Google’s Project Soli: Radar-based hand motion sensor approved by the FCC

Google has won U.S. regulatory approval to go ahead with a radar-based motion sensor that could make touchscreens look obsolete in the coming years. Google’s Soli Radar translates hand gestures and gestures into computer commands. The technology has been in development since 2014. Now it can finally be installed in a product. These Soli sensors help in capturing motion in 3D space with a radar beam for enabling touchless control of functions. According to Google, the Soli sensor can allow users to press an invisible button between the thumb and index fingers or a virtual dial that turns by rubbing a thumb against the index finger.

Google says “even though these controls are virtual, the interactions feel physical and responsive”, as the feedback is generated by the haptic sensation of fingers touching. According to Google, the virtual tools can approximate the precision of natural human hand motion and the Soli sensor can be embedded in wearables, computers, phones, and vehicles including aircraft. Soli fits radar sensors into a tiny chip the size of an American quarter to track slight hand or finger motions at high speed and accuracy. The US Federal Communications Commission said the solution “will serve the public interest by providing for innovative device control features using touchless hand gesture technology.”