Precise operation without knobs, switches and buttons - instead, your own hands are the only interface you need. The "Soli" project from Google ATAP is based on this concept. Two prototypes that work in this way were presented for the first time at the Google I/O developer conference. The prototypes - a loudspeaker from Harman and a smartwatch from LG Electronics - can be operated using the smallest of hand movements. Depending on the direction in which the fingers are rubbed or pressed together, the volume of the device can be varied, scrolled through or everything can be switched off. This is made possible by radar technology. It is based on radar chips from Infineon and the software and interaction concepts from Google ATAP.

The sensor operates at 60 GHz and can detect and distinguish fine movements at high speed and accuracy - at up to 10,000 frames per second. To achieve this, the team had to reinterpret the traditional way radar technology works. In order to detect the movements of the hand at a short distance, the Soli sensor emits electromagnetic waves in a wide radar beam. Objects scatter and partially reflect the beam, which is picked up by a radar antenna. The reflected signals are analyzed and provide information about the size, shape, material, distance and movement, for example.

According to Infineon and Google ATAP, the "Soli" radar technology is suitable for markets such as home entertainment, mobile devices and applications for the Internet of Things. "Sophisticated algorithms that track motion and touch patterns and tiny, highly integrated radar chips can enable a wide range of applications," explains Andreas Urschitz, Head of the Power Management & Multimarket Division at Infineon.

In addition to audio devices and smartwatches, the developers also want to open up new possibilities for augmented reality and the Internet of Things.