Fraunhofer Researchers Develop Contactless Radar Sensor System for Non-Invasive Patient Monitoring

Fraunhofer Researchers Develop Contactless Radar Sensor System for Non-Invasive Patient Monitoring

(IN BRIEF) Researchers at Fraunhofer IZM, in partnership with B-COS GmbH, are developing a mobile, low-power radar sensor system designed for non-contact patient monitoring. The system enables the measurement of heart and respiratory rates without the need for electrodes, offering a solution for patients who cannot tolerate traditional ECGs. The technology, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, works by emitting electromagnetic waves that reflect off the patient’s body, allowing for continuous monitoring of vital signs. This radar system is being optimized for use in rural regions and has shown potential for monitoring a variety of patients, including infants and burn victims. Clinical trials are currently underway, and the system is expected to provide reliable, contactless monitoring for a wide range of applications.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH,5-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In response to the growing shortage of medical care in rural regions, particularly regarding high-quality diagnostic capabilities, researchers from Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM, in collaboration with B-COS GmbH, are developing a mobile, low-power radar sensor system aimed at non-contact patient monitoring. This innovative system enables physicians to monitor vital signs such as heart and respiratory rates without the need for patients to wear sensors or have electrodes attached to their bodies.

Traditional ECGs require electrodes placed on the patient’s body to measure vital signs, which can be challenging for certain groups, including those with severe burns, contagious diseases, or mental health conditions. The new radar technology offers a non-invasive, contactless solution for monitoring patients’ heartbeats and respiration. This technology allows healthcare professionals to continuously track vital signs remotely, making it easier to respond to abnormalities quickly and reducing the need for physical interaction with patients, thus improving patient comfort.

© Fraunhofer IZM
The new radar sensor logs the activity of patients’ heartbeat and respiration and transfers the data to the monitoring devices.

The radar system, developed by Fraunhofer IZM in Cottbus and Berlin in partnership with Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz Institute for High-Frequency Technology (FBH), Leibniz Institute for High Performance Microelectronics (IHP), and Thiem-Research GmbH, addresses the growing healthcare challenges, particularly in underserved areas. The project has been funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the Innovation Campus Electronics and Microsensors Cottbus (iCampus).

© Fraunhofer IZM
Program interface displaying vital sign measurement

The radar sensor can measure vital signs such as heart and respiratory rates through clothing, blankets, and even mattresses. The sensor works by emitting electromagnetic waves, which are reflected by the patient’s body. These reflections are modulated by the patient’s chest movements due to breathing and heartbeats, allowing for precise monitoring of vital signs. The system can detect conditions like cardiac arrhythmias and stress, enabling early detection of respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

In clinical tests, the radar system was integrated into a plastic case and placed under hospital beds, accounting for potential interference from the bed and the surrounding environment. Researchers have optimized the antenna and radar front-end board to ensure a strong signal-to-noise ratio, overcoming challenges posed by weak reflected signals and environmental noise. The goal is to expand the system’s range to allow for simultaneous monitoring of multiple patients at greater distances.

The radar sensor system is already undergoing clinical trials, with initial tests proving successful. The technology shows promise for future applications, such as monitoring infants, burn victims, sleep disorders, and patients in nursing homes, as well as providing real-time vital signs data for individuals in vehicles.

Media Contact:

Georg Weigelt
Marketing & PR
Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM
Phone +49 30 46403-279
georg.weigelt@izm.fraunhofer.de

SOURCE: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft