• Mass production of the AK5816AIM mmWave radar module
• Detection of falls, vital signs, posture, and position without cameras or wearables
• Privacy-conscious monitoring for homes, senior living, and other indoor environments

TOKYO: Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) began mass production of the AK5816AIM, an Antenna-in-Module (AiM) millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar module, in July 2026. Its integrated antenna, compact packaging, and high-resolution performance enable the rapid adoption of camera-less monitoring solutions in private spaces.

Fueled in part by aging populations and a steady increase in pet ownership, in-home monitoring has become integral for many consumers. This growing demand comes with challenges: camera-based monitoring raises privacy concerns, and wearable sensors often compromise comfort and convenience.

As mmWave radar can detect a person's presence, movement, and even breathing without relying on cameras, it offers a solution for non-contact monitoring. The development of practical mmWave radar systems has traditionally required extensive expertise in radio-frequency (RF) antenna design, which has made commercialization and mass production difficult.

AKM’s new AiM module is built around the AK5816 mmWave radar transceiver IC, whose multi-channel sensing capability and high angular resolution enable highly accurate detection of position, motion, breathing, posture, and other state changes in people and pets. The AK5816AIM integrates the AK5816 and a 4-in/4-out antenna array into a single compact package (23 mm × 23 mm). This solution eliminates the antenna design process, enabling rapid product development, even for teams without RF design expertise.

Designed with residential equipment, IoT monitoring devices, and age-tech solutions in mind, AKM’s new AiM is suited for monitoring applications in environments where many would be reluctant to install cameras, such as bathrooms and bedrooms. The company has already launched services that use the AK5816AIM for non-contact, camera-less monitoring in bathrooms and living spaces in “Hebel Village,” a senior housing offering developed by Asahi Kasei Homes.

Gregg Rouse, President of AKM’s United States business unit, commented, “With the start of mass production of the AK5816AIM, camera-less sensing technologies are entering a new phase, enabling wider deployment in everyday living environments. We hope to expand the adoption of these and other privacy-conscious monitoring solutions by collaborating with partners known for their expertise across key technologies. The response to the AK5816AIM at CES® 2026 in Las Vegas was very encouraging, and we intend to maintain that momentum.”

AKM is working with software and hardware partners to support camera-less monitoring solutions based on the AK5816AIM. Partners include Aizip, whose collaboration with AKM received a Best of Sensors award at Sensors Converge, as well as Algorized, Sigma0, and Nisshinbo Micro Devices. Together, they bring capabilities across AI detection, radar signal processing, development tools, and mass-producible 60 GHz sensor modules. Through these collaborations, AKM supports customers from application development through mass-production design.

To learn more about the AK5816AIM visit, https://www.akm.com/global/en/products/millimeter-wave-radar/lineup-millimeter-wave-radar/ak5816aim/

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About Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM)
AKM, a Japan-based company, operates an electronic components business as a member of the Asahi Kasei Group's Material sector. AKM provides customers with unique products by combining the compound semiconductor technology used in magnetic sensors with the ASIC/analog circuit technology used in silicon semiconductors. AKM's unique products and solutions are featured across a wide range of markets, including mobile communication devices and consumer products, as well as automotive electronics devices, household equipment, and industrial equipment.

About Asahi Kasei
Asahi Kasei is a diversified global company that contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922, with businesses in ammonia and cellulose fiber, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through proactive portfolio transformation to meet the evolving needs of every age. With 50,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainability by providing solutions to the world’s challenges across its three business sectors: Healthcare, Homes, and Material. For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/.

Fonte: Business Wire