User interface with proximity detection for object tracking

A system or method for tracking items proximate a user interface device include a user interface device (12) having at least one solid-state touch-sensitive region (16) and a receiver for wirelessly receiving a signal from at least one item to determine proximity of the item relative to the user interface device (12). The device may also include a display screen for displaying controls and information. The user interface device (12) may be permanently or removably mounted in a vehicle and used to interface with vehicle systems and personal electronic devices for control and information display. Tracked items or objects may include passive or active data tags and communicate identification information and optionally position information to the user interface device. The device may alert the user to movement of tracked objects, and/or confirm presence of a group of objects intended for a particular task or project. The device may use various wired or wireless devices to control selections and/or a cursor on the display.