Nov. 14, 2006 — STMicroelectronics, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, and Ball-IT Oy, a leading provider of advanced real-time wireless sensor solutions, announced a novel MEMS-based wireless motion-control device. Making its debut at ST’s stand at Electronica 2006, the smart golfball-sized object can operate as a free-hand personal computer mouse, compass, measuring tape, pedometer, or a 3D-object controller.
The device is enabled by ST’s MEMS technology. Ball-IT’s wireless ball controller responds to changes in position, direction, speed and acceleration, and translates those movements into immediate on-screen action. The ball is also sensitive to pressure, so its motion-sensitive user interface includes squeeze-prompted commands.
“This co-operation with Ball-IT confirms our conviction that high-quality, cost-effective MEMS sensors open up exciting new possibilities for intuitive man-machine interaction in consumer applications,” said Benedetto Vigna, MEMS business unit director, in a prepared statement.