FEATURE SENSORS & SENSING SYSTEMS


IT’S ALL IN THE TOUCH B


Packed with capacitive sensors, the TactileGlove from PPS turns human touch into measurable data.Gordon Dobie, director, and Charles MacLeod, technical consulting engineer, delve into the glove’s evolution, explore its real-world applications, and look to the potential of the next generation In the near future, gloves like this


eginning as a relatively fragile instrument with limited sensors when it was released in 2015, the TactileGlove has


evolved into a robust ergonomic device now used across industry, healthcare and sport. TactileGlove evolved from the FingerTPS


system (launched in 2002) which was designed to measure the forces applied by the fingertips. Although it quickly found value in research and product development, its scope was limited to just a few sensors. The glove was therefore created to extend that


principle across the entire hand, including the palm. The first version enabled engineers and ergonomists to measure exertion during real- world tasks – including industrial actions such as cutting sheet metal with shears, lifting heavy boxes, or performing precise assembly tasks. The aim was to provide quantifiable data on hand use. Manufacturers could identify points of high strain, reduce the risk of repetitive injuries and design processes that protect workers’ long- term health. At the same time, the data opened new opportunities in product design, from household tools to improving car interiors.


EARLY PROTOTYPES The first prototypes were functional but far from perfect, with 53 sensing elements positioned across the glove. While this provided a useful first step, demand soon grew for more detailed information. Later versions expanded coverage to 65 sensing elements, giving a fuller picture of how force is distributed across the hand, palm and fingers. Comfort was another challenge. The early smooth-finish gloves were let down by bulky seams, so PPS engineers switched to a woven fabric outer layer. This design was lighter, more flexible and resistant to wear and tear,


46 DESIGN SOLUTIONS FEBRUARY 2026


and pull tabs were added to allow safe removal without damaging the glove. Over time, a broader range of sizes were introduced. Alongside design changes, PPS worked


continuously to improve accuracy. Each glove goes through a rigorous calibration process to ensure consistency across units and reliability in a wide range of applications. In partnership with the University of


Strathclyde, PPS has refined its calibration methods to account for factors such as ambient environment and user body temperature. These subtle variables can affect readings, and addressing them has been crucial in ensuring the glove performs in both laboratory studies and demanding industrial settings.


LOOKING TO THE FUTURE The capacitive sensing technology used is more often associated with phone touchscreens, but PPS has adapted it for pressure and force measurement. The latest generation of


TactileGlove incorporates Bluetooth 5 connectivity, enabling faster, more reliable data transfer with extended range. Sampling rates now vary from 10Hz to 50Hz, supporting real-time grip analysis and motion capture. This allows live data streaming into analysis software, where engineers, therapists or trainers can instantly visualise hand forces in action. With every iteration, the


TactileGlove becomes more robust, more accurate and more practical. The current focus is on increasing data throughput, improving removal systems and expanding the glove’s fit range.


www.designsolutionsmag.co.uk


could be integrated into smart factories, providing continuous monitoring of worker safety. In parallel, opportunities in sports performance, rehabilitation and consumer wearables are set to grow. As a result, the TactileGlove is becoming


to touch what the camera is to sight, and what the microphone is to sound.


PPS https://pressureprofile.com


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