Sevenhugs

High-Level Overview

Sevenhugs is a technology company specializing in consumer electronics and smart home solutions, best known for pioneering the Smart Remote, the world’s first consumer product to integrate Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology with precise indoor positioning. Their products serve consumers and manufacturers in the smart home, IoT, and automotive sectors by simplifying and enhancing the interaction between humans and digital devices. Sevenhugs’ technology addresses the challenge of intuitive control and precise location tracking within connected environments, enabling seamless device interoperability and user-friendly experiences. The company has demonstrated strong innovation momentum, earning over 14 industry awards including the CES Best of Innovation Design Award, and has expanded its offerings to include UWB software stacks for smartphone and IoT manufacturers[1][2][3].

Origin Story

Founded in 2014 by a team including Olivier Mandine, Lionel Marty, and Stéphane Jaubertou, Sevenhugs emerged from a vision to reinvent how families experience technology at home. The founders brought backgrounds in telecommunications and technology development, identifying a gap in the market for a smart, easy-to-use remote control that could unify diverse home devices. Early traction came with the launch of the Smart Remote in 2018, which leveraged UWB for precise indoor positioning—a technology the founders recognized as transformative for consumer electronics. The company’s innovation was recognized early on by awards from the French National Investment Bank and the European Commission, validating their high innovation potential[1][2][3].

Core Differentiators

• Product Differentiators: Sevenhugs was the first to commercialize a consumer-grade UWB-enabled remote, offering unparalleled precision in indoor positioning and device control.
• Developer Experience: Their UWB software stack is designed for easy integration with a small software footprint and low power consumption, supporting Android-based smartphones and a variety of IoT devices.
• Ease of Use: The Smart Remote was designed to be intuitive and family-friendly, simplifying control of complex home technology ecosystems.
• Innovation Recognition: The company’s technology has been widely awarded, reflecting its leadership in deep tech and digital innovation.
• End-to-End Solutions: Sevenhugs provides a complete UWB solution including communication protocols, sensor fusion for position and orientation, and application-specific software services, enabling manufacturers to deploy quickly and reliably[1][3].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Sevenhugs rides the wave of growing demand for smart home automation, IoT integration, and precise indoor positioning technologies. The timing is critical as UWB technology is becoming a standard embedded feature in smartphones, smart home devices, and automobiles, driven by market forces favoring seamless connectivity and user-centric device ecosystems. By pioneering consumer-grade UWB applications, Sevenhugs has influenced the broader ecosystem by accelerating adoption and setting benchmarks for interoperability and user experience in smart environments. Their technology supports the trend toward more context-aware, location-sensitive applications that enhance convenience, security, and automation in daily life[1][3].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Following the discontinuation of the Smart Remote product line in 2022 due to market shifts, Sevenhugs has pivoted towards providing UWB software solutions to manufacturers, positioning itself as a key enabler in the expanding UWB ecosystem. Future trends shaping their journey include the proliferation of UWB in smartphones and IoT devices, increased demand for precise indoor navigation, and the integration of UWB in automotive and smart city applications. Sevenhugs’ influence is likely to evolve from a consumer product innovator to a foundational technology provider, helping to embed UWB capabilities across industries and accelerating the smart device revolution[3][4][5]. This transition ties back to their original mission of advancing human interaction with digital environments through innovative, easy-to-use technology.