Servo - April 2012

new, innovative electric field sensor. This new sensor technology measures electric field changes without requiring physical or resistive contact. EPIC is an award-winning, patent-protected sensor that can rapidly measure electric potential sources such as electrophysiological signals or spatial electric fields. The EPIC sensor simplifies the way movement sensing, proximity non-touch switching, or even gesture recognition signals are taken in medical and sports instruments, toys, electric appliances, smart lighting, gaming, and security. The electrode surface of the detector is coated with a passivated thin dielectric for direct application to a test surface without the need for electrically conductive gel. By detecting changes in the electric field, the EPIC sensor can drive a relay to act as a simple non-touch electric switch. It can be employed in a proximity mode or to detect specific kinds of movement as a gesture recognition device. Since the EPIC sensor does not need line-of-sight, it can detect movement through solid walls and can also be used to replace — or as an adjunct to — passive infra-red (PIR) sensors in a variety of applications including security motion detectors.

The sensor can be integrated on a chip with other features such as data converters, digital signal processing, and wireless communications capability.

For further information, please contact:

Saelig

Website: www.saelig.com

ELEV- 8 Quadcopter Kit — Flying Robot Platform

The ELEV- 8 quadcopter from Parallax is a flying robotic platform that is lifted and propelled by four fixed rotors. There are no fixed wings; all of the lift is created from the rotors. Unlike standard helicopters, a quadcopter uses fixed-pitch blades whose rotor pitch does not vary as the blades rotate; control of vehicle motion is achieved by varying the relative speed of each rotor to change the thrust and torque produced by each.

The quadcopter uses a HoverFly board with a Propeller multicore microprocessor to electronically control stabilization of the aircraft. The benefits to this system are a stable platform with no mechanical linkages for a small maneuverable and agile aircraft. The kit provides an inexpensive way to get involved in the quadcopter arena. The kit includes: frame, mounting hardware,

motors, speed controllers, propellers, and the control board for flight stabilization (the only thing you need to provide is the RC radio equipment and battery). The ELEV- 8 platform is large enough for outdoor flight and has plenty of room for payload and attachments (up to 2 lbs).