David Liu modified a Kensington trackball to create an intuitive 3D CAD controller called the Rotatrix. Instead of simulating a ball rolling over a surface, the trackball now represents the 3D object itself, allowing users to rotate and manipulate CAD models naturally. The device replaces both a mouse and a 3D joystick, freeing the other hand for keyboard shortcuts. Liu iterated extensively on the electronics and dual optical sensors to get the feel right, and is now commercializing it as a product.
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