JBL Google Soli connected speaker
This project was a collaboration between HARMAN's FX team and Google's Soli team from the Advanced Technology and Projects group (ATAP), led by Dr. Ivan Poupyrev. Together, we integrated Soli's radar-based sensing technology into a JBL connected home speaker, enabling users to control audio with intuitive micro finger gestures—eliminating the need for physical buttons, knobs, or screens.
For this project, we also designed and introduced a novel light-feedback interface designed to enhance the user experience by visually confirming gestures and closing the interaction loop. This innovative design not only showcased the potential of radar-based gesture controls but also laid the groundwork for future touchless interaction technologies.
The fully functional prototype debuted live on stage at Google I/O 2016, presented by Dr. Poupyrev, where it demonstrated seamless gesture controls for volume, track changes, and power, alongside its adaptive lighting interface. The presentation received significant attention, with financial news outlets reporting a positive impact on HARMAN’s stock performance of 4.81% following the announcement.
This collaboration also resulted in two patents jointly held by HARMAN and Google, enabling the future productization of this cutting-edge technology.
Learn more about HARMAN Announcement
Granted joint Patent
Granted Design Patent
Learn more about the Google I/O 2016 presentation
Harman collaboration starting at minute 11:11
At Google I/O 2016, Dr. Ivan Poupyrev from ATAP showcased the JBL speaker featuring radar-based gesture control and adaptive lighting. The demo highlighted micro gestures for volume, track changes, and power, with adaptive lighting providing real-time feedback. The full display of the JBL brand and a fully functional prototype garnered attention, including a positive reaction from financial markets.
Company: Harman International
Team: Future Experience Team
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Year: 2016
This collage captures key stages of the JBL speaker project: the final system showcased at Google I/O (top left), development efforts at HARMAN's FX lab (top right), collaboration with Google's ATAP team (bottom right), a detailed view of the packed speaker casing (bottom middle), and the CAD model illustrating significant mechanical design updates (bottom left).
These images show the final JBL speaker presented during the Google I/O 2016 announcement. The speaker integrates Soli's radar-based sensing technology, enabling touchless micro and finger gesture controls for functions like volume adjustment, track changes, and power. Adaptive lighting complements the gestures, providing real-time feedback and enhancing the user experience. The design represents the collaboration between HARMAN and Google's ATAP team, showcased live during the event.
This image shows the inside of the speaker presented during the Google announcement, showcasing all the main engineering elements