Flexible Gesture and Proximity Detection Sensor : Toward Contactless Human-Machine Interfaces
- Mar 10
- 2 min read
Human-machine interfaces are rapidly evolving toward more intuitive, more hygienic, and more robust solutions. In many industrial and public environments, physical contact with interfaces is becoming a constraint due to mechanical wear, contamination risks, frequent cleaning requirements, and ergonomic limitations.
At NeoTronis, we develop flexible sensors capable of detecting hand gestures and proximity without physical contact, paving the way for a new generation of intelligent interfaces.
A Flexible Sensor Designed for Seamless Integration
The sensor presented here is built on a flexible architecture that enables integration across a wide range of surfaces.
Key Specifications
Active area: 40 mm diameter
Total length: 90 mm
Width: 10 mm
Total thickness: approximately 2.1 mm
The flexible structure enables integration into:
plastic surfaces
decorative interfaces
industrial control panels
connected devices
The sensor can therefore remain nearly invisible while maintaining full functionality.
An Optimized Multilayer Architecture
The structure is based on a multilayer architecture combining flexible materials and printed electronics.
The main layers include:
Polyester substrate
Polyimide flexible circuit
Technical adhesive layer
Screen-printed decorative overlay
This architecture provides:
strong mechanical robustness
reduced thickness
seamless aesthetic integration into interfaces
The use of screen-printing processes and flexible circuits also helps optimize costs for industrial applications.
Sensor Technical Performance
Extended Detection Range
Minimum distance: ~20 mm
Maximum distance: up to 4 meters
This wide range enables:
natural short-range interactions
long-distance detection for kiosks and industrial equipment
High Measurement Accuracy
Distance resolution in the millimeter range
Stable and repeatable measurements
Reliability suited for demanding industrial environments
Wide Field of View
Advanced Spatial Analysis
The sensor is capable of analyzing the surrounding space in depth:
Multi-zone detection
Distance mapping
Real-time motion tracking
Robust gesture interpretation
Simplified Electronic Integration
High-speed digital communication
Compatible with embedded microcontrollers
Direct integration into system architectures
Gesture Detection and 3D Spatial Mapping
The sensor is designed to detect:
hand presence
proximity
in-air gestures
The technology used enables reconstruction of a 3D map of the scene in front of the sensor.
In practical terms, the system can:
detect a hand at distances of several meters
reconstruct the hand’s shape and position
interpret simple gestures
This opens the door to a wide range of natural interactions with electronic systems.
Potential Applications
Flexible gesture detection sensors enable a wide range of applications:
Industrial Interfaces
contactless controls
clean or sterile environments
equipment requiring fast interaction
Automotive
in-cabin gesture controls
dashboard-integrated interfaces
Smart Devices
connected devices
interactive equipment
Healthcare and Hygiene
contactless interfaces
reduced contamination risks
Why Flexibility Changes the Game
Rigid sensors impose:
integration constraints
larger mechanical footprint
product design limitations
Our flexible sensor enables:
integration onto curved surfaces
reduced thickness
greater industrial design freedom
invisible embedded electronics
Conclusion
Flexible gesture detection sensors represent a major advancement in the field of human-machine interfaces. By combining printed electronics, flexible circuits, and 3D sensing technologies, they enable the design of more intuitive, more robust, and fully contactless interfaces.
About Neotronis
NeoTronis is an innovative electronics engineering firm specialized in:
Printed and organic electronics
Flexible sensors
Intelligent human-machine interfaces
Custom embedded systems
We support our clients from concept and prototyping through to industrialization.
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