Denver startup that makes digital “skin” gains interest, money

A Denver startup whose technology transmits realtime data about the human body and other physical objects has garnered the attention — and money — of a California-based fuel supplier and retailer.

Cipher Skin Inc. said in a statement that Boyett Petroleum, based in Modesto, Calif., recently invested $1 million in its technology that is designed to monitor the flows in pipelines and detect leaks.

Company officials said a Cipher Skin sleeve wrapped around a pipe can remotely and continuously monitor what’s happening to the pipe. It can show if there are leaks, ruptures, vibrations, dislocations and monitor the flow of fluids.

A flexible mesh lattice enables sensors to cover the pipe’s surface and convey the data wirelessly to an application that gives a real-time 3-D representation, the company said.

“Because we can integrate a near infinite number of sensors into the mesh, not only are we able to locate and characterize — in real-time — the type of distortion applied to a pipe, but also measure flow and fluid density inside it,” said Phillip Bogdanovich, CEO and co-founder of Cipher Skin.

Dale Boyett, president of Boyett Petroleum, said Cipher Skin stood out when the company was looking for a way to “instantaneously, remotely and with the highest precision” monitor the fluid running through the pipes.

Cipher Skin said the investment by Boyett Petroleum came as it closed on a $5 million round of fundraising. The company has said it’s also talking to sports teams, water companies, other oil and gas companies and the military about trying its products, including helmets and arm and knee sleeves.