A switching apparatus is operated by a non contact motion made by a user. The switching apparatus is effectively used to control a mechanism, particularly a mechanism for driving a robot, by the non contact motion or gesture made by the user without touching the switching apparatus itself. The user can control or move indications, for example views of a dog, displayed on an image displaying equipment provided with the switching apparatus by his (her) motion or gesture without touching the switching apparatus. Therefore, the user can enjoy feeling as if he actually orders his dog.