Wireless sensing & localisation: technologies and applications

• levels of integration in ISAC
• use cases
• synergies and trade-offs between sensing and communications
• possible frequency bands and technologies
• model- vs. data-driven sensing
• comparison of different sensing architectures (mono-, bi-, multi-static)

This presentation will discuss recent advances on ISAC for UWB. The presentation discusses relevant valorization use cases, and outlines the required research steps that still need to be taken to realize ISAC in commercial deployments.

• phased-based ranging
• challenges in multi-path environments
• standardisation in BLE 6.0
• applications

• overview of Wi-Fi sensing concept (signal features, sensing modalities)
• data-driven sensing framework
• challenges (labeled data collection, generalization, power consumption)
• case study: Gesture recognition and pose estimation using mmWave Wi-Fi

Imec-IDLab-UGent has established the open-source initiative, openwifi, offering the world’s first free and open Linux-compatible full-stack standard-compliant Wi-Fi implementation. This platform is further extended with unique non/pre-standard features, like Time-Sensitive Networking enablers, channel state information (CSI) based sensing, fuzzing & defuzzing, etc.
In the presentation, we will present how the openwifi platform can be used for innovation and customization for private, professional deployments.

• Demo 1 – imec-NL @ Holst Centre:
  decimeter-level ranging with Bluetooth Channel Sounding
• Demo 2 – KU Leuven:
  BS-Breath: Respiration Sensing with Cell-Free Massive MIMO
  
  This demo showcases how a communication-centric cell-free massive MIMO OFDM base station can accurately estimate respiration patterns. By leveraging multiple subcarriers and antennas, we achieve robust and high-precision vital sign monitoring, demonstrating the potential of integrated sensing and communication for health applications.
• Demo 3 – imec-IDLab-UGent:
  UWB based non-invasive breathing monitoring
  
  This demonstration showcases the feasibility to monitor the breathing rate of persons using UWB radar, and discusses the accuracy of low-cost UWB-based breathing detection in various environments using embedded devices.
• Demo 4 – CrowdScan:
  Passive sensing in public environments
• Demo 5 – imec-IDLab-UAntwerp:
  data-driven sensing with COTS mm-Wave Wi-Fi devices
  
  Showcasing how the presence of people attenuates Wi-Fi signals, and how this can be leveraged for various types of data-driven sensing using deep learning, including person detection, gesture recognition, and human pose estimation
• Demo 6 – imec-IDLab-UGent:
  openwifi Wi-Fi platform for customized joint communication and sensing solutions
  
  Live Demo showing the capability of the openwifi Wi-Fi platform for customized JC&S solutions: we will demonstrate that a Wi-Fi communication signal can be operated in radar mode to monitor the visitor’s breath rate in real-time without the need for attaching sensors on the body

In this presentation, we will explore how new sensor technologies are transforming residential living. We will explain the integration of smart sensors monitoring environmental conditions, energy usage, and occupant behavior to create adaptive, personalized living spaces. We will illustrate how these advancements enhance comfort, efficiency, and sustainability in modern homes. Join us to discover the future of responsive living through advanced sensing technologies.

Today’s wireless sensing technology is very powerful: accurate detection and localisation, activity recognition, vital sign monitoring, and even person identification. Applications in homes and buildings are very versatile and include energy and comfort optimisation, advanced building management, patient and elderly monitoring, security, etc We explain the opportunities and the challenges for optimal sensor placement, improved accuracy, and ease of installation and commissioning.

• short introduction to Locinox
• technical challenges that our installers and customers are faced with
• the search for the ideal method for seamless entry
• overview of existing solutions and their shortcomings

Passive sensing technologies play a crucial role in modern urban environments, enabling non-intrusive data collection for retail analytics and public safety. This presentation explores a passive sensing system designed to measure crowd density and movement patterns in public spaces while also tracking trains and trams for enhanced accuracy. By leveraging the non-invasive CrowdScan sensors that uses the 868Mhz radio frequency, the system can anonymously count people in retail environments to optimize store layouts and improve decision making. Additionally, in transport hubs, the technology enhances safety by monitoring crowd levels and facilitating efficient emergency response. The integration of train and tram tracking ensures more precise passenger estimates that are standing on the platform, reducing congestion and improving transit planning. This approach supports smart city initiatives by providing real-time, privacy-conscious insights into public space utilization.

• 6G new usage scenarios
• emerging and must-have technologies
• high-level comparison of frequency range FR1, FR2 and FR3