As manufacturers face growing pressure to move away from touchscreen interfaces, Uniphy, a UK-based company, offers an alternative. Its technology provides drivers with a safer way to interact with vehicle controls while offering manufacturers a cost-effective, hygienic, and recyclable alternative to traditional buttons and touchscreens.
Jim Nicholas, CEO of Uniphy, said: “As humans, we spend much of our lives interacting with machines – on our mobiles, in our cars or our homes – but the limitations of current controls can make it a frustrating experience. Uniphy’s technology offers designers the freedom to create new, more intuitive interfaces and transform the way we engage with machines.”
Today, Uniphy has raised £3 million from existing backers Mercia Ventures through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) and Mercia’s own funds, which will help Uniphy develop an integrated chip and miniaturise its technology for broader mobile and industrial applications.
Having already completed successful trials with Hyundai and Grupo Antolin, Uniphy aims to develop an integrated chip and refine the technology for broader applications, including mobile devices.
Transforming everyday interactions across vehicles
The company was founded in 2015 by microelectronics specialists David Lomas and David Dearn to overcome the limitations of existing human-machine interfaces, which often disrupt natural interactions and cause frustration. The duo envisioned a platform that would free designers from the constraints of flat or mechanical controls, allowing them to create intuitive, tactile surfaces that enhance user experience across industries.
Uniphy’s technology rotates over an optical approach, enabling richer input methods, including pressure sensitivity, sliders, dials, and gesture recognition, all integrated into curved 3D surfaces made from standard plastics or glass. Plus, the system supports haptic and voice feedback and maintains functionality in wet conditions, making it optimal for cars, marine cockpits, and household appliances while also aligning with manufacturer priorities such as durability, sustainability, and compatibility with extended warranty coverage.
Competitors, such as Synaptics, Cypress Semiconductor, and Tactus Technology, typically rely on flat touchscreens or mechanical buttons, which can be less ergonomic, less safe for drivers, and more expensive or complicated to produce. Uniphy’s solution is not only more adaptable and user-friendly but also cost-efficient and environmentally conscious, thanks to compatibility with existing manufacturing lines and recyclability.
What’s next?
Looking forward, Uniphy plans to use the new funding to create its own integrated chip to reduce size and cost, enabling mass production. The miniaturisation of the technology will open doors to mobile and smaller consumer electronics markets, expanding beyond automotive and domestic appliances.
David Baker of Mercia Ventures added, “From cars to consumer electronics and industrial machines, manufacturers are seeking ways to enhance user experience and differentiate themselves. Uniphy’s disruptive technology could be a game-changer. Having spotted its potential at an early stage, we are pleased to continue supporting the company as it prepares for mass production.”
