Asahi Kasei Electronics Begins Mass Production of Millimeter-Wave Radar Module 'AK5816AIM' for Non-Contact, Camera-Free Monitoring

Mass Production of Antenna-Integrated Millimeter-Wave Radar Module 'AK5816AIM'

- Detects falls, vital signs, posture, and location without cameras or wearable devices - Suitable for monitoring in privacy-sensitive spaces such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and senior housing

Asahi Kasei Electronics Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Naoyuki Kurita; hereinafter 'AKM') announces the start of mass production in July 2026 of the 'AK5816AIM,' an antenna-integrated millimeter-wave radar module capable of non-contact monitoring of people and pets without using cameras.

Antenna-Integrated Millimeter-Wave Radar Module 'AK5816AIM'

Background

In recent years, demand for monitoring solutions for people and pets has increased due to aging populations and changing lifestyles. Camera-based monitoring raises privacy concerns due to image capture in private spaces, while wearable sensors impose user burden. This has created a need for more reliable and user-friendly monitoring technologies.

Millimeter-wave radar, which detects presence, movement, and breathing by analyzing reflected waves, is a promising solution. It enables non-contact, camera-free monitoring. However, its adoption has been hindered by the high technical expertise required in antenna design and signal processing, making proof-of-concept (PoC) development challenging and subsequent productization and mass production difficult.

Key Features of 'AK5816AIM'

The newly mass-produced 'AK5816AIM' is a compact module integrating a millimeter-wave radar IC and antenna on a 23 mm × 23 mm substrate. By integrating the antenna, it reduces design complexity, enabling customers with limited radar expertise to accelerate product development. Combined with multi-channel measurement and high angular resolution, it enables high-precision detection of position, movement, respiration, and posture of humans and pets.

Collaboration with Partner Companies

AKM is expanding collaboration with partner companies that excel in software and hardware domains, in addition to the evaluation kit 'AIMEZ-V' launched in September 2025. Partners include Aizip Inc. (USA), specializing in edge AI algorithms; Algorized SA (Switzerland), developing AI for human presence and behavior detection; Sigma0 Inc. (USA), offering radar signal processing consulting and the 'RadarFlow Studio' development environment; and Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc., developing 60GHz millimeter-wave sensor modules using this product. Through these collaborations, AKM has built a comprehensive development support system covering customization and mass production design.

This enables end-to-end support from product development to mass production launch for customers.

The product is ideal for monitoring in spaces where camera installation is difficult, such as bathrooms and bedrooms, and is expected to be integrated into home appliances, IoT monitoring devices, and age-tech products. Asahi Kasei Homes Co., Ltd. has already started services using this module in bathrooms and living areas within its senior rental housing 'Hebel Village.' Going forward, AKM will collaborate with Asahi Kasei Techno Systems Co., Ltd. to explore product development and business expansion of sensor devices using 'AK5816AIM'.

Millimeter-Wave Monitoring Solution Ecosystem

Future Outlook

AKM will continue to promote the adoption of camera-free sensing technology using millimeter-wave radar and support customer product integration through collaboration with partner companies and other Asahi Kasei Group companies.

Gregg Rouse, President of AKM Semiconductor※1, Comments:

"The mass production of AK5816AIM marks a new phase for camera-free sensing technology, enabling broader deployment into everyday living spaces. At CES® 2026 held in Las Vegas, USA, in January 2026, we showcased a camera-free fall detection solution using this product and received highly positive feedback from attendees. Moving forward, we will work with partner companies possessing deep expertise in critical technology areas to expand the adoption of solutions based on this product and privacy-conscious monitoring features."

For detailed product and partner information, please visit:

https://www.akm.com/jp/ja/products/millimeter-wave-radar/

※1 Subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Electronics Co., Ltd. in North America

※2 CES® is a registered trademark of Consumer Technology Association (CTA).

About Asahi Kasei Electronics (AKM)

AKM, headquartered in Japan and part of the Asahi Kasei Group, operates in the electronic components business. By combining compound semiconductor technology used in magnetic sensors with ASIC and analog circuit technologies used in silicon semiconductors, AKM delivers unique products. These products and solutions are widely adopted in mobile devices, consumer electronics, automotive electronics, home appliances, and industrial equipment.