- Nokia, Fraunhofer, and Charité are developing sub-THz wireless sensing tech for non-invasive health monitoring.
- The technology could enable real-time tracking of vital signs in hospitals and homes, revolutionizing medical diagnostics.
What happened: Medical sensing tech using sub-THz frequencies
Fraunhofer HHI, Charité, and Nokia Bell Labs have partnered to explore how sub-terahertz (sub-THz) frequencies can be used to monitor human vital signs remotely. Sub-THz frequencies (90 GHz to 300 GHz) offer high-resolution spatial scans, similar to radar, with much greater accuracy due to their small wavelengths and high bandwidth. The trio is developing a sensing network capable of tracking patients’ heartbeats and respiration rates in hospital settings, without the need for traditional sensors like ECG electrodes. The system would use beamforming technologies to continuously monitor patients, even as they move. This technology could also extend to home healthcare applications, where smart home systems could track vital signs. The research holds the potential to significantly improve patient monitoring and medical diagnostics.
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Why it is important
This research could fundamentally transform medical diagnostics by enabling real-time, non-invasive monitoring of patients’ vital signs. Sub-THz frequencies, with their high bandwidth, can detect subtle bodily functions without relying on physical sensors, offering a major advancement in healthcare. The technology could allow continuous monitoring in hospitals and even extend to in-home care, improving overall patient outcomes. As part of the broader 6G research ecosystem, this technology not only furthers the potential of wireless sensing but could also drive innovations in personalized healthcare and smart home systems. The ability to track patients remotely could revolutionize disease detection and treatment, accelerating diagnosis and increasing accuracy. This real-time monitoring would allow for earlier intervention, more personalized care, and the potential to reduce healthcare costs by preventing complications and hospital readmissions.
Additionally, this research aligns with future 6G goals to enable a range of transformative technologies across industries.
