In just ten years, Ontech has made a name for itself in the sensor market with its new technology based on controlled electromagnetic fields (CEMF), thanks to several innovations that have won awards at major international forums.
Ontech was founded in 2012 to bring to market a new sensor technology based on controlled electromagnetic fields (CEMF), developed by industrial engineer Juan Aponte, its founder, who believed in the idea from the beginning. The proposal consisted of generating a CEMF field and measuring and characterising the distortions that occur in real time. Thanks to the resolution they were able to give to this sensor, Ontech’s technology makes it possible to differentiate between human beings, animals, and various objects.
The initial project consisted of a new alarm concept with disruptive technology that added new functionalities. Over the years, this technology, patented globally by Ontech, has evolved into countless applications across various sectors, such as IoT, Mixed Reality, Automotive, Industrial, Security, and Defence. Its capacity for innovation has made it a success in some of the most important technology forums in the world, such as CES (Las Vegas), ISC West (Las Vegas), and IFSEC (London), where several of its CEMF-based developments have won innovation awards. “CES helped Ontech see that it had a technology that was not only disruptive and novel but also very versatile and multi-sectoral,” recalls Aponte.
Pursuit of Excellence
Since its founding, Ontech has placed its human team at the centre of the project, making this achievement possible from scratch. The original team of eight engineers has grown to over fifty employees, working from offices in Seville, Stockholm, San Francisco, and Singapore. They focus on chip design, electronic design, algorithms, prototype manufacturing, and custom innovation projects based on CEMF technology.
Ontech is open to collaborations with medium and large companies to develop prototypes and specific solutions using CEMF technology.
Although approximately 70% of its investments are in R&D, the key to success, according to Aponte, has been growing the company “with the idea that we are all part of Ontech, and as such, we must take care of it.” This philosophy translates into work flexibility, constant support, and professional and personal growth, enhancing each team member’s strengths and minimising their weaknesses. This has created an optimal environment for innovation and achieving set goals. However, this does not reduce the demands placed on staff, as Aponte highlights motivation and knowledge in the pursuit of excellence.
Revolutionary Features
Sensor technology based on different physical principles has been used in the industry for years. What sets Ontech’s developments apart from competitors are a series of revolutionary features for short- and medium-range applications (from zero to four metres) and the potential to implement new products and functionalities in numerous use cases. One clear advantage is the increased resolution—approximately ten times greater than the best current sensors. Additionally, power consumption is reduced by around 75% compared to high- and mid-range sensors on the market. Response speed is up to five times faster than high-end sensors, while processing capacity is 75% greater.
These disruptive characteristics have attracted large industrial and technological groups, who are among Ontech’s clients. Ontech is also open to new collaborations for developing specific solutions using CEMF technology. “Our business model is based on licensing CEMF technology by verticals or applications,” explains Aponte, who describes the market as international, “focused on large multinational technology companies, though we are working toward significant growth in Spain in the coming years.”
Multiple Applications
Today, Ontech applies its technology to mixed-reality devices, as well as IoT and smart city solutions, such as contactless keypads for commercial and industrial switches, contactless traffic control equipment, smart plugs, and smart countertops. Its sensors are also used for perimeter security and home security, ensuring homes are safe even with windows open. Additionally, the sensors play a role in securing critical facilities’ perimeters.
In the transport and automotive sectors, the sensors detect when a person is seated in vehicles like cars or trains. In defence, they can identify dangerous objects in real time, such as mines or plastic explosives. In tools and robotics, safety devices using CEMF technology facilitate the automatic shutdown of equipment, improving efficiency and productivity in large industrial assembly lines by ensuring safe human-robot interaction.
Reducing Energy Consumption
Alongside its innovative drive, Ontech is deeply committed to sustainability. As Aponte explains, “Reducing the energy consumption of our technology is always a priority in our designs; in fact, we are leaders in this capacity compared to our competitors.” Customers appreciate that Ontech’s technology not only minimises environmental impact but also helps partners significantly reduce parts and waste by eliminating many moving components in their products. For instance, one prototype measures water quality by detecting alterations such as dirt, suspended particles, and foam produced by soaps.
To support its innovative mission, an international investment group acquired Ontech in 2021, propelling the company onto the global stage and positioning it as a leader in short- and medium-range sensor technology integrated into its custom-designed chips. Ontech now operates offices in Stockholm, San Francisco, London, and Singapore, which will serve as springboards for its medium- and long-term goal of becoming a global benchmark in sensor technology.
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