Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has announced the availability of AK581xAIM Antenna-in-Module (AiM) millimeter wave (mmWave) radar modules, which can detect human presence, breathing, posture, and fall detection without cameras. The modules help developers accelerate proof-of-concept (PoC) work and integrate sensing features without custom radar or antenna design.
According to a 2024 AARP survey, 75% of U.S. adults over 50 plan to age in place, increasing demand for privacy-focused monitoring in healthcare, consumer electronics and smart homes. AKM’ AiM radar modules address this need with mmWave sensors and evaluation kits that provide a path from testing to deployment. The modules support applications including vital sign monitoring, posture estimation and fall detection without the use of cameras, making them suitable for environments where privacy is required.
AiM Radar
AKM’s AiM modules (AK5816AIM / AK5818AIM) integrate their AK581x mmWave radar IC and a 4-in/4-out antenna array into a package (23 mm × 23 mm). The antenna integration eliminates the need for custom RF design, reducing engineering effort and shortening time‑to‑market. Multi-channel measurement and angular resolution provide 3D sensing to track location, motion, posture and falls, while distinguishing between people, pets and objects.
Privacy-Sensitive Solution for a Broad Range of Applications
The AK581xAIM mmWave radar modules support vital-sign sensing, posture estimation, and fall detection without cameras. This can be useful for monitoring in bedrooms or restrooms, where privacy is a concern, and can enable faster response and reduced caregiver workload. The modules can also support occupancy-based control of HVAC systems and lighting to improve energy use.
Evaluation Kits Available for Testing
AKM offers two development kits to simplify evaluation and speed development. The “AIMEZ V” is built for fast proof-of-concept and implementation testing and features USB, ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth low energy connectivity. The “LUMI” is designed for advanced algorithm development and is equipped with a high-performance System-on-Chip (SoC) for large-scale data processing and machine learning applications.
Asahi Kasei has designated Electronics as a “First Priority” business focused on electronic materials and electronic components. AKM’s new AiM mmWave radar modules and evaluation kits highlight the company’s investment in innovation and growth.
Source: Asahi Kasei
About Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM)
Asahi Kasei Microdevices, established in 1980 and based in Tokyo, develops compound semiconductor sensors and mixed-signal ICs for applications in electronics, automotive, industrial, home and healthcare markets. Its portfolio includes Hall elements, infrared and gas sensors, and LSIs used in devices ranging from smartphones and consumer products to automotive safety systems and industrial equipment. The company’s magnetic sensing technology supports functions such as image stabilization in mobile devices, while its gas sensors are applied in safety monitoring and energy management. AKM operates facilities in Japan and internationally, including the United States, Europe, Korea and China. It is part of the Asahi Kasei Group.
About Asahi Kasei
Asahi Kasei, founded in 1922 and headquartered in Tokyo, operates across three main sectors: materials, homes and health care. Its materials business supplies petrochemicals, electronics components, mobility products and consumer goods. The homes segment focuses on residential development and construction materials, while the health care division provides pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other solutions. The group employs more than 50,000 people worldwide, with over 40% of its workforce located outside Japan, and manages about 309 subsidiaries in 40 countries. In fiscal 2024, Asahi Kasei reported net sales of about $20B.