In our technology-driven era, it’s not uncommon to hear terms like 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) being thrown around in tech circles and daily conversation. As we rely more and more on high-tech, intelligent tools, it’s clear that our traditional understanding of their capabilities is just the tip of the iceberg.
Recently, Dr. Ray Liu offered insight into an exciting development: wireless sensing. Dr. Liu is a leader in the world of signal processing and wireless sensing/communication, 2022 President and CEO of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and founder and Chief Technology Officer at Origin AI.
What is wireless sensing?
In a nutshell, wireless sensing leverages the ample bandwidth of advanced networks like WiFi/5G (and beyond) to analyze and interpret data from a multitude of IoT devices. This concept might seem abstract, but its potential impact on our lives is immeasurable.
How will wireless sensing change our world?
Imagine a world where your WiFi router could monitor an elderly person’s well-being, or even detect a child accidentally left in a hot car. Envision light bulbs capable of managing energy use and providing home security. Picture technology that can monitor sleep patterns, recognize gestures, and even analyze emotional states – all without the need for wearable devices. This is the transformative power of wireless sensing.
As Liu explains, the advent of WiFi/5G technology standard, and 6G, which will be available in the near future, are enabling us to use wireless radio signals in ways we never imagined due to their larger bandwidths.
As we move toward an era of increased connectivity with a plethora of IoT devices, our abilities to sense and interpret the world around us will be augmented in remarkable ways.
The technology, engineering, and people behind the revolution
At the heart of this revolution lies Origin’s AI analytics, performed at the edge of the network – that is, closer to where data is generated. These advanced algorithms can interpret ambient wireless signals to provide vital insights into human biometrics such as breathing rate, heartbeat, gait, gestures, handwriting, keystrokes, and even sound recognition.
But what does this mean for you and me? In essence, our world becomes safer, more connected, and more intuitive. The IoT devices that are so prevalent in our lives will no longer just be tools for communication; they will become an integrated part of an intelligent infrastructure, attuned to our needs and conditions.
The ongoing efforts of groups like IEEE to define wider sensing standards, such as 802.11bf, signify the importance and potential of wireless sensing. These standards will ensure that wireless sensing technology becomes a key part of our infrastructure, paving the way for transformative solutions that will benefit millions of people.
The “wireless communication” paradigm shift
Liu concludes that this is not just a technological leap, but a paradigm shift in how we understand and use wireless communication. It’s not just about faster data or better coverage – it’s about creating a more responsive, intuitive, and caring environment that uses technology to serve our needs more effectively.
Discover the boundless possibilities of wireless sensing