# EITWatch open-source ESP32-S3 smartwatch implements planar EIT hand gesture recognition

> Source: <https://www.cnx-software.com/2026/08/14/eitwatch-open-source-esp32-s3-smartwatch-implements-planar-eit-hand-gesture-recognition/>
> Published: 2026-08-14 11:00:21+00:00

Researchers from Northwestern University have introduced EITWatch, an open-source ESP32-S3-based EIT (Electrical Impedance Tomography) gesture-sensing system that fits within a standard smartwatch footprint. It relies on a Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-S3 board and eight electrodes arranged on the back of the case to detect hand gestures via impedance changes caused by muscle and tendon movement beneath the skin. Unlike other wrist-EIT systems that use circumferential electrode bands, EITWatch places all eight electrodes on the back of the smartwatch case. The sensing area consists of a 31 mm electrode ring that fits within a standard 40 mm watch case, while a 20 mm PCB extension carries the discrete analog front end (AFE). EITWatch hardware specifications: Wireless board – XIAO ESP32-S3 SoC – Espressif ESP32-S3R8 CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 microcontroller up to 240 MHz with vector instructions for AI acceleration Memory – 512KB SRAM, 8MB PSRAM Wireless – Wi-Fi 4 and [...]

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