This disclosure describes embodiments of a contactless sensing system for controlling operation of a remote device. The sensing system can comprise an actuator and a sensing device, which is responsive to a field the actuator emits. An end user can move the actuator relative to the sensing device to generate an output that reflects a device command that modifies operation of the remote device. In one example, the sensing device comprises an array of sensing elements. The field causes a change in operating parameters in the sensing elements, which the sensing device can identify and associate with the device command. The sensing device can also recognize combinations of one or more of the sensing elements that exhibit changes in the operating parameters to provide a robust control mechanism for the remote device.