APDS-9960 Gesture Sensor Module | RGB Color, Ambient Light, Proximity & Gesture Detection | for Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi

The APDS-9960 Gesture Sensor Module is a compact, multi-function sensor that combines gesture recognition, proximity sensing, ambient light measurement, and RGB color detection into a single module. It communicates using the I2C interface, making it easy to integrate with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi, STM32, and other microcontrollers.

The sensor can recognize Up, Down, Left, Right, Near, and Far hand gestures without physical contact, making it ideal for touchless control applications. Its built-in infrared LED and optical filters provide reliable proximity and gesture detection while also measuring ambient light intensity and RGB color values. The APDS-9960 is widely used in robotics, IoT, smart home devices, interactive displays, automation systems, and DIY electronics projects. The sensor supports a 2.4V–3.6V supply internally, while common breakout boards are typically designed for easy use with 3.3V microcontrollers via I2C.

Specifications

• Sensor IC: APDS-9960
• Functions:
  • Gesture Detection
  • Proximity Detection
  • Ambient Light Sensing (ALS)
  • RGB Color Sensing
• Gesture Recognition: Up, Down, Left, Right, Near, Far
• Communication Interface: I2C
• Default I2C Address: 0x39
• Operating Voltage (Sensor IC): 2.4V–3.6V
• Typical Module Logic Voltage: 3.3V
• Integrated IR LED: Yes
• Detection Distance: Up to approximately 10 cm (gesture/proximity, depending on target and environment)
• Interrupt Output: Yes
• Low Power Sleep Mode: Yes
• Built-in UV/IR Blocking Filter: Yes
• Package Type: Breakout Module
• Applications:
  • Gesture-controlled devices
  • Smart lighting
  • Contactless switches
  • Robotics
  • IoT projects
  • Human-machine interface
  • Color recognition
  • Ambient light monitoring
  • Home automation
  • Interactive displays

Key Features

• Supports gesture, proximity, RGB color, and ambient light sensing
• Recognizes six touchless gestures
• Simple I2C communication
• Factory-calibrated proximity sensing
• Integrated infrared LED
• High sensitivity with optical filtering
• Compact module suitable for embedded applications
• Compatible with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi, STM32, and other I2C-enabled boards
• Low power operation
• Ideal for DIY, educational, and industrial automation projects

Package Includes

• 1 × APDS-9960 Gesture Sensor Module