How strong is your grip?

Sept. 28, 2006
A new line of fingertip sensors measures pressures that are difficult to gauge by conventional means.

Fingertip sensors could measure a pianist playing his own composition, train medical-health practitioners in proper palm or finger pressures for infant CPR, or help design a better computer mouse.


FingerTPS tactile pressure sensors, from Pressure Profile Systems Inc., Los Angeles, are worn on a person's fingertips and palm to measure the pressures exerted while using a tool or performing some other action.

Applications could range from recording a pianist, to training medicalhealth practitioners in proper palm or finger pressures for infant CPR, to designing a better tool handle or computer mouse. The system could also quantify what has been an entirely subjective measurement — pain — by objectively determining the sensitivity of injured tissues to touch, as might be done for burn victims.

Based on capacitive-sensor technology, the sensors measure pressures up to 10 lb in 0.1-lb increments. Less than 2-mm thick, they are mounted in stretchable fabric for a snug fit on the user's fingers. The systems are USB powered and supported by PC-resident software, which displays and tracks time-series, average, and peak pressures.

MAKE CONTACT
Pressure Profile Systems Inc.,
pressureprofile.com

Sponsored Recommendations

Aug. 22, 2025
Discover how to meet growing customer demands for custom products without overextending your engineering team. Learn how scaling your automation strategy can help you win more...
Aug. 22, 2025
Join industry leaders to explore how cutting edge digital technologies are transforming factories. Learn how to boost throughput, enhance flexibility, and accelerate your digital...
Aug. 22, 2025
Explore the future of manufacturing. Learn how to leverage the latest digital technologies and strategies to build a more efficient, agile, and resilient digital factory.
Aug. 21, 2025
A look into the latest improvements in motion control through high-performance drives, AI enhancements, and faster communication protocols.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!