NEC develops ARmKeypad Air, a contact-free virtual keyboard for a user’s arm

Unlike the existing ARmKeypad, which recognizes contact (vibration) operations, this new technology enables contact-free operation, which is ideal for sites where operations must be performed under sterilized conditions, free of direct contact with objects and clothes etc.

New Delhi

July 13, 2016 14:15 IST

NEC develops ARmKeypad Air, a contact-free virtual keyboard for a user’s arm

The researchers used a variety of conductive threads that were dipped in physical and chemical sensing compounds and connected to wireless electronic circuitry to create a flexible platform that they sutured into tissue in rats as well as in vitro.

NEC Corporation, a global service provider of IT and network technologies, on Wednesday announced the development of the new tap-free version ARmKeypad Air, where ‘smart glasses’ are used to turn the arm of a wearer into a virtual keyboard, allowing for contact-free operation.

Unlike the existing ARmKeypad, which recognizes contact (vibration) operations, this new technology enables contact-free operation, which is ideal for sites where operations must be performed under sterilized conditions, free of direct contact with objects and clothes etc. In addition, because there is no need for users to wear a watch, the ARmKeypad Air is ideal for professions where wearing devices on the arm is not advisable, such as those carrying out medical procedures.

Yukio Maruyama, Assistant General Manager, System Integration & Services Market Development Division, NEC Corporation said, “Moving forward, NEC will use the ARmKeypad and ARmKeypad Air to help improve workplace efficiency in sectors where hands-free operation is required, such as manufacturing, medicine, security, and distribution.”

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