Tom Zimmerman
Tom Zimmerman
Human/Machine Devices & Paradigms
Almaden Research Center
IBM Research
Thomas G. Zimmerman is an inventor and educator, exploring the frontiers of human-computer interaction at the IBM Almaden Research Center. His 15 patents cover position tracking, user input, wireless communication, music training, biometrics and encryption. His Data Glove invention established the field of Virtual Reality, selling over one million units. His electric field PAN invention sends data through the human body, exchanging electronic business cards with a handshake, and prevents air bags from injuring children in the Honda Accord. His New Zealand airport deployment of 802.11b WLAN equipped PDAs enabled passengers to self check-in and board. Mr. Zimmerman promotes science literacy with regular appearances on Discovery TV Canada and interactive exhibits installed at the Exploratorium, National Geographic Society and Great Lakes Science Center. He received his B.S. in Humanities and Engineering and M.S. in Media Science from MIT. In 1998 Mr. Zimmerman received the Popular Science "Best of What's New" Award and Design News Grand Prize for "Excellence in Design" for his PAN invention.
