Capacitive touch sensing is an evolving technology that is now found in next-generation grips and joysticks, providing operators with enhanced functionality. OTTO’s Grip Sense capacitive sensing option comes in select grip solutions for basic and advanced controls applications.

What is Capacitive Sensing?

Capacitive sensing is essentially a proximity sensor that detects a change in capacitance due to human skin (the input) transferring an electrical charge to the object without any actual direct contact with the sensor. The most common device that utilizes capacitive sensing technology is the touch screen on smartphones: You’re activating functions using the presence of your fingers. With electromechanical pushbuttons, presence alone doesn’t activate the device.

One of the significant advantages of capacitance sensing is that there are no moving parts, the presence of a finger or hand is enough to change the switch output. Therefore, there is nothing to wear-out resulting in a very long lifetime input device. However, capacitive devices typically do not provide tactile feedback that is found in a mechanical switch.

Capacitive sensing-equipped components put more control in operators’ hands. The grip equipped with Grip Sense can sense the presence of an operator’s hand to enable the necessary functions. Grip Sense enhances the versatility of the grip controls by adding another option for switch activation within the operator’s hand.

Grip Applications

OTTO has partnered with systems integrators and equipment manufacturers to apply Grip Sense technology to their applications. An OTTO grip equipped with Grip Sense has been designed and installed, for instance, in an armrest console for snow removal trucks. Working with partner companies—the armrest architect and the cab manufacturer—OTTO designed a solution that fully met the application requirements with great functionality and simplicity.

Using capacitive sensing in the grip, the operator can move the plow blade or truck bed up and down and activate the salt spreader. These functions are integrated into the grip, allowing for the repositioning of these functions from the dashboard and other armrest areas.

Integrated Capacitive Sensing

Grip Sense is an option on most OTTO G3 series grips and HJLG3 and HJMG3 joysticks and grip assemblies. Another option is to use OTTO’s CS Series of capacitive touch sensor switches, which are ideal for use as a simple on-off switch. These switches can be integrated on panels or in other applications requiring finger or palm sensing.