Indonesia's BRIN Develops Contactless Radar to Monitor Heartbeat, Breathing
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- Indonesian researchers developed contactless radar technology to monitor heartbeats and respiration.
- The system uses a modified Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) QWR 1443 radar, emitting waves to detect chest and heart movements.
- This technology aims to improve medical services by providing modern vital monitoring, with potential future applications in fitness centers.
Researchers at Indonesia's National Innovation Research Agency (BRIN) have successfully developed a contactless radar system capable of monitoring human heartbeats and respiration. This breakthrough technology, utilizing a modified Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) QWR 1443 radar, offers a non-invasive method for tracking vital signs, particularly beneficial for patients in specialized medical settings where direct contact is challenging.
The radar measurements have been accurate.
The research team, led by Yuyu Wahyu, has spent two years refining the radar technology for biomedical applications. The system works by emitting electromagnetic waves and analyzing their reflections, which are altered by the subtle movements of the chest cavity associated with breathing and heart activity. Wahyu emphasized the radar's high resolution and low power output, stating that the 77 GigaHertz FMCW radar is safe for the human body due to its use of bioelectromagnetism.
It is not harmful to the human body due to bioelectromagnetism.
Tests comparing the radar's readings with traditional body-attached sensors showed minimal differences, with heart rate measurements differing by only one beat per minute in some instances. The researchers envision the device being installed on hospital ceilings, with patients potentially wearing sensor belts to enhance signal reflection. Future applications may also include fitness centers, where the radar could be positioned in front of individuals.
The difference is minimal, for instance, 96 compared to 97 for heart rate, which is not significant.
The team is also working on enhancing the system's capabilities, aiming for a single radar unit to monitor up to three patients simultaneously. The ultimate goal, according to Wahyu, is to provide modern, high-quality vital monitoring to improve national medical services. The radar itself was acquired from the United States for Rp6 million.
Users will be able to directly see the results on the monitor screen.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Tempo. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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