Author: Frank Fischer, Director of Marketing for Optical Microsystems at Bosch Sensortec GmbH
The Internet of Things (IoT) is reshaping industries and enabling powerful business applications. But what does this mean for the average consumer? Imagine a world where light switches, buttons, and LCD screens are obsolete. Instead, our environment is governed by dozens of sensors and intelligent systems. Smart thermostats and service robots listen and respond to our needs, offering intuitive, reliable, and always-available services. This is the future of the IoT—integrated, seamless, and smart.
These devices help us control our surroundings and adapt to complex modern lifestyles. It's a paradox: using advanced technology to simplify everyday life. In this context, the IoT User Interface (UI) becomes crucial. It determines how users interact with devices and how they receive feedback. The UI must be efficient, responsive, and user-friendly.
Today, we primarily interact with the world through screens—smartphones, tablets, and more. While these provide powerful access to IoT functions, the future lies in "stealth" interfaces. These will appear only when needed, blending into the real world and disappearing when not in use.
What if your device could project interactive elements directly from the digital space into the physical world? That’s where Mixed Reality and IoT come together. It opens up new possibilities for interaction, making the experience more immersive and dynamic.
Sensors, devices, and IoT applications are everywhere, but the way we interact with them is undergoing a quiet revolution. Over the next decade, interactive laser projection could redefine our user interfaces. One example is Bosch Sensortec’s BML050 micro scanner, which brings interactive projection from concept to reality.
[Image: Figure 1: Bosch Sensortec’s BML050 micro scanner enables interactive projection. (Source: Bosch Sensortec)]
Making the user interface simpler, more flexible, and more fun is key. Take a coffee machine, for instance. Traditionally, it might have buttons, dials, and an LCD screen. But with a laser-projected virtual interface, the design can be sleeker, more intuitive, and more stylish. Users can choose their preferred coffee type or cup size with just a tap on a projected menu.
This approach also makes appliances easier to use. Complex machines like washing machines or ovens can now offer custom settings and recipes through a software-based UI. It reduces clutter, improves usability, and enhances the overall consumer experience.
[Image: Figure 2: Simple and convenient: Use the interactive user interface to choose your favorite coffee. (Source: Bosch Sensortec)]
Even if the interface gets dirty, it still works. No need to touch the appliance, keeping it clean. Users can also watch videos or chat via a virtual keyboard, making daily tasks more engaging.
**Interactive projection in practice**
Bosch Sensortec’s BML050 microscanner uses two MEMS mirrors to project RGB laser images onto any surface. It also includes gesture sensing capabilities, allowing users to interact without physical buttons. No calibration is needed—just point and click.
**IoT window**
Beyond coffee machines, interactive projection has wide-ranging applications. It simplifies the user interface for smart homes, making it less cluttered and more intuitive. Consumers no longer have to deal with multiple screens and buttons. Instead, they get a clean, connected environment.
**Wearable and more possibilities**
The potential of interactive projection extends beyond home appliances. It’s ideal for wearables, where users want a large display in a compact form. The BML050 is small enough to fit in portable devices, opening up new opportunities in gaming, navigation, and more.
In the future, smart glasses with built-in projectors could become common, providing augmented reality experiences directly on the lens.
**Compact module**
Despite its small size, the BML050 delivers high-quality projection. It includes all necessary components in one package, making it easy to integrate into various products. You can learn more about how it works on the Bosch Sensortec YouTube channel.
**Conclusion**
With the BML050 pico projector, engineers can create new, intuitive user interfaces that make life easier and more exciting. As IoT continues to grow, interactive projection will play a key role in shaping the future of smart living.
**MEMS sensor – the foundation of the Internet of Things**
As a leader in IoT, Bosch provides innovative solutions for smart homes, cities, and industries. With expertise in sensors, software, and cloud technology, we deliver integrated, cross-domain solutions. Our goal is to create a connected world that enhances everyday life.
Smart MEMS sensors enable our homes, cities, and workplaces to be connected and aware. As IoT expands, so do the demands on sensor technology. Bosch Sensortec offers a broad range of MEMS solutions to meet these challenges and support the evolving IoT market.
**About Bosch Sensortec**
Bosch Sensortec, a subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH, develops and supplies custom MEMS sensors for smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices. Since 2005, we’ve been a leader in MEMS technology, with over 8 billion sensors sold worldwide. One in every two smartphones uses our sensors.
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