Contactile, a deep tech startup giving robotics the subtlety of human-like touch, has scored $268,712 from the federal government under its Industry Growth Program
The matched funding will go towards the the commercialisation of its tactile sensor-enabled smart robotic gripper.
Contactile’s patented tactile sensor array has created a smart gripper measures 3D deflection, force, vibration, torque, incipient slip, and friction – sensory feedback that is essential for robotic dexterity. It allows robots to grasp unfamiliar objects safely and securely, adapting in real-time without the need for human programming or intervention, which is essential to solve rising labour costs and shortages globally in manual tasks.
While it’s one of several grants in the latest round, the government has yet to reveal the other recipients.
CEO and cofounder Heba Khamis said the grant is a recognition of their breakthrough innovation.
Contactille robotic gripper prototypes
“It empowers us to scale our technology into a commercial product that will plug directly into existing automation systems and solve real problems across industries like delicately handling ripe fruit in agriculture and food processing, or packing fragile electronics manufacturing, but also in warehousing, health, and even space,” she said.
“The full commercial launch of Contactile’s smart robotic gripper into international markets makes it the first plug-and-play tactile-enabled gripper of its kind globally and demonstrates technological maturity, regulatory readiness, and global market scalability—all key indicators of a high-impact, investment-ready innovation.”
The Sydney startup will use the funding to launch its smart gripper into the Australian, European, and US markets. They’re also using it to deliver international certifications, third-party software integrations with major robot platforms, and direct engagement with global automation providers.
“This is a huge leap forward not just for Contactile, but for Australia’s position in the global robotics supply chain,” said Dr Khamis.
“We’re proud to demonstrate that world-class automation innovation is being built right here.”
The federal Industry Growth Program aims to support innovative businesses with the capability to scale and compete globally.
Contactile is a UNSW Sydney spinout founded in mid-2019 by Khamis and Benjamin Xia, taking part in the CSIRO ON Accelerate 5 program in 2019 and the UNSW Founders 10x program in 2020.
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