Geomagic has acquired the three-dimensional design and haptics businesses of Sensable Technology. Geomagic provides three-dimensional software for creating, inspecting and capturing digital models of physical objects.
Sensable Technology develops volumetric CAD/CAM solutions and has invented Phantom force-feedback haptic devices. These devices have the capability to simulate physical touch sensation.
The CEO of Geomagic, Ping Fu, states that the company captures data from real people and the real world. This acquisition adds the sensation of touch, which improves the experience of design. The Sensable solutions extend the scan data through modeling and enhancement. The scanned model will enable Sensable customers to rapidly start designing and sculpt a three-dimensional model. Geomagic software allows exchange of the finished designs into CAD surfaces.
Sensable provides voxel-based three-dimensional design software for sculpting “virtual clay.” Software from Geomagic produces digital models from physical parts for applications in engineering and design workflows. Medical research customers form a significant part of the Sensable haptics users.
Sensable’s Phantom haptic input devices will receive support from Geomagic. The Boston area employees and operations of Sensable will be retained by the company. Geomagic will improve Sensable’s Freeform manufacturing and design solutions. The developer’s API for haptics research will also be improved.
Geomagic has also acquired Sensable’s patent portfolio for voxel-based modeling and haptic device applications and design. Geomagic has not acquired Sensable’s dental products.