HMI Bosch Sensortec IMUs for gesture control in wearable devices D
esigning wearable devices presents significant challenges, particularly in achieving a compact form factor while ensuring ease of use and
intuitive interfaces. Devices like AR/VR headsets, smart glasses, and AI pins are changing user interactions through gestures such as air pinches and finger drags. Many of these devices rely on camera-based or Time-of-Flight (ToF) systems to capture gestures, but these technologies have notable limitations according to Bosch Sensortec — they demand a clear line of sight and substantial processing power to function effectively. In this context, Bosch Sensortec’s inertial measurement units (IMUs) are said to offer a powerful alternative.
Advantages of IMU-based gesture control 1. Enhanced power effi ciency: IMUs, especially smart IMUs like Bosch Sensortec’s BHI360 programmable smart sensor system, excel in power effi ciency. Unlike camera- based gesture control systems, which require continuous image capture and processing, IMUs track motion through acceleration and orientation changes. On-sensor processing software achieves gesture recognition with minimal latency and energy use. This extends battery life and increases the time between charges for the end device. 2. No line-of-sight or environmental limitations: Bosch Sensortec’s IMU-based systems offer robust gesture control regardless of environmental conditions. They are not
Additionally, for high-end devices that already incorporate cameras, IMUs can complement these systems to increase gesture recognition accuracy. By combining the strengths of both technologies, manufacturers can deliver high performance without signifi cantly increasing production costs.
affected by lighting, obstacles, or the need for line-of-sight, unlike camera-based solutions often found in devices like augmented reality headsets, according to the company. Additionally, they eliminate the need for expensive and bulky camera-based systems, offering utmost application fl exibility. 3. Compact, seamless integration: IMUs from Bosch Sensortec are compact, lightweight, and suitable for integration into small wearable devices. The BHI360 smart IMU sensor, for instance, easily fi ts into smartwatches, allowing manufacturers to deliver sleek, unobtrusive designs without sacrifi cing functionality. By embedding AI and advanced algorithms directly on the sensor, the BHI360 enables ultra-low latency, real-time gesture recognition, elevating the user experience with faster, more responsive interactions. Its programmability allows manufacturers to customize gesture recognition algorithms for specifi c applications, offering impressive fl exibility
across diverse wearable devices. 4. Additional information from signal amplitude: Bosch Sensortec IMUs provide additional information by measuring the intensity of gestures, primarily through the accelerometer signal amplitude. This adds a useful dimension of information to event recognition, allowing for more nuanced and accurate gesture detection. For instance, the force of a pinch gesture or the acceleration profi le of a hand wave can be quantifi ed, enabling more sophisticated and context- aware interactions. This capability enhances the overall user experience by allowing devices to respond more intelligently to varying gesture intensities. 5. Lower cost: IMU-based systems from Bosch Sensortec are generally signifi cantly lower in cost compared to camera-based systems. This cost effi ciency makes gesture control accessible for simpler devices, broadening the range of products that can benefi t from advanced interaction capabilities.
Enhanced user experience IMU-based gesture control systems are designed to elevate how users interact with wearables. With natural gestures like pinching or wrist fl icks, users can adjust volume, control lighting, or navigate media easily. Bosch Sensortec’s collaboration with Doublepoint, a company specialising in human-machine interface (HMI) technology based on MEMS sensors, provides one example. Their gesture recognition platform, deployed directly on Bosch Sensortec’s programmable IMU-based sensor system BHI360, demonstrates a practical application of the technology. By processing AI-driven algorithms directly on the sensor, the solution delivers ultra-low latency while minimising power consumption, enabling always-on gesture detection in modern wearables.
“Together with Doublepoint, we empower manufacturers to accelerate product development by delivering a ready-to- implement micro-gesture control solution that enhances user interaction across connected devices, including AR/VR, robotics, IoT, wearables, TVs, automotive systems, and more,” said Marcellino Gemelli, head of global business development at Bosch Sensortec.
https://www.bosch-sensortec.com/
Holochip taps Lumus geometric waveguide tech for AR goggles targeting U.S. defence sector
L
umus, the developer of geometric (reflective) waveguide technology for augmented reality (AR) eyewear, has been selected as the optical engine partner by Holochip for its new H50 AR device designed to support the maintenance of critical U.S. Navy equipment. “The Holochip H50, a new goggle-style AR device, is carefully constructed to handle highly sensitive applications for the Navy. Lumus’ geometric waveguide technology will imbue the device with high brightness, best-in-class resolution, and a wide fi eld-of-
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view that is unachievable with diffractive waveguide optics,” said Lumus CEO Ari Grobman.
Expected to be available by the end of 2025, the Holochip H50 is a U.S.-Navy- funded AR device developed for applications requiring the most stringent cybersecurity considerations.
Equipped with Lumus’ Maximus geometric optical engines, it features a 1440 x 1440 pixel resolution, a 35 x 35 degrees (WxH) fi eld-of-view and a battery life of more than six hours. The goggle-style AR device also features AR capabilities such as
spatial cognition, rendering, displaying indications, sensor input, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Holochip CEO Rob Batchko said: “Lumus’ optical engines have superior colour fi delity, higher luminance effi ciency, and brighter and more vivid displays than anything else we’ve seen on the market. We’re thrilled to employ Lumus in the H50 to tackle U.S. Navy equipment maintenance, and beyond.” In addition to its applications in the
defence sector, the Holochip H50 will also be relevant for a broad range of industrial scenarios in which hands-free displays, access to remote experts, and rugged form factors are essential for maintenance tasks.
https://lumus.com/
Components in Electronics May 2025 45
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