensing and perception, with over 50 years of collective experience. The team’s success includes co-inventing an efficient 3D Time-of-Flight sensor and camera technology, which leading tech company Sony acquired in 2015.
In May 2023, VoxelSensors announced a €5M investment led by Belgian venture capitals Capricorn Partners and Qbic with contributions from the investment firm finance&invest.brussels, along with existing investors and the team. The funding will bolster VoxelSensors' roadmap, talent acquisition, and enhance customer relations in the U.S. and Asia.
“At VoxelSensors, we aim to fuse the physical and digital realms until they're indistinguishable,” says Johannes Peeters, co-founder and CEO of VoxelSensors. “With Extended Reality gaining momentum it is our duty to discover, create, work, and play across sectors like gaming, healthcare, and manufacturing. Our Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor technology stands ready to pioneer transformative user experiences!”
For information related to an Andromeda Evaluation Kit or a possible purchase contact: [email protected].
About VoxelSensors
VoxelSensors is at the forefront of 3D perception, providing cutting-edge sensors and solutions for seamless integration of the physical and digital worlds. Our patented Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor (SPAES) technology represents a novel category of efficient 3D perception systems, delivering exceptionally low latency with ultra-low power consumption by capturing a new Voxel with fewer than 10 photons. SPAES is a game-changing innovation that unlocks the true potential of fully immersive experiences for both consumer electronics and enterprise AR/VR/MR wearables. To learn more, visit us at https://voxelsensors.com.
For Press Information Contact:
Karina Kovalenko - Marketing Manager VoxelSensors
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://voxelsensors.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voxelsensors
VoxelSensors Raises €5M in Seed Funding for blending the physical and digital worlds through 3D perception
BRUSSELS, Belgium, May 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - VoxelSensors today announces an investment of €5M led by Belgian venture capital firms Capricorn Partners and Qbic, with participation from the investment firm finance&invest.brussels, existing investors and the team. VoxelSensors’ Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor (SPAES) is a novel category of ultra-low power and ultra-low latency 3D perception sensors for Extended Reality (XR)1 to blend the physical and digital worlds. The funding will be used to further develop VoxelSensors’ roadmap, hire key employees, and strengthen business engagements with customers in the U.S. and Asia. Furthermore, VoxelSensors remains committed to raising funds in order to back its ambitious growth plans.
Extended Reality device manufacturers require low power consumption and low latency 3D perception technology to seamlessly blend the physical and digital worlds and unlock the true potential of immersive experiences. VoxelSensors’ patented Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor technology has uniquely resolved these significant 3D perception challenges and is the world’s first solution reaching less than 10 milliwatts power consumption combined with less than 5 milliseconds latency while being resistant to outdoor lighting at distances over 5 meters and being immune to crosstalk interferences.
The founders of VoxelSensors boast a combined experience of more than 50 years in the development of cutting-edge 3D sensor technologies, systems and software. Their track record of success includes co-inventing an efficient 3D Time of Flight sensor and camera technology, which was acquired by a leading tech company.
“Our goal at VoxelSensors is to seamlessly integrate the physical and digital worlds to a point level where they become indistinguishable,” said Johannes Peeters, co-founder and CEO of VoxelSensors. "Extended Reality has rapidly gained traction in recent years, with diverse applications across sectors such as gaming, entertainment, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. With our Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor technology we are poised to deliver unparalleled opportunities for groundbreaking user experiences. We are excited by the opportunity to contribute to the growth of our growing industry and honored by the trust of these investors to help us expand the company and accelerate market penetration.”
“We are excited to invest with the Capricorn Digital Growth Fund in VoxelSensors. We appreciate the broad experience in the team, the flexibility of the 3D perception solution towards different applications and the solid intellectual property base, essential for the success of a deep tech start-up. The team has a proven track record to build a scalable business model within a Europe-based semiconductor value chain. We also highly value the support of the Brussels region via Innoviris,” explained Marc Lambrechts, Investment Director at Capricorn Partners.
“As an inter-university fund, Qbic is delighted to support VoxelSensors in this phase of its journey. It’s a pleasure to see the team that led one of Vrije Universiteit Brussels’ (VUB) most prominent spinoffs to successful exit, start another initiative in this space. They will leverage again the expertise VUB has in this domain, through an extensive research collaboration,” said Steven Leuridan, Partner at Qbic III Fund. “We truly believe VoxelSensors is a shining example of a European fabless semiconductor company that holds potential to lead its market.”
Marc Lambrechts from Capricorn Partners and Steven Leuridan from Qbic are appointed to VoxelSensors’ Board of Directors, effective immediately.
“With Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensing (SPAES) we challenge the status quo in 3D perception,” concludes VoxelSensors’ co-founder and CTO of VoxelSensors, PhD Ward van der Tempel. “This groundbreaking technology unlocks new possibilities in Extended Reality by addressing previously unmet needs such as precise segmentation, spatial mapping, anchoring and natural interaction. Moreover, this breakthrough innovation extends beyond Extended Reality, and has exciting potential in various industries, including robotics, automotive, drones, and medical applications.”
VoxelSensors will showcase their breakthrough technology at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) USA 2023 from May 31 to June 2, 2023, in Santa Clara (California, USA). Evaluation Kits of the SPAES technology are available for purchase through [email protected].
About VoxelSensors
VoxelSensors is at the forefront of 3D perception, providing cutting-edge sensors and solutions for seamless integration of the physical and digital worlds. Our patented Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor (SPAES) technology represents a novel category of efficient 3D perception systems, delivering exceptional low latency with ultra-low power consumption by capturing a new Voxel with fewer than 10 photons. SPAES is a game-changing innovation that unlocks the true potential of fully immersive experiences for both consumer electronics and enterprise AR/VR/MR wearables. To learn more, visit us at https://voxelsensors.com.
Press Information Contact
Karina Kovalenko - Marketing Manager Voxelsensors
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.voxelsensors.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voxelsensors
About Capricorn Partners
Capricorn Partners is an independent European manager of venture capital and equity funds, investing in innovative European companies with technology as competitive advantage. The investment team of Capricorn is composed of experienced investment managers with deep technology expertise and a broad industrial experience. Capricorn Partners is managing the venture capital funds Capricorn Sustainable Chemistry Fund, Capricorn Digital Growth Fund, Capricorn ICT Arkiv, Capricorn Health‐tech Fund, Capricorn Cleantech Fund and Capricorn Fusion China Fund. In addition, it is the management company of Quest for Growth, quoted on Euronext Brussels, and the investment manager of Quest Cleantech Fund and Quest+, sub‐funds of Quest Management SICAV, registered in Luxembourg.
Website: www.capricorn.be
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capricornpartners
About Qbic
Qbic is an inter-university sector-agnostic seed and early-stage venture capital fund, supporting young innovative companies that valorize research from Qbic's knowledge partners. The fund typically participates in the first external investment round of a company and continues to support and invest in these companies throughout their growth. Across 3 funds, Qbic has over € 150M in AUM.
For Press Information, contact
Steven Leuridan
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.qbic.be
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qbic
1 For clarity, we refer to extended reality (XR) as umbrella term for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR) and smart eyewear glasses.
Revolutionary research into 3D sensors in robotics
Alumni work together with VUB on new technology
Two VUB alumni have reached a major milestone on their entrepreneurial path. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel, its Department of Electronics and Informatics (ETRO), VUB BruBotics and Brussels-based start-up VoxelSensors are jointly starting the research programme SPECTRE. VoxelSensors was founded by VUB alumni Ward van der Tempel and Johannes Peeters and entrepreneur Andre Miodezky. The aim of SPECTRE is to study 3D sensors in robotics and enable adoption of the technology in this field. The project is supported by Innoviris, the public organisation that funds research and innovation in the Brussels region.
Ward van der Tempel and Johannes Peeters' adventure with the VUB began more than 15 years ago. In 2004, Ward started his PhD on "Current-assisted sensor devices for 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) imaging", which he successfully completed in 2011.
Also in 2004, a research team was formed at ETRO to explore the potential of using CMOS imaging technology to produce 3D sensors. Years later, the team's research proved successful. New ToF technology (called CAPD) was invented and protected with a patent. After which, the first sensors, systems, cameras, and software were produced.
The students involved in this project, including Ward van der Tempel, took advantage of funding from the Brussels Capital Region, intended to support graduates and PhD students in setting up innovative companies. In 2009, for example, the spin-off company Optrima was founded, supported by the VUB's technology transfer office and based on the original intellectual property developed by the team during their research at the VUB. Andre Miodezky was then brought in as CEO.
In parallel with the research project, Johannes Peeters started his education at the VUB and obtained his Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 2010. As part of his curriculum, he took the entrepreneurship course at the VUB. Optrima became his case study in the process. He went on to investigate the market applicability of 3D ToF sensors. He did that research work to his full satisfaction: Johannes Peeters became Optrima's first employee. It was the beginning of a long-term friendship between Ward, Andre, and Johannes.
Establishment of VoxelSensors
The three founded VoxelSensors on 11 March 2020, a day before the first Covid closure. They chose Brussels as their headquarters to take advantage of its central location in Europe, support from the Brussels Capital Region, and proximity to the VUB to set up research projects.
For the next two years, the company deliberately operated under the radar. It used this time to further develop its Switching Pixels technology and make a breakthrough in the industry.
VoxelSensors' ambition is to revolutionise the 3D Perception market. Switching Pixels sensors can be used in a variety of applications: augmented and virtual reality (XR/VR/AR) for professional and consumer applications to blend the physical and virtual worlds; improving autonomous mobility with anti-collision and pathfinding for robotics, autonomous navigation vehicles; and optimising industrial automation enabling factory floors where humans and robots can safely work together
VoxelSensors steps up to the VUB
In 2021, VoxelSensors presented their prototype at the VUB, after which they entered into a first project with ETRO Prof Adrian Munteanu. In 2022, VoxelSensors engaged with the VUB in a research project with Prof. Adrian Munteanu and Prof. Bram Vanderborght. With the support of Innoviris, they will research software algorithms, validate Switching Pixels technology in robotics and create open-source software and application notes to facilitate industrial and academic adoption.
VoxelSensors Switching Pixels® review by Karl Guttag
Switching Pixels® review by Karl Guttag
Karl Guttag, a leading expert in the field of XR technology, reviewed the Switching Pixels® Active Event Sensor technology for XR 3D Perception at CES 2023. He gave it a positive review and deemed it a significant advancement in the field of XR technology.
Watch the video review.
Read Karl Guttag's review.
