Sensel
ActiveOverview
Sensel is an electronics company that develops pressure-sensitive touch input technologies combining touch, force, and haptics for computing interfaces. It produces the Morph, a multi-use input device used as a MIDI controller and other creative tools, and licenses its sensor technology for trackpads, displays, mobile devices, and automotive applications. The company gained recognition through crowdfunding and partnerships, including integration into Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga laptop.123
History
Sensel was founded in 2013 by former Amazon Lab126 engineers Ilya Rosenberg (CEO) and Aaron Zarraga (CTO) in Sunnyvale, California, after they invented a new force sensor manufacturable like a printed circuit board. The company launched its first product, the Morph, via a 2015 Kickstarter campaign that raised $442,648, with shipments starting in 2017. Key milestones include the 2019 Buchla Thunder Overlay partnership, awards like Best MIDI Controller at NAMM 2019, and 2021 integration of its touch technology into Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga.123
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Morph Controller | Pressure-sensitive multi-overlay input device | $200 - $400 |
| Morph Overlays (e.g., Buchla Thunder) | Interchangeable skins for specialized creative applications | $50 - $150 |
| Touchpad Technology | Force-sensing modules for OEM laptops and devices | N/A (B2B licensing) |
Manufacturing
Sensel's force sensors are manufactured using printed circuit board processes, enabling scalable production. Products like the Morph are assembled for direct consumer and enterprise sales, with technology licensed to partners such as Lenovo. Specific locations beyond US headquarters are not detailed in available sources.1
Notable Products
- Morph - Pressure-sensitive input device with interchangeable overlays for drawing, music, and gaming.
- Buchla Thunder Overlay - Morph overlay developed with Buchla U.S.A. for synthesizer and MIDI control.
- Touchpad Demo Kit - Kit showcasing touch, force, and haptic technologies for developers.
- ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga Touchpad - First commercial OEM product using Sensel's force-sensing touchpad technology.
Reputation
Sensel is praised by musicians and creators for the Morph's versatility as a MIDI controller, earning awards like Best in Show at SXSW 2017 and Best MIDI Controller at NAMM 2019. Professionals value its innovative force-sensing tech in enterprise applications like Lenovo laptops. Some users note delays in early product shipping from Kickstarter, but it maintains a strong niche following in touch innovation.123