Wireless signals are capable of much more than exchanging (lots of) data between transmitter and receiver. By accurately observing and measuring transmission parameters such as signal strength, evolved phase and transmission time we are able to sense the environment. People and objects can be detected and located. And thanks to recent innovations in (AI-based) signal processing fine-grained information such as (3D) pose estimation, vital sign monitoring and even activity recognition of people have become a reality. 

While active (“radar”) sensing has long been a proven technology, we are now observing a rapid increase in applications of passive sensing, based on modelling and classification of signal propagation properties between wireless devices in an indoor or even outdoor environment. 
In this workshop we will present recent technological innovations for wireless sensing & localisation, and discuss (emerging) applications. 

The programme includes presentations and (live) demos, and is accessible to all enthusiasts in wireless technology. 

Topics include a.o.

  • general principles of active and passive sensing
  • innovations in sensing with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and UWB
  • joint communication and sensing
  • standardisation activities
  • wide range of applications

Tentative programme

12h00Registration & sandwich lunch
13h00Introduction
Kris Hermus, Coordinator Wireless Community & Innovation Program Manager Flanders, imec
 PART I – GENERAL PRINCIPLES
13h20An introduction to integrated wireless sensing and communication (ISAC)
Jeroen Famaey, Professor, imec-IDLab-UAntwerp
 PART II – TECHNOLOGIES AND STANDARDS
13h40UWB: a versatile technology for communication, localisation and sensing
Eli De Poorter, Professor, imec-IDLab-UGent
 
o 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.
14h00Bluetooth Channel Sounding: a breakthrough for centimeter-level ranging and localisation
Jac Romme, Principal Member of Technical Staff, imec-NL @ Holst Centre
14h20Data-driven sensing with (mmWave) Wi-Fi signals
Jeroen Famaey, Professor, imec-IDLab-UAntwerp
14h40

Openwifi: customized solutions for communication and sensing with Wi-Fi
Ingrid Moerman, Professor, imec-IDLab-UGent


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. 

15h00COFFEE BREAK
15h30GUIDED DEMO TOUR
 
  • Demo 1 – imec-NL @ Holst Centre:
    centimeter-level ranging with Bluetooth Channel Sounding
  • Demo 2 – KU Leuven: 
    joint communication and sensing
  • 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: 
    sensing crowds with 868 MHz signals
  • 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
 PART III – APPLICATIONS
16h20

Advanced sensing enabling responsive homes
Erik Van Mossevelde, Director Corporate Technology, Niko n.v.


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.

16h40Secure and reliable detection and localisation of people for gate automation
Tom Boschman, R&D Manager Electronics, Locinox
17h00

Passive sensing in the 868 MHz band for crowd density estimation and vehicle detection
Ben Bellekens, Co-Founder & CTO, CrowdScan

Abstract comes here …

 PART IV – FUTURE DIRECTIONS
17h20The road towards 6G: massive integrated communication and sensing (TBC) 
Sofie Pollin, Professor, KU Leuven and imec
17h40Plenary Q&A session
17h50Networking reception
19h30End of the workshop

Practical Details |

 Date: Friday 21 March, 12h00-19h00

Venue: imec 1
           Kapeldreef 75
           3001 Leuven        

Registration:

  • All employees of Wireless Community member organisations: free of charge
  • Imec employees and industrial residents: free of charge
  • Other:
    • 125 EUR (excl. VAT) until March 14
    • 150 EUR (excl. VAT) from March 15

Participation only possible after registration.
Please confirm your attendance by completing the online registration form.

Online Registration Form