Researchers from Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNRPU) have unveiled a novel touch-screen technology that responds to touch via acoustic signals. This breakthrough enables devices with tactile interfaces to operate in harsh environments where traditional controls struggle. The university’s press service provided this update to socialbites.ca.
Conventional control panels relying on physical buttons tend to fail in demanding settings where dust and moisture penetrate seams and degrade equipment. While touch screens have become common, they also carry drawbacks; many are built from delicate materials that limit durability and reliability in rugged conditions. The new approach aims to address these limitations by using a robust tactile interface rather than a fragile surface, broadening usability in challenging environments.
The team at Perm Polytechnic University describes a tactile interface crafted from metal and other sturdy compounds. This interface detects touch location by analyzing sound waves generated at the moment of contact. The screen surface can be shaped and sized freely, offering flexible design possibilities for different applications.
When a user touches the surface, a shock wave is produced and propagates across the touch area. Microphones embedded within the device capture the resulting sound vibrations, each microphone recording its own arrival time. The collected data is sent to a microcontroller, where the relative time delays and signal strengths are processed. From these measurements, the exact touch position is calculated by determining the distance to each microphone and triangulating the contact point. This method allows precise spatial sensing without relying on fragile optical or capacitive layers, potentially increasing resilience in demanding settings, including mines and heavy industrial zones.
In initial work, PNRPU researchers simulated the sensory acoustic system to understand how sound propagates in solid materials and how touch localization can be achieved through time-delay analysis. The mathematical model accounts for wave propagation, timing differences, and signal magnitudes. The simulations operated in an environment that mimicked anechoic conditions with a single center tap, enabling researchers to study the core dynamics of touch detection and localization. The results highlighted predictable signal patterns and robust localization under controlled conditions, providing a foundation for real-world testing.
To evaluate practical viability, scientists conducted a real-world experiment using an aluminum can as a test surface. The positions of the microphones and touch points matched the mathematical model, with observed touch durations around 85 milliseconds and peak wave values near 900 microseconds. These findings demonstrated the system’s capability to accurately capture touch events on a simple, sturdy substrate, suggesting feasible deployment across varied shapes and sizes in industrial products.
PNRPU emphasizes that tactile acoustic screens hold particular promise for mining equipment, where pervasive dust and abrasives accelerate wear and compromise conventional devices. The new technology’s metal-based, rugged construction is intended to withstand harsh dust, vibration, and moisture, reducing maintenance and downtime while maintaining precise control. The potential impact extends to other sectors that operate in extreme conditions, including manufacturing floors, energy facilities, and outdoor industrial installations, where durable, reliable human-machine interfaces are critical.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to refine the acoustic sensing algorithms, enhance noise rejection, and explore alternative durable materials that further improve resilience. They also anticipate integrating the touch system with existing control architectures, enabling seamless adoption in current equipment. The work aligns with broader efforts to create robust, instrumented interfaces that preserve accuracy and responsiveness even when visual feedback is limited or environmental factors are harsh. The ongoing development is documented in institutional announcements and is open to further validation through rigorous field testing in industrial contexts.
In related progress, Russia has recently advanced technologies for ultra-precision welding that combine glass and metal, illustrating a broader trend toward highly durable, high-precision manufacturing solutions. These parallel developments underscore the importance of resilient interface technologies in modern industrial settings and signal a growing emphasis on reliable human-machine collaboration in challenging environments.