Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

PalmPad: Typing on Your Hand with a Single RGB Camera

2025-05-22

A team from Tsinghua University has developed Palmpad, a novel mixed reality interaction technology. Using only an RGB camera and an Arduino, Palmpad projects a virtual keyboard onto the user's palm. The user types by tapping virtual keys with their index finger from the opposite hand. The system overcomes previous limitations of unreliable fingertip tracking and poor touch detection through sophisticated video processing and a CNN for accurate fingertip positioning. An Arduino UNO detects finger-palm contact using impedance changes, achieving 97% touch recognition accuracy. Palmpad offers a convenient and innovative approach to mixed reality interaction.

Arduino's Bio-Based PCBs: A Greener Future for Electronics

2025-05-11

Arduino, in collaboration with the European Innovation Council, has launched the Desire4EU project to develop biodegradable printed circuit boards (PCBs) using PLA-flax. The project has successfully created bio-based versions of the Arduino Nano and UNO, utilizing lower soldering temperatures to reduce energy consumption and e-waste. Future plans include a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to further quantify environmental benefits, with 1,000 beta boards planned for distribution in 2026.

DIY Birkeland-Eyde Reactor: An Arduino-Powered Experiment

2025-04-09

Citizen scientist Marb built a DIY experimental reactor to demonstrate the Birkeland-Eyde process, a historically significant but inefficient method of producing nitric acid from atmospheric nitrogen using electric arcs. While energy-intensive and largely obsolete for industrial use, Marb's focus is on the scientific experiment. He cleverly uses an Arduino UNO to control the electric arc, incorporating a desiccant dryer for optimal air conditions and a temperature sensor for feedback. Though the current yield is low, Marb plans a follow-up video with more details if there's sufficient interest.