The desire to age in place is stronger than ever, with 95% of adults 55 and older considering it an important goal, according to  U.S. News & World Report, even though health challenges often make it difficult. At CES 2025, Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM), part of Asahi Kasei Corporation, will unveil a suite of sensor technologies, including millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar and contactless  monitoring. These technologies can make AgeTech more reliable and accessible while  minimizing intrusion into users’ lives. By providing AI systems with high-quality data, AKM  aims to transform how we support and care for seniors, making the expectation of aging in  place a safer reality for millions. 

“These technologies are designed to be less intrusive and are significantly more accurate than current  industry standards,” said Gregg Rouse, President of AKM’s United States business unit. “What sets  these components apart is a focus on privacy thanks to our mmWave radar, which presents a new way  of monitoring through electromagnetic waves instead of cameras. Our sensors don’t know what you  look like, just how you’re doing. AKM’s technology captures essential health indicators as anonymous  data points. This allows AI systems to enhance care and safety without infringing on personal privacy  and allows users to feel independent.” 

Interactive AgeTech Demonstrations 

AKM will showcase several live demonstrations at booth 54418 in the Venetian Expo & Convention Center. One such demo is the fall detection system, which recognizes people’s falls, presence, and  movement. The system does all this without the use of cameras to offer life-saving monitoring without  compromising privacy or independence. This solution uses AKM’s antenna-in-module (AiM)  technology, which combines antennas and AKM’s AK5816 60 GHz mmWave radar transceiver into  one unit. Its design provides an easy-to-use, ready-made solution with extremely low noise  performance compared to the conventional approach, where antennas are integrated into the device  package. 

A battery-free smart diaper will also be on display. This diaper features a reusable component that  enhances elderly and infant care by detecting the presence of liquid, even with a few drops on the electrode. This moisture generates a tiny amount of voltage (~300 mV), which is then amplified by  AKM’s AP4470L ultra-low-power boost converter to power the product without batteries or complex  electronics. The technology can then wirelessly send data to caregivers using AKM’s AK1595A Bluetooth® Low Energy transmitter, thereby reducing the discomfort associated with prolonged  wetness. 

AKM will also demonstrate a wristband-based thermometer featuring the AK9757P. This minuscule  infrared temperature sensor, measuring just 1.6 x 1.76 mm, integrates seamlessly into wearables such  as hearing aids, earbuds, and smartwatches, enabling continuous, non-invasive health monitoring with  negligible impact on battery life. It can measure temperature accurately within ±0.2°C even in the  presence of a small air gap, allowing for early health issue detection and more personalized care. 

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Other cutting-edge technologies on display during the convention, will include mmWave radar-based  vital sign monitoring (breathing rate, heat rate, heat rate variation, and heartbeat sound), muscle activity  monitoring (electromyography) enabled by an analog-front-end IC, and smart home solutions to  enhance security and detect air quality. 

The Growing Need for Innovative Healthcare Technology  

AKM’s innovations represent a significant leap forward in AgeTech and provide invaluable support to  caregivers, family members, and patients. By offering real-time, accurate, and AI-ready data, AKM’s  technologies can alleviate the stress and uncertainty associated with remote caregiving. Family  members can have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safely monitored. At the same time,  professional caregivers can optimize their time and resources, focusing on providing personalized care  where it’s needed most. 

As the population of Americans 65 and older nearly doubled to to approximately 55 million from 2000  to 2020, the need for such innovative solutions is increasingly urgent. Learn more about how AKM’s  technology produces quality data to power the next generation of AgeTech. The AKM media kit includes  photos of the technologies. 

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