Techstars | Allosense focused on EV battery manufacturers
Allosense specializes in advanced manufacturing, automated test and measurement, and logistics.
Roman Sandoval, a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with degrees in computer engineering and engineering entrepreneurship, has been associated with several blue chip companies since graduation. These include corporations such as Apple, Intel Corporation, National Instruments, Qualcomm, and Tesla, where he contributed to the high-volume manufacturing and testing of new product introductions from Apple iPhones to Tesla’s Model 3 ramp-up.
Today, from his base in San Antonio, TX, he’s the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Allosense Inc., a member of Cohort 2 of the “Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator.” The start-up, launched in 2020, is an Industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT) company that makes next-generation sensors and measurement solutions for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and equipment monitoring.
Those are areas that draw heavily on Sandoval’s previous experience.
“We automate decision-making capabilities by streamlining software and sensor connectivity,” the company explains on its website. “Allosense specializes in advanced manufacturing, automated test and measurement, and logistics. Our goal is to reduce waste by supporting the digital transformation of businesses, one sensor at a time.”
At the outset, Sandoval says his focus was on sensors and measurement systems in general that would help with reshoring manufacturing from other countries to the U.S. “It’s a big challenge, and it requires automation to integrate with the plethora of devices and instruments.”
In 2021, Allosense began working in the EV industry and now maintains a strong focus on supporting EV battery manufacturers. The emerging interest in batteries provided the impetus for applying to the Techstars program.
“The entire Tennessee region is strategic to EV battery production,” Sandoval asserts.
The start-up’s newest product offering is named Allosense Dash and was designed specifically for EV battery manufacturing. With the rapid growth of EVs in the market, it addresses the critical need for efficient, reliable, and scalable battery manufacturing solutions. Dash is designed to bridge the gap by seamlessly integrating industrial instruments and measurement systems into a factory network, ensuring streamlined and real-time data exchange.
Allosense offers a diverse range of products, with Dash demonstrating broad compatibility across the company’s hardware. This range includes an advanced EV battery test solution, ensuring optimal performance and longevity through stringent testing measures. In addition, the company offers Pebble, a compact, real-time sensor designed for indoor tracking of either equipment or personnel, and it also monitors temperature, humidity, and inertial properties.
Primarily, Sandoval says that Pebble aims to enhance the tracking of battery materials on the manufacturing floor, thereby streamlining the production process.
While the electric vehicle manufacturing industry significantly interests him, Sandoval points out that the appeal of other sectors is equally compelling. “The technologies and solutions developed for EV manufacturing can be leveraged across diverse fields,” he says. “These encompass sectors such as nuclear and space testing equipment, monitoring of operations and aerospace ground equipment, as well as defense logistics and materiel management.”
He classifies the start-up’s systems as at the Technology Readiness Level of 7 and adds that the company currently has several systems deployed at customer sites. The commercial deployments serve as dual-use applications for military/government-related engagements.
Besides acknowledging the significant presence of EV manufacturing in Tennessee, Sandoval says that he wants to tap into the scientific and research prowess of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee Valley Authority, and University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He plans to establish a corporate footprint near prospective engagements and EV factories.
Sandoval also intends to utilize the reputation and expansive network of Techstars and its partners to propel Allosense forward.
“Building a start-up that operates with large enterprises and organizations requires considerable time and energy,” Sandoval says, adding that fostering meaningful relationships with top-tier partners is essential for success. Sandoval continues, “Nurturing these alliances is key to navigating the challenging journey of entrepreneurship.”
(EDITOR’S NOTE: All of the 10 companies will be pitching at the “Industries of the Future Summit powered by Techstars” scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 21 at The Mill & Mine, 227 West Depot Avenue, Knoxville. To register, click here.)
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