Prof. Dr. Utku Buyuksahin, Sensobright Industries Founder and CEO: “Keep following SensobrightAi to discover how AI-powered tactile sensing is redefining the game: it is more than just a sensor upgrade; it’s the cornerstone of humanoid intelligence.”

Sensobright Industries was founded with a singular, transformative vision: to bring the human sense of touch to machines. Led by Founder and CEO Prof. Dr. Utku Buyuksahin, a former professor of advanced mechatronic systems, the company was born from a fundamental observation. While modern technology had given machines the power to see, hear, and even detect chemical compounds better than humans, the one essential human sense—touch—was still missing. This realization sparked a journey to close the final sensory gap in robotics and revolutionize how machines interact with the physical world, and it was crowned with too many awards and 165+ granted patents.

Touch is the very first way humans explore and understand their environment. It is central to how we make decisions and navigate the complexities of physical interaction. For robots to truly function in the real world with the grace, dexterity, and safety required for meaningful integration, they must be able to perceive and understand tactile information. That’s where Sensobright comes in. The company has developed the world’s first tactile sensing system that combines high-resolution, human-like touch with real-world practicality. The system functions across flexible surfaces, operates in extreme environments, and maintains high performance in compact form factors like robotic fingers and laparoscopic tools—something no other technology has accomplished.

But sensing alone isn’t enough. Recognizing that raw tactile data has limited value without interpretation, Sensobright built SensobrightAI—an intelligent system that translates tactile data into real-time, actionable insights. With this, robots can not only detect objects by touch, but also understand them. They can identify materials, determine grip pressure, select optimal contact points, and adjust how they handle items to avoid damage. This ability transforms robots from simple tools into autonomous agents capable of adapting to dynamic environments. SensobrightAI goes beyond object handling. It pairs with the company’s Pressure Sensing Surface (PSS) to help humanoid robots maintain balance and stability, adjusting to changing terrains and shifts in center of gravity. With the Robotic Safety System (RSS), it provides full-body awareness, enabling machines to detect and respond to nearby humans or obstacles without physical contact. This unlocks a new level of safety and fluidity in human-robot interactions.

The impact of Sensobright’s technology reaches far beyond robotics. In the healthcare space, it has been integrated into laparoscopic surgical tools to restore a surgeon’s sense of touch during minimally invasive procedures. SensobrightAI will help distinguish between healthy and cancerous tissue, detect internal bleeding, and alert surgeons in real time, potentially saving thousands of lives annually. Sensobright Industries is not just filling a gap in robotics—it is setting a new standard. With a portfolio that spans humanoid robotics, industrial automation, safety systems, and medical devices, the company is poised to reshape multiple industries. By bringing machines better to the sensory capabilities of humans, Sensobright is creating smarter, safer, and more capable technology that will define the next era of innovation.

In conversation with Prof. Dr. Utku Buyuksahin, Founder and CEO of Sensobright Industries

Sensobright’s patented “light-based tactile sensing” offers over 400 data points from a single sensor — how did you arrive at such a breakthrough architecture, and what were the key technical or theoretical challenges you had to overcome to achieve that level of sensitivity and resolution?

Our journey to developing this breakthrough architecture was driven by a commitment to meet and exceed industry standards across various sectors. Early in our development, after engaging with an automotive vendor, we recognized the necessity for our sensors to operate reliably within the stringent temperature ranges required for automotive applications. We swiftly adapted our technology to function seamlessly between -40°C to 90°C, achieving this milestone within a week.

Beyond hardware adaptations, we prioritized software compatibility to ensure seamless integration into diverse systems. Our team customized our software to align with multiple client requirements, ensuring compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, ROS, and different platforms like Android, RaspberryPi, and Nvidia Jetson or Xavier Series etc. Each customization not only met specific client needs but also enhanced the versatility and robustness of our sensors.

These efforts culminated in a tactile sensing system that delivers exceptional sensitivity and resolution. By leveraging light-based sensing, we’ve achieved a level of detail and responsiveness that surpasses traditional tactile sensors, enabling applications ranging from delicate robotic manipulation to precise medical diagnostics.

Our commitment to continuous improvement and adaptability has positioned Sensobright at the forefront of tactile sensing technology, ready to meet the evolving demands of industries worldwide.

Your technology is uniquely non-electrical at the sensing point, relying instead on light transmission — how has this innovation changed what’s possible in environments where electromagnetic interference or safety is a concern, such as medical robotics or hazardous automation?

With no electrical components at the end point, our sensors are inherently immune to magnetic interference, ensuring reliable performance in settings with electromagnetic fields, such as around cell-phones, EVs, industrial machinery, etc. This immunity not only enhances the precision of robotic operations but also mitigates risks associated with signal degradation or interference. In medical robotics, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries, the absence of electrical components at the end point is extremely important, as the sensor will enter a human body during the procedure. Additionally, because our sensors can be covered with any flexible material, we cover the sensor with a biocompatible material with our laparoscopic solution to ensure the material itself is safe.

Another benefit of the lack of electrical components at the end point is the fact that the sensor is immune to liquids. This enables the sensor to operate in humid, wet environments, and even underwater. In medical robotics, where environments are continuously exposed to liquids and bodily fluids like blood, saliva, etc. this feature ensures reliable performance. It also enables easy cleaning and sanitization, as the sensor can be cleaned without harming the underlying components.

Furthermore, our sensors maintain full functionality even when covered by protective gloves. This capability is crucial for robots operating in environments where direct contact with hazardous substances is unsafe. By enabling robots to “feel” through gloves, we ensure that tactile sensitivity is preserved without compromising safety protocols.

Overall, Sensobright’s innovation not only overcomes the limitations posed by magnetic interference, liquids, and hazardous materials, but also expands the horizons for deploying tactile sensing in applications where traditional tactile sensors with electronic components at the end point fall short.

As more companies invest in tactile sensing, how does Sensobright maintain its competitive edge in terms of both performance and real-world applications?

Sensobright continues to lead the tactile sensing revolution by fusing advanced AI with unmatched technical performance, broad real-world applicability, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. With over 165 patents granted worldwide, our core technologies are not only protected—they’re defining a new frontier in machine perception. Unlike conventional systems bound by mechanical limitations, Sensobright’s architecture unlocks possibilities our competitors simply cannot match. Now, with the power of SensobrightAI, we’re going even further—transforming raw sensory data into intelligent insights. From recognizing individual objects purely through touch to enabling machines to make autonomous, tactile-informed decisions, we are not just closing the sensory gap—we’re redefining what it means for machines to understand the physical world.

You’ve spoken about simulating a ‘sense of touch’ in machines. Where are you seeing the most transformative real-world impact today — whether in prosthetics, telepresence, or other industries?

The most transformative real-world impact we’re seeing today is in robotics, particularly through the integration of our fingertip sensors in robotic hands and grippers now powered by SensobrightAI. These aren’t just sensors—they’re intelligent systems that enable robots to feel, recognize, and interact with the physical world through touch. Robots equipped with our technology can now identify individual objects, determine optimal grip force, and make autonomous decisions in real time. This has accelerated adoption across industries, especially in logistics, manufacturing, and next-gen humanoid platforms.

Beyond manipulation, we’re redefining how robots move and stay safe. Our Robotic Safety Sensing (RSS) system provides true 360° proximity sensing—no blind spots—enabling robots to sense humans and obstacles with zero contact. Our Pressure Sensing Surface (PSS) helps humanoids maintain balance and adjust dynamically to shifts in terrain, weight, or center of gravity. Powered by SensobrightAI, these systems don’t just collect data—they understand it. And as we move toward a future where humanoid robots may soon outnumber humans, we’re seeing rapid market acceleration. What once felt like a distant frontier is now a booming sector—and Sensobright is at the center of it.

Where do you see the company five years from now — both in terms of products and impact?

In five years, we believe Sensobright as the de facto tactile sensor for all automated and AI driven products and peripherals. We see our technologies positioning us not just as a leader in tactile sensing—but as the backbone of intelligent interaction across robotics, MedTech, and beyond. We will continue to innovate, refine, and release new solutions that define the future of machine perception. Our technology will remain at the core of the most advanced humanoid robots, powering critical sensing capabilities that enable safe, intelligent, and autonomous behavior.

We believe the trajectory we’re on could lead to over a billion dollars in annual revenue in a relatively short amount of time. But more importantly, we see our products improving the lives of millions—from SensobrightAI-powered object identification that transforms automation across industries, to life-saving medical innovations like our laparoscopic surgery system, enabling Laparoscopic tools to detect internal bleeding or cancerous tissues through touch. At its heart, Sensobright’s impact will be measured not just in revenue, but in the real-world outcomes we enable.

Looking back at your journey with Sensobright — from your earliest prototypes to now being recognized globally — what’s one moment that still feels surreal to you, and why?

It’s not just one moment—it’s a collection of them. What continues to feel surreal, even now, is when some of the largest and most influential technology companies in the world approach us about integrating our technology. We’re collaborating with leaders across robotics, MedTech, automotive, aviation, and consumer electronics, and that never stops being a “wow” moment.

It’s an incredible feeling—one that comes with a deep sense of responsibility. These companies are shaping the future, and the fact that they trust Sensobright to power core sensing capabilities in their most advanced systems is something we take seriously. It’s a big reason why we push ourselves to raise the bar every single day.

Outside of your role as a founder and innovator, what do you consider core to your identity — either personally or professionally — that drives your leadership at Sensobright?

Outside of my role as a founder and innovator, I’m a musician at heart. I’ve played guitar for most of my life besides 14 different instruments, and music has always given me a sense of focus, creativity, and emotional depth that I bring into everything I do—including leading Sensobright. I’ve been on the stage hundreds of times. There, you have to improvise real time without ruining the harmony while the notes are flowing. Your band trusts you and you have to fulfill this trust just like your team at the company. You don’t have time to think, you need to feel what will be the next perfect fit. As an inventor by nature, I’ve always been drawn to solving hard problems and imaging solutions that others might not see yet.

Equally important is my connection to the community. I believe deeply in supporting the next generation of innovators and builders, and I stay actively involved in mentoring and sharing what I’ve learned. Whether through music, academics, invention, or outreach, I try to lead with curiosity, empathy, and the belief that great ideas can be solved by anyone, anywhere if you put your mind to it.

Meet the leader behind the success of Sensobright Industries

Prof. Dr. Utku Buyuksahin, Founder and CEO

Prof. Dr. Utku Buyuksahin received the B.S. and Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering. He received another B.S. degree in business administration. He holds academic titles in different fields: assistant and associate professorship over mechatronics and full professorship over avionics.His studies are mainly focused on robotics, sensors, image processing, neuromodulation, and MedTech.

Buyuksahin holds over 200 international patents including USA, EPO and Japan, three regions with highly prestigious patent systems. He has been featured widely in many prestigious scientific journals, TV news, and newspaper articles, and has been invited for talks at many American, European and Asian conferences.

In 2019, he has been selected as one of the top 25 scientists across the globe by Falling Walls Foundation, which has President of Nobel Foundation among its board members. In addition, he has received many awards such as “Innovator of the Month”, “Star of the Innovation” etc. He was selected as one of the “The 10 Smartest Personalities in the Robotics Industry, 2023″, “World’s Top 10 Technology Executives to Watch in 2023” lists and appeared on the cover of many prestigious technology and business magazines.

He gave over 200 concerts as the lead guitarist of his band and has over 100 compositions (with all the instruments are played and mixed by him) some of which are used in advertorials for radios and televisions.

“Beyond manipulation, we’re redefining how robots move and stay safe. Our Robotic Safety Sensing (RSS) system provides true 360° proximity sensing—no blind spots—enabling robots to sense humans and obstacles with zero contact.”