Leap Motion
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Technology, Computer hardware, Gesture recognition |
| Predecessor | OcuSpec Inc. |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | David Holz, Michael Buckwald |
| Defunct | 2019 |
| Fate | Acquired by Ultrahaptics (rebranded as Ultraleap) |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | David Holz (Co-founder), Michael Buckwald (Co-founder), Andy Miller (former COO) |
| Products | Leap Motion Controller, Orion software |
Number of employees | (unknown) |
| Parent | Ultrahaptics (since 2019) |
Leap Motion, Inc. (originally known as OcuSpec Inc.) was a U.S.-based enterprise operating from 2010 until 2019, specializing in the creation and commercialization of a sensor device that allowed users to control computers through hand and finger gestures without physical contact. In 2016, the company launched software dedicated to hand tracking tailored for virtual reality (VR) environments. The British company Ultrahaptics acquired Leap Motion in 2019 and subsequently rebranded as Ultraleap.
History
The foundation of Leap Motion's technology dates back to 2008 when co-founder David Holz, then pursuing a Ph.D. in mathematics, began crafting sophisticated motion-tracking software. Holz joined forces with entrepreneur Michael Buckwald to establish the company in 2010. Initial financing included a $1.3 million seed round in 2011 from investors such as Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund, followed by a $12.75 million Series A round in 2012 led by Highland Capital Partners, and a $30 million Series B round in 2013.
The firm unveiled its first product, initially named The Leap, in May 2012 and initiated a software developer program later that year, distributing roughly 12,000 units to developers. Although mass shipping was postponed until July 2013, by March 2014 about 500,000 units had been sold—falling short of projections—prompting a reduction of approximately 10% in staff predominantly within sales and marketing.
In April 2014, Chief Operating Officer Andy Miller exited the company. The following month, Leap Motion released its second-generation software, which improved motion tracking performance. Later that year, the company introduced a VR tracking mode compatible with devices such as Oculus Rift and launched international game development competitions offering substantial prizes to encourage application development.
By March 2015, Leap Motion's technology was integrated into the OSVR Hacker Development Kit as an embedded module. In February 2016, the company launched Orion software optimized specifically for VR hand tracking.
Ultrahaptics acquired Leap Motion in May 2019 for $30 million—approximately one-tenth of its highest valuation of $300 million—and consolidated operations under the Ultraleap brand. Ultraleap further advanced the technology with Gemini for Android compatibility and Hyperion for enhanced computer vision capabilities. However, after releasing Hyperion in June 2024, Ultraleap announced workforce reductions and intentions to sell off Leap Motion’s technology; as of August 2024, efforts to find a buyer are ongoing.
Partnerships
Leap Motion forged key alliances with prominent hardware manufacturers including ASUS, which planned to incorporate the technology into premium notebooks and all-in-one PCs during 2013. Additionally, the company secured a major agreement with Hewlett Packard to embed its gesture recognition technology across various HP devices. By December 2013, Leap Motion’s system was integrated into eleven HP products ranging from keyboards to laptops and desktop all-in-ones, enriching HP’s offerings with advanced user interaction features.
On the distribution side, Leap Motion broadened its consumer reach through collaborations with leading retailers like Best Buy, Newegg, and Amazon.com, enabling widespread availability of its standalone hardware. The company also expanded into Australia and New Zealand via an exclusive retail partnership with Dick Smith, utilizing its network of over 270 stores plus online channels to boost sales within these markets.
These partnerships illustrate Leap Motion’s strategic focus on embedding its cutting-edge solutions within established hardware platforms and global retail networks to enhance market penetration and drive business expansion.
Technology
The Leap Motion Controller is a small USB device intended for desktop use or attachment to virtual reality headsets. It utilizes a pair of monochrome infrared cameras alongside three infrared LEDs to monitor a hemispherical region extending up to approximately one meter. These LEDs emit unpatterned IR light, while the cameras capture nearly 200 frames per second of the reflected signals. Proprietary software then processes this data to generate highly accurate three-dimensional positional information. A study conducted in 2013 indicated an average precision of 0.7 millimeters.
Unlike devices such as the Kinect, which are designed for full-body tracking across larger environments, the Leap Motion Controller specializes in detailed tracking of hands and fingers within a confined space. Demonstrations have illustrated its effectiveness in tasks like navigating web pages, executing pinch-to-zoom gestures on maps, fine drawing, and manipulating intricate 3D models.
The device was initially made available to developers for software creation before its commercial release in July 2013. In February 2016, Leap Motion unveiled Orion, a significant beta update to its core software tailored for hand tracking in virtual reality settings, thereby strengthening its position in VR technology integration.
Developer community
In December 2013, Founders Fund and SOSV launched LEAP.AXLR8R, an accelerator program aimed at startups utilizing the Leap Motion controller. Among notable initiatives were Diplopia (now Vivid Vision), which combines Leap Motion and Oculus Rift technology to treat amblyopia, and MotionSavvy, which developed a tablet case incorporating Leap Motion for American Sign Language interpretation.
Leap Motion maintained an app marketplace known as Airspace, which by May 2014 featured more than 200 applications including Google Earth integration, virtual clay sculpting tools, digital musical instruments, and VR demonstrations. This store and its client application were discontinued on June 30, 2017, with the website redirecting users to the Leap Motion gallery.
The Leap Motion Controller found applications in medical software used by surgeons and researchers, automotive concept vehicles, and music production platforms such as Ableton Live. In 2016, AltspaceVR integrated Leap Motion hand tracking capabilities into their social VR environment.
Uriel Yehezkel showcased controlling Ableton Live through hand gestures utilizing Leap Motion combined with GECO MIDI software, demonstrating the device’s adaptability within creative fields.
Reception
Upon its release to pre-order customers on July 22, 2013, the Leap Motion Controller received mixed feedback. Some reviewers considered it more of an intriguing novelty than a practical tool for productivity, with certain critics dismissing it as a gimmick. Conversely, others expressed guarded enthusiasm regarding its innovative approach and market prospects. Positive assessments emphasized the device’s impressive execution of computer vision and gesture recognition technologies.
Later software enhancements—most notably the Orion platform—boosted tracking precision and responsiveness, increasing its utility in virtual reality contexts. Nonetheless, some users reported occasional lapses in tracking accuracy that affected interface dependability. The Orion beta remains compatible with existing hardware units, and Leap Motion announced intentions to integrate Orion technology into forthcoming VR headsets, indicating a strategic focus on growth within immersive technology sectors.
External links
- American companies founded in 2010
- 2010 establishments in California
- Computer input devices
- Gesture recognition technology
- Companies headquartered in San Francisco
- Defunct American computer companies
- Obsolete computer hardware manufacturers
- 3D human-computer interaction technology
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment
- American companies established in 2010