The IQ Distance Sensor measures distance to an object, approximate object size and approach speed.  
Range of 20mm to 200mm with an accuracy of +/‐15mm
Range of 20mm to 2,000mm with an accuracy of ~ 5%
Object size is reported as small, medium or large
Approach speed measures the approach speed of the object to the sensor
 
The IQ Distance Sensor uses a classroom safe Class 1 Laser, similar to those used on modern cell phones for head detection.  The laser allows the sensor to have a very narrow field of view, so detection is always directly in front of the sensor.