ROHM has introduced a new optical sensor designed to improve the accuracy and speed of object detection in industrial and office equipment, as automation and productivity demands continue to rise.
The device, known as the RPR-0730, is a compact reflective sensor that uses an infrared VCSEL rather than a conventional LED. The company says the higher directionality of the VCSEL allows it to detect much finer objects, including lines as narrow as 0.1mm, while an analogue phototransistor enables a response time of 10µs. The combination is intended to support applications such as high-speed print detection in copiers and label printers, as well as rotational sensing in motors and gears.
The German arm of the Japanese semiconductor group, based in Willich-Münchheide, said the sensor is suited to a broad range of consumer and industrial uses, including printers, conveyors, and automated inspection systems. ROHM noted that equipment manufacturers are increasingly seeking higher precision as transport speeds rise and components shrink.
Measuring 2.0mm by 1.0mm by 0.55mm, the unit uses a visible-light filtering resin to reduce interference from ambient light or sunlight, a feature aimed at improving stability in factories or outdoor installations. Its small footprint is intended to make it easy to integrate into confined spaces.
The RPR-0730, which entered mass production in October 2025, is now available through online distributors, including DigiKey and Mouser. It complements ROHM’s existing RPR-0720 digital sensor line, extending the company’s portfolio into faster analogue detection.
ROHM said it would continue to build on its expertise in optical components to support the miniaturisation and improved usability of industrial, automotive, and consumer devices.
