Our Customer <color=purple>
Advanced Chemical Detection and Identification
Pendar is a Massachusetts-based technology company developing Intelligent Autonomous Chemistry Systems. The company is advancing a future in which chemical analysis and discovery are driven by advanced platforms, anytime, anywhere. Pendar’s technologies enable the identification and detection of materials, optimization of chemical reaction pathways, and assessment of human organ health. By delivering clear, actionable insights and meaningful interpretations, its solutions allow customers to focus on their highest priorities: discovering and scaling new chemistries, responding rapidly to emergencies, and saving lives. Leveraging its core scientific and engineering expertise, Pendar creates uniquely powerful products serving the pharmaceutical, safety and security, and medical markets.
Our Approach <content=dropdown, color=orange>
Leveraging a rigorous design methodology, Loft’s designers and engineers identified the ideal configuration of the instrument based on identified user interactions.
- Competitive Analysis
The objective was to establish a distinctive visual language for the instrument, clearly communicating its advanced technological capabilities, elevating user-centered interactions to simplify workflows, and differentiating it from existing products on the market. - Technical Configuration
With a strong emphasis on size, portability, and usability, internal technical drivers were evaluated and optimized to support mobile deployment scenarios to analyze various sample geometries without complex sample preparation. - Industrial Design Development
Based on user needs, market requirements, and operating environments, a broad range of concepts was developed focusing on intuitive interaction, usability, and expression of the instrument’s unique capabilities. These designs evaluate alternative interaction models and visual languages, establishing a family of concepts to inform and shape the future Pendar product portfolio - Product Design Refinement
The team refined technical boundaries to support a selected design that clearly expresses portability and performance. The selected materials, CMF, and I/O elements elevate perceived quality, durability, and overall fit and finish, ensuring the product communicates precision, reliability, and premium craftsmanship. - Design for Manufacturing
Working closely with the Pendar technical team, we refined the mechanical architecture and housing details, optimizing the design for efficient production, reliable assembly, and consistent quality while preserving intended aesthetics, fit and finish, and overall design intent. - Product Visualization
We enabled visual storytelling by illustrating a range of use scenarios and CMF options, helping the Pendar management team communicate the instrument’s intended use cases and workflow, including identification, detection, analysis, and other forensic and security applications.
The Market Opportunity <color=orange>
Leveraging superior technology and easy-of-use to unlock market potential for a rugged, portable, automated material analysis platform
The market opportunity for this automated Raman-based trace detection system is substantial, driven by the growing need for rapid, reliable, and field-deployable analytical tools across security, forensic, and defense sectors. Agencies such as federal law enforcement, TSA, fire departments, and military teams require solutions that deliver accurate triage of narcotics, explosives, chemical agents, and other hazardous materials without specialized training or complex sample preparation. By combining portability, rugged design, touch-free operation, and automated workflows, this platform addresses a clear gap between high-end laboratory instruments and field-ready tools, enabling faster decision-making, improved safety, and scalable deployment. With trace-level sensitivity and a user-friendly interface, the system is well-positioned for commercialization to meet the evolving operational demands of mobile labs and rapid-response teams.
The Outcome <content=dropdown>
Market leadership by better design
- Autonomous Detection
Rapid, reliable trace analysis with automatic identification of areas of interest, eliminating the need for traditional sample preparation. - Touch-Free Sample Handling
Enables untrained users to analyze multiple samples safely and efficiently without handling or preparation. - Rugged, Portable Design
IP54-rated, serviceable enclosure with dust protection, power-off locking mechanism, and travel-case portability for field deployment. - Large Enhanced Imaging & Precision
1” × 1” viewing zone with X, Y, Z motion and integrated LED ring for superior contrast and accurate measurements. - Intuitive Laptop Integration
Simplified interface for reporting, sorting, review, and comprehensive sample data management, supporting scalable field and mobile lab workflows.
M1 Automated Portable Raman Microscope <color=purple>
Loft partners with Pendar to develop the next generation of intelligent, autonomous material detection systems
The M1 Automated Portable Raman Microscope is an automated Raman-based detection system that enables rapid, reliable chemical analysis with minimal sample preparation and easy field deployment. Designed for professional markets including security, forensic, and defense, the system bridges the gap between laboratory instruments and field-ready tools, allowing untrained users to safely analyze narcotics, explosives, chemical agents, and other hazards.
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