Camera-Free Radar Technology Redefines Human Monitoring
Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has unveiled its latest innovation: the AK581xAIM Antenna-in-Module (AiM) millimetre wave (mmWave) radar modules. These compact, camera-free devices can detect human presence, breathing patterns, body position, posture, and even falls, offering a transformative approach to safety and monitoring.
In an era when privacy concerns are reshaping technology design, this solution sidesteps the need for intrusive video surveillance. Instead, it delivers highly accurate data without visual recording, opening the door to applications in healthcare, smart homes, and beyond.
Meeting the Needs of Ageing Populations
The launch comes as demographic trends drive a pressing need for discreet monitoring. A 2024 AARP survey found that 75% of US adults over 50 plan to “age in place” rather than move to assisted living. For these individuals, safety often depends on timely detection of health events without compromising dignity.
“The AK581xAIM modules provide peace of mind for users and their families by combining precision sensing with complete privacy,” AKM noted in its announcement. This aligns with a growing demand for solutions that can operate in sensitive spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms—places where cameras would be unacceptable.
Compact Design with High-Precision Sensing
The AK5816AIM and AK5818AIM modules measure just 23mm x 23mm yet integrate AKM’s AK581x mmWave radar IC with a 4-in/4-out antenna array. By embedding the antenna directly in the module, AKM has eliminated the need for complex RF design, helping developers bring products to market faster.
The modules offer multi-channel measurement and high angular resolution, enabling accurate 3D sensing. They can distinguish between people, pets, and inanimate objects—a crucial capability for reducing false alarms in real-world environments.
Versatility Across Applications
While healthcare is an obvious target, the potential uses extend far wider:
- Elderly care: Fall detection, posture monitoring, and breathing analysis.
- Smart building management: Occupancy-aware HVAC and lighting control for energy savings.
- Security systems: Discreet presence detection without compromising privacy.
- Industrial safety: Monitoring worker positions in hazardous zones.
By integrating these features without cameras, AKM enables adoption in areas previously off-limits for visual monitoring.
Evaluation Kits for Developers
To help product developers get started quickly, AKM offers two evaluation kits:
- AIMEZ-V: Designed for proof-of-concept testing, with USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity.
- LUMI: Tailored for advanced algorithm development, equipped with a high-performance SoC for large-scale data processing and machine learning.
Both kits ship with a baseline software environment and support for proprietary algorithm integration. This allows developers to transition seamlessly from evaluation to commercial deployment.
Strategic Commitment to Electronics
As part of the Asahi Kasei Group’s Material Sector, AKM operates at the intersection of compound semiconductor technology and ASIC/analogue circuit design. The company’s emphasis on electronics as a “First Priority” business underlines its intent to lead in high-performance sensing solutions.
Asahi Kasei’s broader portfolio spans healthcare, homes, and materials, with a corporate mission to improve life globally. Founded in 1922 and now employing over 50,000 people worldwide, the group continues to adapt to changing market needs while contributing to sustainability goals.
Expanding Market Opportunities
The mmWave sensing market is forecast to grow significantly as IoT adoption accelerates. Privacy-friendly solutions such as the AK581xAIM are well-positioned to gain traction in markets with strict data protection laws, such as the EU under GDPR.
In sectors like assisted living, smart infrastructure, and workplace safety, the demand for reliable, non-intrusive monitoring is expected to surge. By removing the complexity of antenna and RF design, AKM’s modules lower barriers for innovation, enabling more companies to integrate advanced sensing into their products.
Enabling a Safer, Smarter Future
As IoT ecosystems mature, solutions that respect privacy while delivering actionable insights will shape the next wave of adoption. The AK581xAIM modules exemplify this balance, combining technical precision with human-centred design.
“We see this technology as a gateway to safer, smarter living environments without sacrificing personal privacy,” an AKM spokesperson stated.
By blending compact engineering with robust sensing capabilities, AKM is setting a new standard for how technology can watch over people—without watching them.
