Doublepoint Technologies, a Finnish startup, made a significant announcement at SLUSH 2023, revealing their latest innovation – an advanced wristband controller boasting continuous touch-based gesture tracking. This breakthrough device, showcased by CEO Ohto Pentikäinen and Vice President of Product Thomas Joseph, aims to reshape human-computer interaction in areas like augmented and virtual reality, wearables, and the Internet of Things.
Designed specifically for wrist-based user control, the wristband integrates an AI-based algorithm that seamlessly combines touch and gesture functionalities. Pentikäinen highlighted its potential to integrate smoothly with existing wearables, envisioning a future where this innovation could serve as a universal controller, activated by simple gestures and eliminating the need for bulky hardware.
The proprietary Doublepoint algorithm achieves precision in continuous gesture tracking using minimal hardware—a single IMU and heartrate sensor. This technology is slated to be made available to developers through a new hardware reference design, simplifying integration and reducing complex hardware requirements.
The implications extend beyond immediate gesture recognition, with potential applications spanning various wrist-worn wearables, XR, IoT, and more. Doublepoint aims to facilitate this integration by providing a hardware reference design and eventually licensing the technology to major hardware manufacturers.
Functionally, the Doublepoint algorithm interprets subtle vibrations and tendon movements when users’ fingers touch each other or objects. This data enables precise touch state determination and gesture tracking, enhancing wrist-based device accuracy without extensive hardware requirements. Equipped with sensors and computational power, the wristband executes the custom algorithm, facilitating clear gesture-based commands to devices such as AR headsets.
Joseph emphasized the technology’s accessibility, foreseeing a significant impact on wrist-gesture controls for end-users. Doublepoint Technologies plans to commence pre-orders for its Doublepoint Kit at Unveiled Las Vegas on Jan. 7.
