Making sense of Wi-Fi sensing
Increasingly, Wi-Fi sensing has become a popular and viable way to detect objects and motion. The technology offers several advantages over traditional motion detection methods.
Source: William Pao
These days, who can live without Wi-Fi? It’s almost ubiquitous in our daily lives, allowing us to go online wirelessly. In fact, IDC forecasts Wi-Fi-enabled products are expected to ship 3.9 billion and 4.1 billion, respectively this year and in 2024.
Yet Wi-Fi can do much more than just transmit data packets wirelessly. One of the more unique applications is Wi-Fi sensing, which detects the presence and movement of objects in a given space. The technology is not exactly new. Yet adoption and deployment have been on the increase in recent years.
“After years of research and development, the technology has become commercially available within the past few years, steadily gaining traction since entering the market, with adoption in the home security, telecommunications and healthcare industries,” said Tony Nicolaidis, Chief Commercial Officer at Origin. “Adoption has grown significantly as more use cases demonstrate the unique value of WiFi Sensing across these verticals. As such, the WiFi Sensing industry is primed for rapid growth in the coming years.”
How it works
Wi-Fi sensing works by detecting changes in Wi-Fi signal patterns in the environment. For example, when an object crosses the communication path between two Wi-Fi devices, Wi-Fi sensing detects the change in the signal pattern and, with the help of analytics, interprets what that object might be and how it’s moving. This, then, has security and safety applications. Someone present at the premises when no one is supposed to be there, or someone falling, can all be detected and alerted to the user.
Advantages over other sensors
While an emerging technology, Wi-Fi sensing boasts certain advantages over the more mainstream motion detection solutions. “Traditional motion sensors like passive infrared (PIR) are popular but primarily used for security purposes. Cameras offer visual monitoring but can be costly and require substantial bandwidth. Smart home gadgets, such as occupancy-based thermostats, are gaining popularity for tracking energy usage, yet their versatility may be limited, providing an incomplete picture,” said Taj Manku, CEO and Founder of Cognitive Systems.
Below we take a look at some of the advantages offered by Wi-Fi sensing.
No need to change the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure
It’s important to note that if the user already has Wi-Fi, there’s no need to change their existing Wi-Fi infrastructure.
“Wi-Fi sensing capitalizes on existing Wi-Fi signals and utilizes the infrastructure of Internet service providers, including routers and smart home devices. This approach presents a cost-effective method for gaining comprehensive insights into home activities. By significantly reducing costs and removing barriers to entry for consumers, Wi-Fi sensing becomes an exceptionally user-friendly solution,” Manku said. “Furthermore, by leveraging the fundamental technology of Wi-Fi signals, Wi-Fi sensing seamlessly integrates within an ecosystem of interconnected products and services, all accessible through the Internet. As the technology continues to evolve, its integrations will expand, offering not only a wider range of applications but also a more precise depiction of home activities.”
Privacy
A main advantage of Wi-Fi sensing is privacy protection. As mentioned, Wi-Fi sensing works by way of detecting changes in Wi-Fi signal patterns. As such, it does not record video or keep recorded footage. “Unlike cameras, Wi-Fi Sensing does not have visibility into specific activities, guaranteeing a heightened level of confidentiality. This aspect makes it an ideal choice for individuals seeking to preserve their privacy in their homes,” Manku said.
Whole home coverage
Another advantage is that Wi-Fi sensing is non-line-of-sight. “Wi-Fi sensing surpasses the limitations of cameras by not requiring a line of sight and remaining unaffected by low-light or no-light conditions. As a result, Wi-Fi sensing proves more effective in providing coverage over a larger area. Unlike systems such as PIR sensors or cameras, which operate within a limited field of view, Wi-Fi signals can function wherever a user has a connected device,” Manku added.
No wearables needed
According to Nicolaidis, most home activity insight technologies come in the form of a connected wearable device used to communicate with a third party; these technologies require users to leverage a physical device that needs to be worn at all times such as smart watches, pendants or smart glasses. However, with Wi-Fi sensing, things can be different.
“WiFi Sensing eliminates the need for indoor Mobile person emergency response system usage, which averages around a 30 percent adherence rate and contributes to an over 90 percent false alarm rate when devices are improperly removed. This is especially important for people with dementia,” Nicolaidis said.
Currently, Wi-Fi sensing is mostly deployed in home settings. Yet it has application potential in other verticals as well. We’ll take a look at this in an upcoming article.
Wi-Fi sensing: To home and beyond
Wi-Fi sensing has gained a lot of attention in the market. The technology works by way of detecting changes in Wi-Fi signal patterns. If someone breaks in or falls, the technology can sense it and inform related stakeholders accordingly. This makes Wi-Fi sensing a popular and viable means for intrusion detection and health monitoring, especially for home users.
Outside the home
But that’s not to say Wi-Fi sensing has no use cases outside the home. On the contrary, there are vertical markets that the technology is suitable for. We look at some of them below.
Elderly care
Understandably, Wi-Fi can be ideal for senior homes and retirement communities. With the technology, seniors falling or showing signs of non-movement can be detected and dealt with immediately. Their privacy is also well protected as Wi-Fi sensing does not record video or keep video footage.
School
Needless to say, school safety has become a pressing issue in the society, and Wi-Fi sensing can come in handy in this area.
“While many schools already have cameras in common areas, there are some places in schools that have been deemed too private for video or audio recording such as locker rooms, private offices, and certain classrooms where cameras are inappropriate and intrusive. Since school safety is an increasingly crucial issue, being able to monitor more than just the common areas of a campus proves extremely valuable with WiFi Sensing technology to give schools a more comprehensive view of campus security,” said Tony Nicolaidis, Chief Commercial Officer at Origin.
Commercial buildings
More and more, automation has become a trend in commercial buildings, where air conditioning, lighting and other systems adjust to the presence of people. In this regard, Wi-Fi sensing can also play a role.
“WiFi Sensing technology can help optimize energy consumption by enabling smart control of heating, cooling, and lighting systems based on the presence and activity of occupants while bringing attention to devices that might be using more energy than anticipated, leading to significant energy savings and lower utility bills,” Nicolaidis said.
Retail
Finally, Wi-Fi sensing can also have applications in retail. “Motion flow insights can help guide optimal product placement to improve merchandising and sales. Consumer analytics can help organizations understand their customers and their habits better to provide better service, proactive troubleshooting, and more meaningful marketing campaigns,” said Taj Manku, CEO and Founder of Cognitive Systems.
Benefits to ISPs and end users
As Wi-Fi sensing continues to evolve, its benefits for both Internet service providers (ISPs) and end users are being recognized. As mentioned, Wi-Fi sensing leverages the user’s existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, which is most likely set up by the Internet service provider. In the process, the technology opens up new opportunities for both.
For ISPs, Wi-Fi sensing adds value to a service that they already provide, not to mention additional revenue opportunities. “By adding WiFi Sensing software to their existing or new hardware, ISPs can benefit from an increased revenue source that requires minimal upgrades or added cost on either end,” Nicolaidis said. “In fact, last year, Verizon launched its new Home Awareness feature for select FiOS routers, which utilizes WiFi Sensing technology to detect motion and report activity in the home without the need for any cameras or sensors.”
“Wi-Fi Sensing technology has many benefits for internet service providers. Wi-Fi Sensing serves as an entry point into new markets, such as elder care and home security, leveraging existing infrastructure while offering desired applications to users. It establishes a solid foundation that can be further developed to provide unique and customized solutions,” Manku said. “With the evolving functionality of Wi-Fi Sensing, its scalability as a software-only solution enables its expansion into various service verticals, including enhancing the customer experience and optimizing the performance of home Wi-Fi networks. Ultimately, core improvements will result in increased app engagement as well as revenue benefits both indirectly and directly for the service provider.”
For users, they benefit from a technology that they do not have to change infrastructure/get additional equipment for.
“Wi-Fi Sensing provides users with a comprehensive understanding of home activity, ensuring comfort, convenience, and safety. It offers various benefits such as optimizing energy usage, improving productivity, and enhancing security. Additionally, it can enable task automation like adjusting temperature settings and turning off lights, saving time and effort, and reducing energy consumption. The technology can be used alongside existing security solutions or as a standalone DIY alternative to detect unexpected motion in the home. Further, it can support caregivers by providing confirmation of regular activity for their loved ones. Wi-Fi Sensing is an appealing choice for users seeking insights into home activity without incurring substantial expenses, as it is easy to deploy and use,” Manku said.
