FUTEK at 40: Innovations in Aerospace, MedTech, Robotics, and AI
August 2025 marks 40 years since FUTEK was founded. It’s with immense pride that I reflect back on our exciting journey as a team. Over this time, we’ve delivered solutions for a wide range of applications— from the Mars Rover Curiosity, equipped with two FUTEK sensors that are still operating in the harsh Martian environment after more than a decade beyond their planned service life, to advanced surgical tools and assisted surgical robots, as well as audited systems in automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
Notably, we have achieved zero field failures across all of FUTEK OEM applications, including OEM programs using tens of thousands of our sensors. Over decades, our organization has experienced steady business expansion, distinguished by exceptionally low employee turnover and no record of layoffs despite the Great Recession of 2008 and the 2020 pandemic.
Now, after four decades of diverse industry experience, the FUTEK platform , supported by a talented team of engineers, technical staff, and technicians, operates under fully audited ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and ISO 17025 standards, among many other industry standards. FUTEK has recently expanded to a new dedicated manufacturing facility, in Irvine, California, which spans over 70,000 square feet of production space equipped with the latest CNC mills and lathes, EDM wire cut machines, laser engraving and welding equipment, 3D-printing capabilities, and 3D-automated inspection systems with accuracies down to fractions of a micron (for reference, an average human hair is about 76 microns).
Recent product developments include Nano Sensors, miniaturized in-line torque sensors, and multi-component sensors with embedded electronics, supported by in-house advanced SMT capabilities to support our evolving custom electronics offerings.
Leveraging our extensive expertise in cryogenic and space technologies, we are particularly excited about our involvement with NASA, supporting contractors with their upcoming lunar exploration initiatives. Furthermore, we are contributing to advancements in assisted surgical robotics, humanoid systems, automated inventory management, material handling, and a variety of emerging AI feedback applications.
We have also established robust relationships and collaborations with the academic community, partnering closely with esteemed universities. Recently, I had the great honor to be recognized by my alma mater and FUTEK collaborator Lawrence Technological University (LTU) College of Engineering in Michigan for my leadership and contributions to the industry. Additionally, we have forged strong recruiting partnerships with local institutions, including Saddleback College, USC, Cal-Tech, California State Polytechnic University, and the California State University San Luis Obispo School of Engineering and many more.
In 2023, FUTEK received the inaugural “Spirit of Excellence Award” from the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) in recognition of its continued contributions toward ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all students within the system, regardless of the individual challenges they may face.
FUTEK is prepared for the challenges AI (Artificial Intelligence), the next generation, and future developments it may bring, especially with increased automation in a rapidly evolving market. We continue to expand our team with tech-savvy young professionals who are trained to collaborate seamlessly across generations in support of our robust Quality Culture. This approach ensures that every perspective is valued, every voice is heard, and innovative solutions are consistently delivered.
FUTEK’s mission remains unchanged: to offer the best possible, cost-effective sensor solution for every application, whether it is an off-the-shelf product or a completely customized solution coupled with sophisticated electronics that set new boundaries at the forefront of the industry. We look forward to an exciting future filled with new opportunities. Over the years, we have established trust and earned your respect; we sincerely appreciate your confidence in us and look forward to partnering with you to support future developments.
Javad Mokhbery · President & CEO