BMW Introduces AirTouch Technology with 3D Control at CES 2016 Program

Do you hate fingerprints on your car’s infotainment screen? If yes, then Don’t Worry! BMW is coming up with a solution for that too on display at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 6-9. The main highlights of BMW’s CES 2016 program include the demonstration of an advanced AirTouch system. The new AirTouch technology promises control of communication and entertainment features with a mere wave of a flat hand. The 2016 BMW 7 already features gesture control, where a wave of the driver's finger can change the volume of the stereo or accept a phone call.

But, the new AirTouch technology allows drives and passengers to have three-dimensional control. Users can use their whole hand or gesture to change the large panorama display. Gestures can be made between the center console and rear view mirror. As per the BMW, “sensors are installed in the area of the instrument dashboard which respond to hand movements here and therefore permit three-dimensional control. A movement of the hand or a gesture activates the surfaces on the large panorama display”.

AirTouch uses physical buttons to confirm an action. One is hidden on the rim of the steering wheel, within easy reach of the driver's thumb. A single tap confirms the desired program. AirTouch also promises to reduce the number of steps to make a selection. AirTouch pre-loads the required steps for an action and displays them in advance. For example, contacts or call lists are pushed to the top select level when the phone is activated for quick action. A button located on the side sill of the door can help passenger to get in on the game. One hand of the passenger will be used to navigate the system whereas the other hand will be used to confirm.

Similar technology was set forward by Volkswagen in the Golf R at last year's Consumer Electronics Show and Hyundai debuted a bare bones version in 2013. There's no telling when BMW's three-dimensional gesture control technology will make it into production vehicles.