Build a bridge that connects the virtual and reality.
Haptic Solutions Inc. is a startup company founded by UT Arlington alumni in Texas. We want to increase the immersiveness of virtual reality, video games, and other media by providing them with an avenue to stimulate more of a user's senses! Our first product is the Cilia, a device that adds the sense of smell to experiences. In the future we plan to bring products to market that add touch, taste, and more!
Our Team:
Peter Sassaman: Co-Founder. CEO. Joined 2014
Peter has a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and seven years experience in industry as a Software Engineer. He was first inspired to experiment with virtual reality by reading books such as "Ready Player One" and TV shows such as "Sword Art Online". He has experience in robotics, electronics, programming and 3D Modeling and served as President of the UTA Game Developers Club.
Abraham Zodick (Wei Guo): Co-Founder. Director. Joined 2014
Abraham has a Master’s Degree in accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington. He is very knowledgeable in accounting and finance. He was invited to join the Goolsby Leadership Academy because of his outstanding academic performance as well as his exceptional leadership. Abraham was the Vice President of The Business Constituency Council at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Nathaniel Roberts: Vice President of Marketing.
Nathaniel is a graduate of Business Administration in Management at the University of Texas at Arlington. Nathaniel also serves as the Vice-President of the UTA Game Developers Club. He has spent several years overseas and is trained in professional sales, marketing research and buyer behavior. Ever since he was young, he was inspired by inventors such as Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Edison and always wanted to create new things. Virtual reality technologies were something new and exciting that Nathaniel decided to get involved in.
Lee Thurburn: Director.
Mr. Thurburn has been the President of Apricot Rocket, Inc. since its formal organization in 2014. Mr. Thurburn attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he received a B.B.A. in Accounting in 1982 and a M.B.A. in International Business in 1992. Mr. Thurburn founded FlashNet Communications, Inc. (an Internet Service Provider) in 1995. By early 1999, FlashNet had grown to over 250,000 customers with a staff of approximately 400 employees. On March 16, 1999, FlashNet Communications successfully completed an IPO on the (NASDAQ:”FLAS”). In October of 1999, FlashNet was acquired by Prodigy Communications.
Edward Bentall Firmware Engineer Joined 2021
Self taught programmer and currently attending University of Maryland. Actively developing content for Virtual Reality!
He has experience in programming (python, C++, Web Development and Microprocessor), networking (computer) and electronics. Wrote initial firmware for Micro Cilia, and created API integrations.
Daniel Fountaine Mixed Media Specialist
Joined 2021
Peter Dekluyver Electricro-Mechanical Engineer Joined 2021
Designed the mechanical structure of the Micro Cilia, helps with electrical design of PCBs, and created layout for Micro Cilia PCB. Helps with other prototyping and design as well as relations with metaverse platforms.
Ryan Halversen Electrical Engineer Joined 2021
Specializes in haptics development.
Jimmy Lazo Electrical Engineer Joined 2022
Experience in PCB design, Microcontrollers, and embedded programming.
Jarret Cigainero Embedded Systems Engineer Joined 2022
Helped with electrical design and layout of Gauntl33t haptic glove and other upcoming products. Helped with molding electrical and software systems together.
Commercial MEL IFR Rated pilot. Electronics Hobbyist Engineer. Amateur Radio Extra.
Tymon Lindell Embedded Engineer Joined 2024
Self-taught VR Hardware Developer currently working as an organizer for MIT RealityHack. Experienced in C++, Java, and Microprocessor development, as well as PCB design and CAD.
Elijah Knisley Software Engineer & Architect Joined 2024
Developing Brane Engine. Knows too many languages to list, given enough time can build "virtually" anything.