Kyocera Corporation announced that it has developed one of the smallest known optical blood-flow sensors, which measures the volume of blood flow in subcutaneous tissue. The device functions similarly to green LED lights used for measuring heart rates, except it uses laser technology. With the sensor, Kyocera is researching a variety of mobile health (mHealth) applications such as monitoring stress levels or preventing dehydration, heatstroke and altitude sickness by studying trends or changes in blood-flow volume as alerts for these conditions and developing algorithms for detection.

ams AG, a leading provider of high performance sensors and analog ICs, today launched the smallest ever optical sensor module that delivers a combination of color (RGB), ambient light and proximity sensing, providing OEMs with design flexibility and the ability to provide a better display viewing experience.

Mobile World Congress Shanghai, which is held from 28 June to 1 July 2016, features two “Connected Lifestyle” halls that showcase up-to-date products and services. Bodo Ischebeck, Vice President Infrared Components at Osram Opto Semiconductors delivered a speech titled “Optical Sensors Advancing Mobile Technology.” Bodo Ischebeck introduced optical sensors’ applications and outlook of biometrics, biosensor, VR/AR and 3D sensor applications.