EM-Sense Technology Adds to Sensory Awareness

EM-Sense, a new technology developed by Carnegie Mellon University and Disney Research, was introduced at UIST 2015, the ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology on November 8-11, in Charlotte, N.C. and information about it was published in a post on the CMU website.

The technology, which has been demonstrated using off-the-shelf consumer electronics components, takes advantage of the body’s natural electrical conductivity. In essence, the body serves as an antenna to detect whether a person is touching an electrical or electromechanical device and, based on the distinctive electromagnetic noise emitted by such devices, automatically identifies the object.

Kitchen appliances, power tools, electronic scales and door handles with electrically triggered locks are among the first items that the researchers have demonstrated can be detected and identified. Further training demonstrated that the sensitivity is sufficient to distinguish between different smartphone models. This technology could help users in an instrumented workplace receive instructions about the tools they touch and use.

Back to News +

Share Article: