Touchless sensing technology is set to transform how consumers and employees interact with digital devices, according to research.
Analyst Frost & Sullivan says it expects next-generation touchless interfaces to become an important factor in the consumer electronics, healthcare, automotive, security, military and gaming industries.
"Various approaches and methodologies are constantly being investigated to improve user interaction with digital devices," said Frost & Sullivan analyst Jabez Mendelson.
Touchless sensing technologies were initially used in applications that required motion sensing in order to create a response, such as bathroom dispensing units and automatic doors.
The application of these technologies has expanded considerably with recent advancements, such as gesture sensing, voice commands, brain wave sensing and eye tracking.
The analyst says developments in touchless sensing mean the dominance of the physical keyboard is slowly reducing.
Touch-screening modes allow users to move the screen, and also to enlarge the screen and access virtual keyboards to interact with applications and the device itself.
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There are, however, challenges to be overcome. Touchless sensing technologies have a lesser accuracy rate, meaning users could end up waving their hands to effectuate one task.
"Despite these challenges, original equipment manufacturers choose to use these next-generation touchless technologies in high-end and everyday products," said Mendelson.
