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This section provides an overview for touch sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 12 touch sensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked touch sensor companies as of March, 2026: 1.Global Detection Systems Corp., 2.Nissha Co., Ltd., 3.Lika Electronic Srl.
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Categories Related to Touch Sensors
Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University (Master of Science)
As a display engineer, engaged in Seiko Epson Corporation, Sony Corporation, Japan Display Corporation, etc.
https://researchmap.jp/tanakachihiro
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chihiro-tanaka/
A touch sensor is a sensor that can detect human touch or approach.
Touch sensors are placed on a transparent film substrate and can be operated by switching or selecting a circuit, such as on/off, when touched by a person.
Since touch sensors do not require strong force to operate and are activated by a light touch, they are used in light fixture switches, automatic doors, elevators, etc.
Touch sensors are used in the same principle as touch panels, which are used in cell phones, PC devices, in-vehicle panels, etc.
Since touch sensors are activated by light force, they are often used as switches for automatic doors and lighting fixtures.
Recently, touch sensors are also used in screens of microwave ovens, refrigerators, and coffee servers in convenience stores.
In industrial applications, touch sensors are used as emergency stop buttons on various machines, security sensors, and seating sensors to confirm whether the user is seated.
Touch panels include cell phones, tablet PC devices, in-vehicle panels, game consoles, and business terminals.
Most touch sensors utilize transparent electrodes made of transparent conductive polymers on a glass substrate.
There is also a type of touch sensor called a transparent sheet touch sensor. There are also two main types of touch sensors: capacitive and resistive.
Since humans are conductors, bringing a hand close to a sensor causes a change in the electrostatic capacitance of the metal plate of the sensor.
The sensor is activated by the change in capacitance of the electrostatic charge, but it may not respond when gloves are worn.
Capacitive sensors are more responsive than resistive sensors, and capacitive sensors are the most common type of sensor used in smartphones these days.
Generally, the capacitive method can be operated with less force than the resistive method and can support two or more touches (multi-touch) at the same time, so the capacitive method is the mainstream in recent smartphones. The figure below shows the main structure of the capacitive method.
Capacitive type configuration of touch sensor
First, the self-capacitance type calculates touch coordinates using the principle that capacitance increases when a finger approaches the sensor electrode.
Next, the mutual capacitance type calculates touch coordinates using the mechanism that if an electric field is formed in advance between the electrode on the transmitter side (transmitter side) and the electrode on the receiver side (receiver side), when a finger approaches the electrode, part of the electric field is directed toward the finger and the capacitance detected at the receiver electrode is reduced.
When pressure is applied from above the membrane, the upper and lower membranes make contact and energize to act as a sensor. There are two main types: digital and analog.
One advantage is that detection circuits are easy to design. In addition, it can be operated with gloves on and can be operated not only directly by hand but also with a pen, but on the other hand, it requires more firm pressure than the capacitance method.
One of the main applications is car navigation systems.
Here we introduce the film-type touch sensor.
While most touch sensors generally employ transparent electrodes on a glass substrate, there are also touch sensors that use transparent film substrates.
As a feature, film-type touch sensors are thinner and lighter than the commonly used glass sensors. Also, there is no risk of them breaking even if dropped. It also offers transparency, which is a feature of glass sensors and is comparable in price.
Since the film base material is extremely soft, it is possible to create not only a flat surface but also a touch sensor with a curved surface design, which is not possible with a glass sensor. There are various sizes of film sensors on the market, ranging from so-called smartphone-sized sensors to large sensors for in-vehicle center information displays.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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ifm efector (ifm) is a subsidiary of ifm electronic, founded in Germany in 1969. ifm has developed, manufactured and marketed sensors and controls technology to industries that include assembly and robotics, automotive, material handling, metal forming, mobile equipment, plastics, and food and beverage. Ifm produces sensors, condition monitoring equipment, image processing, safety technology, industrial communication, IO-link, systems for mobile machines, displays, software, connection technology, voltage supplies, as well as other accessories.
Headquartered in League City, Texas, Global Detection Systems Corp. is a manufacturer and global supplier specializing in fixed gas detection systems since its establishment in 2001. The technology includes gas sensors, flame detectors, process monitors, and system controllers. GDS Corp applies reliability and ease of use in designing customized configurations of equipment and software for industrial applications, including refineries, chemical plants, and manufacturing facilities. The company also supplies such detection systems for marine applications, as well as toxic gas sensors and protector controllers for municipal water facilities.
CO2Meter, Inc., established in 2006, is a manufacturer based in Ormond Beach, Florida, specializing in gas sensing solutions. The company’s portfolio encompasses an array of gas detectors, analyzers, and sensing technologies, including fixed or wall-mounted gas detectors, monitors, and alarms, as well as portable handheld gas detectors. The company also offers carbon dioxide and oxygen data loggers, desktop monitors for carbon dioxide, as well as nondispersive infrared (NDIR) sensors. These products find applications across diverse industries, such as breweries, cold storage, indoor agriculture, restaurants and food processing, as well as scientific and medical, particularly for industrial safety and indoor air quality purposes.
LIKA Electronic, established in 1982, is based in Buccinasco, Italy, and is a manufacturer and supplier of encoders, position measuring systems, and linear motion components. Their product portfolio includes rotary encoders, incremental and absolute encoders, linear encoders, and magnetic measuring systems. These precision devices find applications in various industries, such as automation, robotics, CNC machines, and packaging equipment. LIKA Electronic's products are known for their accuracy, and durability, providing essential feedback for motion control and positioning. Putting a priority on client happiness and creativity, LIKA Electronic continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industrial automation market.
Nissha FIS Inc. is a Japanese organization that manufactures and sells and gas sensors especially semiconductor type and it’s associated products. Nissha FIS devices mainly consist of gas sensors, sensor modules and related equipments such as analyzers and detectors. These are mainly used in disaster prevention, medical field and vehicles. The company has been certified for ISO 14001:2004 and JIS Q 14001:2004 for environmental protection. They have set up five regulations for the safety of the environment to be adhered within their company. They are preventing pollution, product safety, preventing global warming, continuous improvement and co-existing with society.
Edinburgh Instruments Ltd., established in 1970, is a manufacturer of gas detection instruments and systems. The company is headquartered in Livingston, Scotland, with its products distributed in more than 20 countries. Edinburgh Sensors has developed microprocessor-controlled carbon dioxide sensors with digital displays, as well as non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) analyzers, to detect various gases for industrial applications. For example, in the agricultural industry, the company supplies a self-aspirating carbon dioxide monitor to optimize plant growth conditions. It also provides methane and carbon dioxide sensors in landfill gas disposal processes.
SENSATEC Co. Ltd., established in 1988 and based in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of OEM sensors. The company specializes in crafting electronic detection and control devices, medical tools, and beauty equipment, including various sensors, A/D/D/A converters, and optical fiber data systems. Its diverse product range also includes cable and coil winding processing, and it provides support for metal mask manufacturing. The company also offers tailored designs emphasizing miniaturization and handles everything from standard strips to soldering and assembly.
Rainbow Technology Co., Ltd, established in 2003 and based in China, is a manufacturer of MEMS gas sensors, new energy, and smart sensors. The products manufactured by this company are used in air purification, gas detectors, battery safety monitoring, medical ventilators, and hydrogen leak detection systems. The company has patents and holds ISO 9001 quality management certification. All the products manufactured by the company are compliant with RoHS and REACH environmental protection standards. The company develops hydrogen energy to meet safety, health, and safety conservation needs.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
Kaiterra is a company headquartered in Crans-Montana, Valais, Switzerland, which specializes in developing Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) optimization solutions. Its product range includes monitoring devices, software analytics, and turn-key (end-to-end) building integrations designed to reduce carbon emissions in building operations. One of its monitoring products, Sensedge, has received certification from the RESET Air Standard and is widely deployed in various workplaces, including the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) office in New York City.
Ranking as of March 2026
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Global Detection Systems Corp. |
13.9%
|
| 2 | Nissha Co., Ltd. |
11.8%
|
| 3 | Pressac Communications Limited. |
9.4%
|
| 4 | Lika Electronic Srl |
9.4%
|
| 5 | CO2Meter.com |
9.3%
|
| 6 | ifm efector, inc. |
9.2%
|
| 7 | Rainbow Technology Co., Ltd |
8.7%
|
| 8 | Edinburgh Sensors |
8.5%
|
| 9 | SENSATEC Co., Ltd. |
7.2%
|
| 10 | SEKISUI POLYMATECH CO., LTD. |
6.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the touch sensor page as of March 2026. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
3 | 42.9% |
|
Japan
|
2 | 28.6% |
|
Italy
|
1 | 14.3% |
|
United Kingdom
|
1 | 14.3% |
79 products found
79 products
Coretech Co., Ltd.
710+ people viewing
Last viewed: 11 hours ago
Newall's NP100 touch probe can utilize 100% of its functionality by using the DP900 display. You can easily perform various geometric measurements...
Nippon Form Service Co., Ltd.
450+ people viewing
Last viewed: 9 hours ago
A touch panel demo kit that allows you to operate images floating in the air in screen touch operations used by an unspecified number of people. *T...
PM&PM Co., Ltd.
400+ people viewing
This is a touch switch that can be used for various purposes. For opening/closing switches for indoor doors, etc.
iBoardJapan Co., Ltd.
430+ people viewing
Stylus pen: A simple stylus pen that is made of plastic and is lightweight and easy to handle. Stylus pen (with magnet): Since it comes with a magn...
Airia Co., Ltd.
400+ people viewing
■No pairing required, ready to use This product is compatible with iPads from 2018 onwards and can be used immediately with no pairing required. ■...
ifm efector, inc.
460+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
■Features ・Non-contact switching that does not require mechanical force ・Visual confirmation possible with LED -Oil, impact, and scratch resistan...
![[Non-contact] Light beam touch sensor invisible installation type HA-T401-Hotron Co., Ltd.](https://metoree.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/img/products-new/3002208202404282.png)
Hotron Co., Ltd.
650+ people viewing
Last viewed: 2 hours ago
Automatic door sensors open only those who want to enter without contact, even on busy roads or narrow aisles. A non-contact touch sensor that can ...
Sanko Name Co., Ltd.
460+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
■Capacitive sensor - Capacitive sensors do not generate static electricity that pops when you touch a door or something. ・This is a method of dete...
Airia Co., Ltd.
410+ people viewing
■No pairing required, ready to use This product is compatible with a wide range of models and can be used immediately with no pairing required. Jus...
![[Non-contact] Optical touch sensor with built-in eyes HA-T520-Hotron Co., Ltd.](https://metoree.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/img/products-new/3002208202404281.png)
Hotron Co., Ltd.
620+ people viewing
The built-in type maintains the beauty of the building, and the light touch function reduces unnecessary opening of the door. A non-contact touch s...
WIN SOURCE ELECTRONICS
350+ people viewing
■Summary Capacitive touch and proximity sensor ICs are important for creating interactive user interfaces and detecting the presence of objects wit...
Ishii Notation Co., Ltd.
560+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
■Summary The touch sensor has been made into a 1Key module. It can be easily connected to the input terminal of a microcontroller just like a conve...
Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd.
330+ people viewing
■Touch panel type Panasonic mass-produces resistive and capacitive touch panel types among the many touch panel types, and each type utilizes its u...
Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd.
320+ people viewing
■Touch panel type Panasonic mass-produces resistive and capacitive touch panel types among the many touch panel types, and each type utilizes its u...
