Wearable Wireless Sensors Measure Hand Forces

LOS ANGELES, CA /PRNewswire/ -- Pressure Profile Systems, Inc. (PPS) announces their innovative new wireless FingerTPS (Finger Tactile Pressure Sensing) system for immediate sale worldwide. FingerTPS sensors are soft, flexible sensors worn on the hand that transmit accurate, repeatable tactile force data to a PC via wireless Bluetooth connection. FingerTPS tactile data with integrated video provides a complete representation of user interaction with tools, sports equipment, new product designs, or medical applications.

"The FingerTPS concept was originally funded by DARPA research grants to capture the forces of a skilled surgeon for developing virtual surgical simulation systems. After a decade of numerous iterations, we finally have a system that is easy to use," said Dr. Jae Son, CEO of PPS.

The wireless FingerTPS system was unveiled to the public at the IVR Industrial Virtual Reality Expo in Tokyo, Japan on June 25–27, 2008. "The wireless capability and the simple, one-touch calibration were the most exciting features among attending engineers and researchers from hundreds of leading firms," said David Ables, CTO of PPS.

FingerTPS was recently featured in programming on the National Geographic Channel and Fox Sports Net. Episodes of "SportScience" and "FightScience" called on PPS and industry experts to scientifically explain the performance of world-class athletes including NFL hall of fame receiver Jerry Rice, NBA sharpshooter Jason Kapono, and Mixed Martial Arts legend Randy Coture.

"For elite athletes like Jerry Rice or Jason Kapono, their hands are their livelihood, and they readily grasped how real-time tactile data could help evaluate and improve their performance," explained Ables.

FingerTPS systems start at $4,995 for a single-hand system with two sensors that are available in multiple sizes in specialized shapes for fingers, thumbs, palms, and inner phalanges. FingerTPS systems also include a video camera for synchronized video input, software, and a reference sensor for easy, one-touch calibration.

About Pressure Profile Systems
Pressure Profile Systems, Inc. was founded in 1996 by two graduates from the Harvard University Robotics Lab. Government grants and industrial sales have enabled PPS tactile sensing technology development for medical devices, industrial instruments, and consumer electronics.