NEC launches ArmKeypad Air, Turns Your Arm into Virtual Keyboard

NEC Corporation announces a unique virtual keyboard dubbed ARmKeypad Air. The new rollout works after the user puts a “smart glasses” then turning the arm of the wearer into a virtual keyboard, allowing for contact-free operation.

The company claims to have launched a trial model in November 2015, which used a smart glasses and a modified watch to turn the arm of a wearer into a virtual keyboard by recognizing contact (vibration) operations.

However, the new ARmKeypad Air reports to enable contact-free operation through the movement of a wearer’s finger using Augmented Reality (AR) 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, free of direct contact with objects and clothes etc.

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

Commenting on the development, Yukio Maruyama, Assistant General Manager, System Integration & Services Market Development Division, NEC Corporation 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.”