Concerns had ben expressed by Facebook that the higher power levels would raise interference issues. After discussions, the original power levels proposed by Google were lowered.

The sensor was developed by Google in a programme called Project Soli.

Soli uses miniature radar to detect touchless gesture interactions. Soli interaction sensors use radar for motion tracking of the human hand.

Soli sensor technology works by emitting electromagnetic waves in a broad beam. Objects within the beam scatter this energy, reflecting some portion back towards the radar antenna.

The FCC said the decision “will serve the public interest by providing for innovative device control features using touchless hand gesture technology.”

The FCC says the Soli sensor captures motion in a three-dimensional space using a radar beam to enable touchless control of functions or features that can benefit users with mobility or speech limitations.

Soli sensors can allow a user to virtually press a button, turn a dial or push a slider without actual contact while generating haptic feedback.