Wearable Distance Measuring Glove That Types Into Your Computer

This project is a wearable “point-and-measure” glove that captures real-world distances and logs them directly into your computer. You simply point the glove at a surface and press a button. The glove reads distance using a time-of-flight sensor, then types the measurement into whatever text field is active—Google Docs, Notes, a browser form, Google Sheets, or a CAD parameter list.

Materials used:

1. Adafruit Circuit Playground (Express)
2. Adafruit VL53L0X time-of-flight distance sensor (VL53L0X “v2” breakout)
3. Momentary push button
4. USB cable (data + power)
5. Hookup wire / connectors
6. Fabric for the glove
7. 3D-printed enclosure/mount

Tools:

1. Computer with Arduino IDE
2. Soldering iron + solder
3. Wire strippers/cutters
4. 3D printer + filament

Start by building and testing everything on the table before making it wearable. Connect the VL53L0X distance sensor to the Circuit Playground using the I2C pins (power, ground, SDA, SCL). Wire your push button to a digital input pad and ground (the code will use an internal pull-up). Plug the board into your computer with a USB data cable. Before combining everything, test the button and the sensor separately in Arduino so you know each part works on its own.

In the Arduino IDE, install the required libraries (Adafruit VL53L0X and Circuit Playground/Keyboard support if needed). Upload the code that reads the distance sensor and waits for a button press. When the button is pressed, the program captures a distance reading (optionally averaging multiple samples for stability), applies an offset if needed, and sends the result to your computer as keyboard input. Open Serial Monitor while testing so you can see the “raw” distance and confirm your readings match reality.

Once the electronics and code are working on the table, build the wearable version. Sew or modify a glove (or fabric harness) while planning the placement of the parts at the same time. Position the distance sensor so it has a clear forward-facing view and won’t be blocked by fabric, and place the button where it’s comfortable to press during use. Mount the Circuit Playground and sensor into the 3D-printed enclosure, then attach the enclosure securely to the glove with stitching and/or straps so it won’t rotate or shift when you move your hand. Route and secure the wires neatly, and add strain relief for the USB cable along the wrist/arm so the connection doesn’t get pulled during use. Finally, do a full wearable test: click into any text field on your computer, press the glove button, and confirm the measurement is captured and typed correctly; adjust alignment and the offset value if needed for repeatable results.