Propel-AIR 2.0 has a winner!
Australia’s leading AI and robotics sprint has crowned Sydney-based tactile sensing company Contactile as this year’s winner.
Founded out of UNSW Sydney in 2019, Contactile is developing bio-inspired tactile sensors and grippers that enable robots to measure force, slip, and friction. The sensors create a human sense of touch, allowing reliable handling of delicate or variable objects without damage.
Following 2025’s winner NexoBot, Contactile will undertake a month-long residency at MassRobotics, the heart of global robotics innovation in Boston.
“The market timing for tactile intelligence has never been better. As Physical AI moves from demonstration to deployment, robots need a reliable sense of touch, and Contactile is perfectly positioned to deliver it,” said Dr Heba Khamis, Founder & CEO of Contactile.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to connect with the Boston robotics ecosystem and build relationships with some of the most exciting companies developing in the Physical AI space.”
Melbourne-based SpatioTemporal were named runner-up for their intent-aware motion intelligence layer for Physical AI, with founder Andrew Ballard showing a standout performance across the sprint.
Building stronger global relationships
Following this milestone, ARM Hub and MassRobotics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise closer collaboration between Brisbane and Boston.
Contactile's residency will be the first initiative delivered under the agreement.
“As this year’s winner, Contactile will embed in one of the world's densest robotics ecosystems. It is the right technology at the right time, and Boston is the right place to prove it,” said Prof Cori Stewart FTSE, founder & CEO of ARM Hub.
Propel-AIR takes Australian robotics and AI companies from strong local prospects to internationally investable businesses. The partnership with MassRobotics extends that ambition, providing a direct pathway into one of the world's leading robotics ecosystems.
Stay tuned as we follow Contactile’s journey and continue working with this incredible cohort as they scale their impact.