PPS Company | About Pressure Profile Systems

At PPS, we pride ourselves on being pioneers in tactile sensing technology. With over 25 years of expertise, our diverse and accomplished engineering team specialises in solving complex problems with innovative, high-precision solutions. By integrating our cutting-edge sensors into your research, design, and development processes, we empower you with deeper insights and actionable data - helping you create better products, streamline processes, and achieve exceptional project outcomes.

Our reach is global, having partnered with more than 50 organisations ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies across four continents. Our project portfolio spans diverse industries, including robotics, medical devices, body pressure mapping, wearable technology, and training simulations - and beyond. Whether you're pushing the boundaries of innovation or enhancing everyday tools, you can count on us to deliver unparalleled knowledge, precision, and quality at every step.

Why Choose PPS?

Our Expertise

Industry-Leading Sensor Technology: We offer unique, patented tactile sensors with unmatched design flexibility, sensitivity, and repeatability, designed to adapt to the most demanding applications.
Customised Solutions: Our skilled engineering team excels in tailoring sensor designs, integrating hardware and software, and adapting to your specific needs - no matter the complexity.
Regulatory Experience: With deep knowledge of US and international regulatory standards (FDA, CE, UL, CSA, CMDCAS, CGMP), we ensure your projects meet compliance requirements with confidence.

Our Achievements

Innovation with Impact: Our portfolio includes 11 issued patents and 5 pending patents in the U.S. and globally, securing our position as leaders in tactile sensing technology.
Global Reach, Local Support: From the United States to Europe and Asia, our solutions have empowered innovators across industries to unlock the potential of tactile sensing in their products.

Our Values

Precision and Quality: Every product we design reflects our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and scientific accuracy.
Collaboration and Innovation: We work hand-in-hand with our clients to turn challenges into opportunities, delivering results that go beyond expectations.

By partnering with PPS, you're not just investing in tactile sensing technology - you're gaining a trusted partner dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Let us help you transform your ideas into groundbreaking innovations.

Meet The Team

DR. GORDON DOBIE, PPS UK Director

Dr. Dobie leads the Research and Development team and oversees European operations from PPS’s UK office in Glasgow. With a PhD in robotics and signal processing from the University of Strathclyde, he has extensive expertise in tactile sensing, automation, ultrasonic systems, and non-destructive evaluation (NDE). His work focuses on solving complex challenges through innovative sensor technologies and their practical application across diverse industries.

As a recipient of the prestigious Royal Society of Edinburgh Enterprise Fellowship, Dr. Dobie gained significant experience in the commercialization of novel technologies, which has become a cornerstone of his career. He has successfully led multipartner R&D projects in robotics, medical devices, and wearable technology, ensuring that cutting-edge solutions meet both technical and market demands.

Dr. Dobie also directs a joint research program between PPS and the University of Strathclyde, advancing tactile sensing technologies for applications in robotics, healthcare, and performance gear. His academic contributions include an extensive portfolio of published research papers and patents, reflecting his commitment to innovation.

His expertise in sensor design, signal processing, and technology commercialization ensures PPS delivers high-precision solutions, maintaining its position as a global leader in tactile sensing.

DR. CHARLES MACLEOD, Head of Sales & Business Relations

Dr. Charles MacLeod leads Sales and Business Development for PPS, serving as the company’s primary sales expert and a trusted partner to clients worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies. With an MEng and PhD from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Dr. MacLeod combines extensive technical expertise in sensing, robotics, and electronics with exceptional commercial acumen to drive PPS’s growth on a global scale.

Throughout his career, Dr. MacLeod has spearheaded numerous high-profile projects across the Technology Readiness Levels, translating advanced research into practical, industry-ready solutions. His experience in bridging technical innovation with real-world application makes him a key contributor to PPS’s success in delivering tailored tactile sensing technologies for industries such as robotics, manufacturing, and medical devices.

As the global sales lead, Dr. MacLeod is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with PPS’s diverse client base. His customer-focused approach ensures PPS continues to meet the evolving needs of top-tier organizations, delivering innovative and reliable solutions that address their most complex challenges.

With his unique blend of technical expertise and strategic sales leadership, Dr. MacLeod plays a critical role in strengthening PPS’s position as a global leader in tactile sensing technology.

DR. JAE SON, Founder and Sensor Advisor

Dr. Jae Son has pioneered advancements in tactile sensing technology through academic research and entrepreneurial innovation. After earning his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1996, where he focused on enhancing robotic dexterity via tactile sensing, Dr. Son founded Pressure Profile Systems (PPS) in 1996. Under his leadership, PPS has become a global leader in capacitive tactile sensing, delivering advanced solutions for industries including medical devices, robotics, consumer electronics, and wearables.

Dr. Son spearheaded the development of groundbreaking medical devices, including the ManoScan system, a catheter with 36 sensors that provides high-resolution esophageal function data, revolutionising diagnostics. Now sold by Medtronic, this innovation has transformed patient care. He also developed the SureTouch (Bexa) Breast Exam, a non-invasive, radiation-free device that uses tactile sensing to detect breast lesions, offering safer and more effective breast exams for women, particularly younger patients.

As Founder & Sensor Advisor of PPS, Dr. Son continues to lead innovation, helping Fortune 500 companies and global brands create wearable devices, robotic systems, and other products that improve precision and user experience. His passion for translating tactile sensing technologies into impactful solutions drives PPS’s mission to deliver world-class sensing systems that empower industries to achieve greater accuracy and functionality.

HISTORY - PPS Company Timeline

2024
Robotact Sensor Launch: PPS debuts Robotact, a turnkey sensor solution for robotic grippers to enhance manipulation and gripping precision.
Growth in Academic Collaborations: PPS deepens its ties with universities and research institutions, supplying sensors for cutting-edge research in robotics, biomechanics, and haptics.
Technical Milestone: Integration of accelerometers into tactile sensor arrays, adding an extra dimension to sensor data collection and analysis.
2023
Focus on Sustainability: PPS begins exploring sustainable materials for sensor manufacturing to align with global environmental goals.
Expansion into New Markets: Development of sensors tailored for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) systems, enabling better user interaction through tactile feedback.
2020
TactileHead and TactileGloves Launch: PPS releases TactileHead (head-mounted sensors for wearables) and TactileGloves (sensor-embedded gloves for ergonomics, health & safety, and virtual reality).
COVID-19 Impact: PPS sensors are employed in healthcare settings to study pressure-related injuries and improve ergonomic designs for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
2019
Red Bull Collaboration for Elite Sports: PPS partners with Red Bull's High Performance team to develop custom foot pressure mapping insoles for elite surfers. These insoles revolutionize training methodologies and surfboard design.
2018
Spray Pattern Sensor Developed: PPS introduces a spray pattern sensor for fluid dynamics research, enabling precise measurement and analysis of spray distribution.
2017
Stretchable TactArray Technology Released: PPS pioneers stretchable tactile sensor arrays for applications in wearables and soft robotics, opening new markets in clothing and textile technology.
Wrist-Aid Launch: PPS introduces Wrist-Aid, a non-invasive device to alleviate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Wins multiple awards and demonstrates clinical impact.
2015
PPS Expands into Europe: PPS UK is founded in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, creating a new R&D centre to develop exciting new pressure sensing technologies.
2013
Launch of SingleTact: PPS introduces SingleTact, a compact and highly sensitive capacitive pressure sensor for research and industrial applications. SingleTact becomes a staple product for precision sensing.
2010
AeroStrip Sensor Launch: PPS introduces AeroStrip for aerodynamic research and industrial applications.
GoSmart, Inc. Founded: Dr. Jae Son establishes GoSmart to develop consumer products like the SleepSmart Pillow.
2009
SSI Acquired for $35M: Given Imaging acquires Sierra Scientific Instruments for $35 million.
2008
Spun-Off Consumer Electronics Company: PPS founds Impress, Inc., which develops 3D Tactile Input technology based on internal measurement principles. Impress' ultra-thin tactile sensors seamlessly integrate into displays or touch surfaces, expanding touch-based interface capabilities.
Embedded Tactile Sensors: PPS sensor technology begins being embedded into several products to provide a "sense of touch":
                        eSoles uses PPS technology to design the world’s most advanced 3D foot scanning kiosk.
LG Mobile integrates PPS sensors into the BL-20 phone, producing over 1M units.
BarrettHands robotic grippers incorporate PPS sensors for advanced manipulation.
jWatch, a health watch embedded with PPS pulse sensor technology, is launched.

                    
2002-2005
Spun-Off Two Medical Device Companies: PPS spins off two companies:
                        Sierra Scientific Instruments (SSI): Develops the Manoscan system for evaluating esophageal function.
Medical Tactile, Inc. (MTI): Creates the FDA-cleared SureTouch Breast Exam, a non-invasive, radiation-free mass detection system that amplifies and visualizes masses as small as 5mm. SureTouch is now marketed as Bexa, a revolutionary breast examination device aimed at early detection and preventative care.

                    
Commercial Technology Development: PPS begins applying its sensor technology to various products and applications, including medical devices, robotics, ergonomics, automotive applications, and consumer products, providing the "sense of touch" in development tools and final products.
                     
1999-2002
Applied Research & Development: PPS expands its technology capabilities through collaborations with innovative organisations:
                        NASA: Developments for space exploration applications, focusing on tactile sensing for precision tasks in zero-gravity environments.
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology): Research collaboration to advance robotics and tactile feedback systems for precision engineering applications.
Schick-Wilkinson Sword: Enhanced software capabilities, faster scan rates, and new sensor material capabilities for consumer products.

                    
1996-1999
Core Technology Development: Foundational PPS technology is developed through government grants:
                        Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA): Focused on military applications of tactile sensing.
Army Research Lab: Development of ruggedized sensors for defense applications.
National Institute of Health (NIH): Support for medical applications of tactile sensing.

                    
University and industry collaborations result in discrete tactile sensing pad innovations.
1996
PPS Founded: Pressure Profile Systems (PPS) is established by Dr. Jae Son to leverage and enhance capacitive tactile sensing technology.


        