This Sonar Device Turns Any Surface Into a Smart Home Interface

For years, the way in which we interacted with our devices has been fairly limited to poking and swiping a screen. Rather than taking the hands-free, voice-activated approach, Maxus Tech has instead built a gadget that uses sonar technology to instantly turn any flat surface into a smart interface.

Welle — which is now live on Kickstarter — enables you to use custom-defined gestures to control things such as your lights, TVs, fans, curtains, and speakers, as well as PowerPoint presentations and other apps over Bluetooth. It even integrates with IFTTT.

For instance, drawing a “C” on your table can trigger a shortcut for the coffeemaker, while sliding your finger across a nightstand can adjust your lamp’s brightness.

According to its creators, Welle works by emitting safe ultrasonic waves and collecting echoes that bounce back within its sensing areas. It then translates those signals via algorithms into commands for your smart home appliances, software apps, and other controllers.

Welle will also provide an open API for developers to redefine gestures, creating infinite possibilities. You can learn more and back it for yourself on Kickstarter, where the team has already surpassed its $20,000 goal.