MAKE EVERY
SURFACE SMART.

With the new Agnostic Touch
technology from Algra

The new Agnostic Touch technology

Agnostic Touch technology is based on the use of highly sensitive strain gauges as force sensors in the HMI input field. These are suitable for easy installation in all surfaces, even including rigid metallic materials such as stainless steel or aluminium. Agnostic Touch technology can be used safely in all input front designs and under all application conditions, while still reliably recognising any type of pressure operation or touch operation.

What are the benefits of
Agnostic Touch technology?

This new technology is a combination of force sensors and software. Via a keystroke (using a finger, stylus or glove), it is capable of detecting and reproducing a bend or curvature in the material with great precision.

Compared to other input sensors, which have different limitations in terms of design, materials or their application environment, this technology is resistant to vandalism, temperature, water and disinfection.

The benefits at a glance

Agnostic Touch technology is one of a kind and thus uniquely versatile.

  • It is equally suitable for machines, devices and equipment in many application areas and fields.
  • From the industrial sector, laboratories and medical technology to kitchens, bathrooms and even the high-end design sector.
  • It is robust and aesthetically pleasing because it can be used with any surface.
  • Assembly is extremely easy.

A comparison of typical input solutions

At the touch of a button …

… the solution to every problem.

Devices must fulfil functions and meet requirements – which you can now achieve more easily thanks to Agnostic Touch technology or Agnostic Force Touch.

… the answer to every development question.

Because free choice of surface and sensitive technology make the solution so much easier.

… the device of your dreams.

Because you have greater freedom and no more material restrictions.

How to fulfil customer needs

Your customer has high expectations of you as a machine or device manufacturer, and you also need to consider safety and hygiene requirements. So it’s good if you don’t have to spend so much time worrying about these things – now there is an HMI technology that offers you many more options for satisfying all requirements. The free choice of materials alone means you can redesign touch-sensitive surfaces made of wood, glass, plastic, chrome steel or aluminium.

More Design

Be it for high-end products in the B2C sector or brands that have high standards for design while also requiring safe and reliable use, Agnostic Touch technology opens up completely new design possibilities.

Vandalism is a thing of the past

Wherever machinery is accessible without protection, your customer relies on robustness. And Agnostic Touch technology is no exception.

Limitless hygiene

Whether a device needs to be kept hygienically clean or be disinfected – all while remaining indestructible – is now determined solely by your choice of surface.

There’s no need to give moisture a second thought

The conditions under which your machine, device or equipment is used no longer matter. Moisture penetration around the input keys is prevented in every scenario.

Operation with utmost ease

Regardless of how your customers operate your devices, Agnostic Touch technology has no problems with protective clothing or stylus use – and it even provides haptic feedback.

Temperatur spielt keine Rolle

Geräte werden heiss oder unter besonders extremen Temperaturbedingungen eingesetzt. Das macht der Agnostik Touch Technologie nichts aus. Sie funktioniert spielend leicht im Rahmen von -40 °C und +85 °C.

Simply all surfaces

An input solution that can be reliably installed in all surfaces, regardless of the material, is suitable for any industry.

Customer projects

Technical specifications

Medical devices

Public transportation

Fittings and bathrooms

Agnostic Touch technology is essentially suitable for use on all machines, devices and equipment in any industry. The technology’s combination of sensor and software is what makes it special. The composition and operating principle are illustrated in the diagrams below. As a self-adhesive, its small dimensions make it very easy to install.

GEOMETRY AND STRUCTURE OF THE AGNOSTIC SENSOR

Agnostic sensor as strain gauge on FR4 material. There is a connection pad on the bottom which enables standard assembly using SMD technology.

Sensor size: 7.0 x 2.15 x 0.4 mm (L/W/H)

Agnostic Technology detects the finest deformations on the control panel.

A sensor is usually situated behind each key on the printed circuit board (PCB). A network of several strain gauge sensors detects mechanical deformations and filters out the key input using intelligent evaluation. The strain gauge force sensors detect even the smallest deflections in the µm (0.001 mm) range. This also applies to metals such as stainless steel or aluminium.

Usable front materials

Almost any material can be selected for the front control panel:

Example
Thickness
Plastic

Up to 2.0 mm

Aluminium

Up to 1.2 mm

Stainless steel

Up to 1.0 mm

Glass

Up to 1.0 mm

Wood
Leather
Artificial resins

Technical data

Operating temperature

-40° to +85° C

Storage temperature

-40° to +85° C

Supply voltage

3.3V (typically)

Power consumption

600 mA/key

IP protection class

All IP classes can be implemented

Key sensitivity

50 g to 1000 g can be set

Life cycles

> 10 million

Minimum spacing between keys (centre to centre)

> 12 mm (depending on material and thickness)

Sensor size

7.0 x 2.15 x 0.4 mm (LxWxH)

Complete technical data at a glance

See for yourself.
Order the Demo Kit

Demo and Developer Kit

With our Demo and Developer Kit, we give you the chance to test our solution and optimise it for your needs. It contains the following elements:

  • Three Agnostic Touch technology demo modules with visual, acoustic and haptic feedback
  • An interface for PC connection
  • The DesignStudio (Windows) demo software on a USB stick
  • A 3N actuator for key calibration.

Order your Demo Kit now and
experience Agnostic Touch
technology

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