Aura Aware with ST FlightSense technology
Development of a smart distance-aware portable device


STMicroelectronics on the 4th revealed cases in which its FlightSense™ proximity and distance sensors were adopted in products developed by customers to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Amsterdam-based startup Aura Aware has developed a smart distance-aware handheld device suitable for retail sales counters and check-in desks using ST’s FlightSense Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology.

Easy to set up, the device displays a red signal when a person crosses a minimum safe distance threshold, and a green signal when the distance is maintained.

“ToF sensors protect human health in many ways, enabling contactless interaction with everyday objects while also helping to enforce social distancing,” said David Maucotel, Business Line Director, ST’s Imaging Division.

Aura Aware's device integrates ST's ultra-small ToF sensor 'VL53L1CX', which offers a working range of up to 4m and low power consumption. Signal processing capabilities built into the sensor simplify design, and features such as crosstalk compensation maintain measurement accuracy even when the sensor window is obscured by foreign matter.

ToF sensors transmit photons and then calculate the distance to an object based on the time it takes for the reflected photons to be received back by the sensor. Distance measurement accuracy is not affected by the surface characteristics of the object, such as the color of clothing or the reflectivity of the skin.

FlightSense sensors can be used for touchless HMI (Human Machine Interaction) as well as basic on/off control management, detecting and interpreting gestures such as tapping and swiping, thanks to the speed and precision of ToF sensing technology.

Another advantage of the ST ToF sensor is its linear response when measuring short distances, which allows it to be used to detect the amount of hand sanitizer remaining inside a dispenser or the number of personal protective equipment such as masks.

All FlightSense ToF sensors are currently in production. For pricing information and sample requests, please contact ST Korea.