"Pitt to Apple: Force Sensing in Consumer Electronics"

Force sensing can provide tactile information to enhance human-machine interactions in a number of applications. This talk will provide examples of force sensing techniques utilized in consumer electronics, practical challenges in implementing those techniques, and solutions to overcome technical barriers. I will show how first principles physics is utilized in solving sensing problems, and how lessons learned at the University of Pittsburgh are applied to my work in industry. Chris Butler is the Senior Director of Sensing and Haptics Hardware Engineering at Apple Inc. in Cupertino CA. Chris specializes in cross-disciplinary new-technology development where physics and multiple engineering disciplines intersect. Chris has extensive experience developing innovative solutions for challenges across several industries including medical devices, display technologies, and consumer electronics . Chris earned a degree in Engineering Physics in 2000 from the University of Pittsburgh where he was a researcher in Dr. Jeremy Levy’s group in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.