NEC develops contact-free ARmKeypad Air

NEC Corp. announced recently the development of the its ARmKeypad Air, where “smart glasses” are used to turn the arm of a wearer into a virtual keyboard that enables contact-free operation. 

In recent years, smart glasses have been introduced that allow users to perform operations at sites without using their hands. Last November, NEC introduced a trial version of the ARmKeypad, which used smart glasses, together with a modified watch, to turn the arm of a wearer into a virtual keyboard by recognizing contact (vibration) operations.

The new ARmKeypad Air, however, enables contact-free operation through the movement of a wearer’s finger using augmented reality to create the image of a virtual keyboard on the forearm of a wearer.

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 that free of direct contact with objects and clothes, among others..

In addition, because there is no need for users to wear a watch, the ARmKeypad Air is ideal for professions in which wearing devices on the arm is not advisable, such as those performing medical procedures.

Yukio Maruyama, assistant general manager for the System Integration & Services Market Development Division of NEC, 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.”

NEC exhibited the ARmKeypad Air at the International Modern Hospital Show 2016, which ran from July 13 to 15 in Tokyo.