Japanese tech company Murata, in cooperation with Kansai University and Mitsui Chemicals, has developed a remote control that doesn’t require users to push buttons. Instead, TVs or other electric appliances can be controlled by bending and twisting the remote in various ways.
The device, currently a prototype named “Leaf Grip Remote Controller”, is essentially a pitch for a new kind human-machine interface.
Murata explains:
This remote control has a very new conceptual design that enables it to operate by bending and twisting of a plate made of piezoelectric films that can detect such motions. Furthermore, it uses pigments to discharge electrons when it receives light and is assembled with a photovoltaic cell that converts light into electricity to provide it with a battery-less feature.
Examples of how to use the device:
The Leaf Grip Remote Controller uses a newly developed piezoelectric film that’s highly transparent, organic and free from pyroelectricity, meaning users can manipulate it – no batteries required.
The company plans to showcase the remote and other devices based on the new film during the CEATEC Japan 2011 exhibition next month.