Sixdof Space

Established in February 2017 with headquarters in Jerusalem, Israel, and Wilmington, DE, Sixdof Space is a deep-tech hardware company addressing the market's need for high-precision positional tracking. The company was co-founded by CEO Mark Goldfarb, an early technology pioneer with experience managing companies in the US and Israel; CTO Dr. Klony Lieberman, an expert in advanced optical imaging; and Daniel Greenspan, who has a background with leading hi-tech firms like Intel and Cisco. The founders' combined expertise in business management, optical systems, and electronics engineering underpins the company's core technology.

Sixdof Space has developed a patented optical tracking solution that provides centimeter-level accuracy for positioning and orientation, known as six degrees of freedom (6DOF). Initially developed for the Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) market to solve latency issues in head-tracking, the technology has demonstrated significant applicability in other sectors. The system operates without cameras, instead using proprietary optical sensors that detect infrared (IR) or visible light from simple beacons. This approach allows for rapid data compression at the optical level, turning a complex video processing problem into a more manageable data stream, which ensures high speed, low latency, and operational effectiveness in all lighting conditions, from direct sunlight to complete darkness. The system is also independent of GPS signals.

The company's business model is primarily B2B, offering its technology through products and licensing to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The technology can be embedded into existing hardware, providing a cost-effective solution for clients. Key markets include aerospace, defense, robotics, and logistics. For instance, the "Sixdof Falcon" product places a sensor on a drone that reads beacons on a landing pad, enabling precise autonomous landings on both stationary and moving targets. This capability is crucial for applications like drone delivery, drone-in-a-box solutions, and maintaining tight formations for drone swarms. The company is also active in paid proof-of-concept projects and pilots with defense contractors, automotive manufacturers, and headset makers. Sixdof Space has engaged with major entities like the U.S. Air Force for mid-air refueling projects and was selected for the MassRobotics Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst program to adapt its technology for medical and emergency response applications.

Financially, Sixdof Space has secured approximately $7.58 million in funding through a combination of angel investments, four funding rounds, and multiple grants from bodies like the Israel Innovation Authority. It has participated in accelerator programs including HTC Vive X, Samsung RUNWAY, and the Newlab Verizon 5G program, which have facilitated its entry into various industrial verticals.

Keywords: optical tracking, precision landing, 6DOF, robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace, defense, drone technology, AR/VR, sensor technology