A semiconductor sensor capable of detecting vital signs of victims through walls using high-precision radar has been developed, raising expectations that it will support rapid and safe rescue operations at disaster sites.

The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced on the 3rd that it plans to develop a radar sensor-based human detection system and proceed with the production of a prototype for field adaptation and living lab demonstration tests.

There are two types of sensors developed by ETRI. First, the 'Impulse Radio Ultra-Wideband (IR-UWB) Radar Sensor' can detect centimeter-level movements using reflected electromagnetic waves. Therefore, it is possible to detect vital signs such as the victim's movements, breathing, and heartbeat, which are difficult to confirm with the naked eye.

In addition, 'high-precision Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar sensor technology' can detect people who are lying behind a wall or buried in collapsed debris, breathing without moving.

The current size of the system is approximately 15 cm x 20 cm, and we plan to miniaturize it in the future so that it is convenient for firefighters to carry.

Moving forward, the research team plans to make efforts to apply a sensor semiconductor-based life-saving system to disaster sites, including conducting simulated demonstrations in collaboration with fire departments.

ETRI Principal Researcher Koo Bon-tae, the project leader, stated, “Our goal is to save lives within the golden hour and ensure the safe rescue activities of firefighters in disaster environments. We will strive for rapid application to disaster sites so that this technology can contribute to the national disaster and safety management system.”

This research is being conducted until the end of this year as part of the project 'Development of Lightweight RISC-V-based Ultra-Low Power Intelligent Edge Semiconductor Technology' with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT.