BeBop Sensors have become known as one of the leading companies working in the area of smart fabric sensors, such as with the Forte Data Glove, a device which provides a more intuitive and immersive way to control virtual reality (VR) experiences. The company has now announced it has closed a successful Series A funding round.
BeBop Sensors has received a $10 million (USD) funding injection in a funding round led by Bullpen Capital. The new funds will be used to accelerate product development and improve its market reach.
The Forte Glove was being demonstrated at CES 2018, where a prototype of the device was there to showcase the flexible bend sensors in the data glove, as well as haptics that provide sensory feedback.
“We believe BeBop to have fundamental technology that will be as important to AI and humans as cameras and microphones. Computers need to feel people, and fabric is already deployed in clothing, furniture and interiors. People are comfortable with it. The perfect place for physical sensors,” said Eric Wiesen, Managing Partner, Bullpen Capital.
“We see the market for sensors in wearables including gloves for VR, automotive and gaming applications to grow rapidly, reaching $5B by 2027,” said Raghu Das, CEO of IDTechEx, independent market research firm for emerging technologies. “This market is also transitioning from rigid sensors such as FSRs to fabric-like, flexible, stretchable sensors. BeBop Sensors is uniquely positioned to take advantage of this transition and rapid growth in the market.”
“Flexible fabric sensors have emerged as one of the most sought-after sensors in markets that affect consumers every day, including automotive, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), wearables, health, sports, and remote sensing,” said Keith McMillen, Founder & CEO, BeBop Sensors in Sensors Magazine. “I am pleased to have Bullpen Capital with proven tech vision backing BeBop. When you are first in on a major tech innovation, it takes partners that can share that vision to succeed,” concluded McMillen.
Further news on developments regarding haptic data gloves for VR and AR will be reported here on VRFocus.