The AK581xAIM Antenna-in-Module (AiM) millimeter wave (mmWave) radar modules from Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) are now commercially available. These modules provide high-precision human presence, breathing, position, and posture sensing, as well as fall detection, without the need for cameras.
Without requiring knowledge of antenna or radar design, these comprehensive sensing solutions will allow product developers to swiftly integrate sophisticated sensing capabilities and expedite proof of concept (PoC) development.
As a growing number of adults over 50 plan to age in place—as many as 75% in the United States, according to a 2024 AARP survey—the demand for privacy conscious monitoring in consumer electronics, smart homes, and IoT healthcare applications is increasing.
Asahi Kasei Microdevices’ AiM radar modules address this need by combining compact radar modules with ready?to?use evaluation kits, and provide customers a streamlined path from concept to deployment.
AiM Radar
The new AKM AiM modules (AK5816AIM / AK5818AIM) combine a 4-in/4-out antenna array with their AK581x mmWave radar IC into a single, small package (23 mm × 23 mm).
Custom RF design is no longer necessary thanks to the antenna integration, which lowers engineering effort and speeds up time to market.
High angular resolution and multichannel measurement allow precise 3D sensing to distinguish between people, pets, and objects while precisely detecting human location, motion, posture, and falls.
Privacy-sensitive solution for a broad range of applications
For a variety of uses, including vital sign monitoring, posture estimation, and fall detection—all of which are particularly pertinent for senior citizens—the AK581xAIM mmWave radar modules offer a discrete, privacy-preserving solution.
Because there are no cameras, these services can be provided even in bathrooms or bedrooms, where privacy concerns frequently restrict safety monitoring. This enables quicker reaction times and less work for caregivers.
Utilizing these modules for occupancy-aware control of lighting, HVAC systems, and other devices may also contribute to increased energy efficiency.
Evaluation kits available for testing
AKM provides two development kits to speed up development and streamline evaluation. The “AIMEZ V” has Bluetooth® Low Energy, Ethernet, Wi-Fi®, and USB connectivity and is designed for quick proof-of-concept and implementation testing.
With a high-performance System-on-Chip (SoC) for large-scale data processing and machine learning applications, the “LUMI” is made for developing sophisticated algorithms.
In order to facilitate a seamless transition from evaluation to product development, both kits come with a baseline software environment for fast setup and support for integrating proprietary algorithms.
Asahi Kasei has designated Electronics as a “First Priority” business focused on electronic materials and electronic components. The development of AKM’s new AiM mmWave radar modules and evaluation kits emphasizes the organization’s commitment to continuing its proactive investment and innovation for growth.
