Advantech and UltraSense Systems: Fueling Innovation at the Edge

ARK Edge Computers and CapForce® Edge HMI Technology Together Enable Smarter, Solid-State Interfaces

TAIPEI, Taiwan and SAN JOSE, Calif., July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Advantech's ARK Edge Computers, dedicated to empowering edge computing performance in motion controller applications, are taking a bold step forward through a strategic collaboration with UltraSense Systems. This partnership combines Advantech's rugged ARK platforms with UltraSense's cutting-edge CapForce® Edge HMI technology, opening the door to more resilient and intelligent future solutions.

Solid-State Innovation Meets Industrial Strength
The integration of CapForce® Edge—a fully integrated controller that combines capacitive and force sensing—into Advantech's ARK Edge computers brings enhanced durability and innovation to edge computing applications. Almost any mechanical button can be replaced with UltraSense Solid-State Interface modules, which come pre-calibrated for plug-and-play integration. UltraSense SmartSurfaces deliver high accuracy—even when used with gloves—across all material types.

Smart Interfaces for Smarter Machines
"We're excited to incorporate UltraSense's breakthrough HMI controller into our ARK platforms," said Joey Hsu, Director, Advantech Embedded Group. "This collaboration allows us to deliver more secure and robust human-machine interfaces for applications requiring high reliability and low operating malfunction, such as motion control, robotics, and outdoor industrial automation."

Precision Touch, Anywhere, Paving the Way for Rugged HMI Applications
CapForce® Edge offers unmatched performance in detecting both touch and force across surfaces like metal, plastic, or glass. Its compact form factor, low power consumption, and programmability make it ideal for use in rugged edge devices where longevity and responsiveness are critical.

"Partnering with Advantech—especially on their ARK Edge Computers—is a significant milestone for UltraSense," said Hao-Yen Tang, PhD—CTO and Co-Founder of UltraSense Systems. "Together, we're enabling modern industrial interfaces that combine reliability, functionality, and sleek design."

Target Applications with Real-World Impact
This integration is expected to significantly benefit a wide range of embedded applications. In industrial systems, it enables compact and sealed HMIs capable of withstanding harsh factory environments. For motion controllers, it supports intuitive and secure user interfaces that simplify complex automation workflows and help reduce human error. In outdoor and vehicle-mounted terminals, it provides interfaces that remain reliable under challenging conditions such as moisture, dust, and vibration.

Keep pace with the latest ARK product releases by visiting ARK: Unleashing Potential at the Edge - Advantech.

About Advantech
Advantech's corporate vision is to enable an intelligent planet. The company is a global leader in the fields of IoT intelligent systems and embedded platforms. To embrace the trends of IoT, big data, and artificial intelligence, Advantech promotes IoT hardware and software solutions with the Edge Intelligence WISE-PaaS core to assist business partners and clients in connecting their industrial chains. Advantech is also working with business partners to co-create business ecosystems that accelerate the goal of industrial intelligence. (www.advantech.com)

About Embedded-IoT Group
As a leader in the embedded market, Advantech Embedded-IoT group delivers a wide range of embedded design-in services and develops a series of integrated IoT solutions and services to minimize uncertainty and risk for customers approaching the IoT market. Advantech Integrated IoT Solutions include everything from sensor nodes, to gateways, to WISE-PaaS IoT software and much more. (Embedded-IoT.advantech.com)

About UltraSense Systems
UltraSense Systems are transforming the human-machine interface with industry-first HMI controllers that combine touch, force, and feedback into a single silicon chip. The CapForce® product family enables sleek, solid-state interfaces on virtually any surface, eliminating mechanical buttons and enabling design innovation in automotive, consumer, and industrial markets. Learn more at www.ultrasensesys.com.

Media Contact: Nicole Conley, [email protected] 

SOURCE UltraSense