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Gesture Wearable

An IMU-only wearable for gesture input, developed from a XIAO proof of concept and an early custom board that explored biopotential sensing.

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Quick overview In plain language

What it does

A wrist-worn device that explores using hand movements as input. Its motion sensor measures movement instead of reading muscle signals.

My contribution

I’m developing the circuit boards and wearable packaging, starting with a ready-made board before moving to custom hardware.

Where it stands

The current board focuses on movement sensing. Gesture-recognition performance is still being developed and documented.

Gesture input through movement

The current wearable uses an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for gesture input. Its sensing is based on movement. Biopotential sensing was an experiment in the first custom-board iteration.

From proof of concept to custom hardware

The first wearable proof of concept: a black 3D-printed module with two pink circular details and a USB connector.
The original XIAO-based proof of concept.

Before the first iteration

Starting with a XIAO

My first proof of concept used an off-the-shelf XIAO board in a custom black 3D-printed enclosure. The module was compatible with standard 18mm watch bands, giving the early build a wrist-worn form.

The first custom wearable board, with its wireless module, surface-mount components, and USB connector visible.
The first custom-board iteration.

First iteration · AD8232 experiment

Exploring biopotential signals

The first iteration attempted to integrate biopotential signals alongside motion sensing using an AD8232. The board photo documents this early hardware experiment.

The current wearable takes an IMU-only approach. The AD8232 design is part of the project’s development history.

The current gesture wearable board, with a u-blox module, USB-C connector, button, and a row of test pads.
The current IMU-only board.

Current iteration · PCB v2

Focusing on motion

The current iteration focuses on IMU-based gesture input. PCB v2 uses an LSM6DSV16X motion sensor and a NINA-B302 module for the IMU-only design.

The board photo documents this revision, following the earlier AD8232 experiment.

Design documentation

The system overview below explains the project at a high level. Detailed design files are shared selectively. For a technical review or collaboration, get in touch to discuss access.

Discuss this project

How it works

System overviewBlock diagram
Block diagramSystem overview

Current IMU-only hardware. Gesture recognition and its performance remain in development.

Motion sensing

  1. Wrist movementThe physical gesture
  2. IMULSM6DSV16X · motion measurements
  3. Embedded processingNINA-B302 · developing gesture input

Supporting hardware

  1. Battery + USB-CPower and a wired connection
  2. Wearable electronicsCustom board with a physical button input
  3. RGB LEDVisual feedback
Intended gesture flowFlow chart
  1. 01Move your wrist
  2. 02Measure motion
  3. 03Recognize a gesture
  4. 04Produce an input
The recognition and input stages are under development. Their performance is still to be documented.
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