3D Gesture Sensor for Arduino

As hobbyists, we are always looking for cool new ways to integrate new technology into our daily lives, so as to add a touch of convenience or functionality to our lives in subtle but effective ways. One such technology that we’ve been excited to get our hands on is the 3D Gesture Sensor for Arduino from DFRobot, which uses inductive sensing and GestIC® 3D gesture technology to identify hand gestures, including four distinct directions as well as clockwise and counter clockwise rotation.

Because this gesture module uses Inductive Proximity Sensing, it can be conveniently placed underneath thin, non-ferrous materials, out of sight and out of mind until necessary. This enables you to hide it just under a section of your desk, within a thin door panel, or even inside of your mouse or keyboard to add even more functionality to some already-vital tools that you use. So, in addition to adding cool features and functionality to your home, tools or almost anywhere else, it can also be hidden away to become secret functionality that only you know about.

And finally, what may be the best factor about this module is that it is perfectly Arduino compatible, and can be integrated into existing projects or built with mostly inexpensive and accessible components.

Typical Applications for 3D Gesture Sensor for Arduino:

While some people may look at this module and think “Well I could just use a button or keypad instead”, a true Maker will be able to fully understand the true value of these fantastic gesture Sensor Modules. In fact, we even have a few projects planned for this module already, which include the following, as well as a few secret projects that we’re still pondering over:

• Adding extra functionality to a standard Mouse or Keyboard, which will act as shortcuts to change the current playing track, adjust volume, and even fast forward, rewind, zoom or scroll depending on which functions we feel are most important.
• Creating a secret entry button behind a door panel, to allow access to anyone who knows the right “gesture code” – An example for a secret code could be “Swipe Up, Swipe Up, Swipe Down, Rotate Clockwise once”.
• Building a unique and personalised controller for gaming, that incorporate gesture control, flex sensors, and possibly even facial recognition to give you a truly advanced means of playing with or controlling your PC.

These, of course, are just a few of the many amazing examples that we are excited to try out here at DIYElectronics, and of course there are already a plethora of projects out there that you could either enjoy directly, or modify to make them your own. Just remember that we want to see cool pictures and videos of your projects, so be sure to share them on social media and give us a shout-out so we know where to find it.

Additional Resources:

• Official DFRobot 3D Gesture Sensor Wiki Page
• Official DFRobot 3D Gesture Github Repository

As self-proclaimed “Robo-holics”, DFRobot is a company comprised of over 100 staff members, of which 30% are engineers who love to build robots. It was started in 2008 with the goal of embracing and promoting open-source hardware, with a core focus on Arduino, Raspberry Pi and their very own LattePanda development boards. Since then, DFRobot have manufactured over 1300 unique modules, sensors and components that all work together and complement each other, allowing users like us to enjoy a full spectrum of cutting edge robotics and electronics without having to pay premium prices.

With the primary goal of developing and manufacturing great quality products, while making them accessible to as many people as possible, DFRobot are rapidly becoming one of the most common-place brands in the world of open-source robotics and electronics. With more than 1300 products developed in-house, and an impressive range of different categories and specialisations, there are few brands in the world who can compete in terms of quality, accessibility and genuine innovation.