picoRing Mouse Research Explores Ultra-Low-Power Wearable Input - Yanko Design

"The future of computing increasingly demands input devices that work seamlessly in mobile, public, and wearable contexts where traditional mice become impractical or socially awkward. As we move toward augmented reality, smart glasses, and always-connected devices, the need for subtle, continuous interaction grows more pressing. Current solutions often require bulky hardware, frequent charging, or obvious gestures that draw unwanted attention."

"The picoRing mouse research project tackles these challenges by reimagining the computer mouse as a ring-based, ultra-low-power wearable device. This experimental system consists of a tiny ring housing a trackball and a companion wristband that receives input data, creating a setup that enables discreet computer control in situations where conventional input methods would be impossible or inappropriate. Designers: Yifan Li, Masaaki Fukumoto, Mohamed Kari, Shigemi Ishida, Akihito Noda, Tomoyuki Yokota, Takao Someya, Yoshihiro Kawahara, Ryo Takahashi ( University of Tokyo)"

"The core technology relies on inductive coupling between coils embedded in both the ring and wristband. When you move the trackball with your finger, the input gets encoded as frequency-modulated signals and transmitted wirelessly to the wristband with minimal power consumption. The wristband then decodes these frequency peaks back into mouse movements and sends them to your connected device. The user experience prioritizes subtlety and continuous availability."

"You can control a cursor, navigate interfaces, or interact with applications using tiny finger movements that are virtually invisible to others around you. The system is designed for environments like airplanes, trains, meetings, or crowded public spaces where pulling out a laptop mouse would be awkward or impossible. Of course, the practical applications extend beyond just solving social awkwardness. The picoRing mouse could serve as an input device for presentations, allowing speakers to control slid"

A ring-based picoRing mouse combines a tiny trackball in a ring with a companion wristband to provide discreet cursor control in mobile, public, and wearable contexts. The ring and wristband use inductive coupling between embedded coils to transmit input as frequency-modulated signals, enabling ultra-low-power wireless communication. The wristband decodes frequency peaks into mouse movements and relays them to connected devices. The design emphasizes subtle, continuous availability so users can navigate interfaces with minimal, nearly invisible finger motions. Applications include airplane, train, meeting, and presentation scenarios where conventional mice are impractical.

Read at Yanko Design - Modern Industrial Design News