A radar module detects people and pets without cameras. It helps build home and IoT monitoring devices without antenna design expertise.
Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has started mass production of the AK5816AIM, an Antenna-in-Module (AiM) millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar module, from July 2026. The module combines an integrated antenna with a compact 23 mm × 23 mm package, helping manufacturers develop camera-free monitoring products without requiring expertise in radio-frequency (RF) antenna design.
Demand for in-home monitoring is increasing due to aging populations and higher pet ownership. However, camera-based systems often raise privacy concerns, while wearable sensors can be uncomfortable. mmWave radar offers an alternative by detecting a person’s or pet’s presence, movement, breathing, posture, and other changes without using cameras or requiring physical contact.
The AK5816AIM is based on AKM’s AK5816 mmWave radar transceiver IC. It combines the transceiver with a 4-transmit, 4-receive antenna array in a single package. Its multi-channel sensing and high angular resolution provide accurate detection while removing the need for separate antenna design, allowing faster product development even for companies without RF design experience.
The module is designed for residential equipment, IoT monitoring devices, and age-tech applications. It is intended for privacy-sensitive areas such as bathrooms and bedrooms where cameras are often not preferred. AKM has already deployed services using the AK5816AIM for contact-free monitoring in bathrooms and living spaces at “Hebel Village,” a senior housing project 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.”
