University of Alberta and researchers from Canada’s Department of National Defence have created a small sensor that operates without a battery, capable of monitoring vital signs and identifying frostbite in soldiers exposed to extreme cold conditions. Beyond military applications, the sensor has diverse potential uses.
Professor Ashwin Iyer, from the University of Alberta’s engineering faculty, heads the team collaborating with the Department of National Defence’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security initiative on a long-term project. The focus is on leveraging commercial telecommunications technology for military purposes, utilizing the university’s cutting-edge research on SWaP-C systems (low size, weight, power, and cost technology).
In an interview with CBC’s Shannon Scott on The Trailbreaker, Iyer discussed the project and the sensor’s capabilities. The sensor was envisioned to be part of a network of soldier-worn biometric sensors tracking vital signs like heart rate, respiration, body temperature, and extremity temperature, aiding in early detection of health issues like frostbite.
Unlike traditional battery-powered devices that struggle in extreme cold, the sensor can operate in temperatures as low as -70°C by harvesting energy from the environment instead of relying on batteries. By utilizing radio frequency identification technology, the sensors absorb energy from radio waves, allowing them to power up for sensing and transmitting data.
The design process involved overcoming challenges to ensure the sensors were wireless, compact, and effective. The sensors are equipped to detect frostbite early by monitoring core body temperature and extremity temperature, triggering alerts when thresholds are reached to prompt assistance.
Apart from military applications, the technology holds promise for emergency response scenarios and other environments with extreme temperatures. The sensors can function in a wide range of temperatures, making them versatile for various applications, including detecting issues like flooding or carbon monoxide in homes.
The development of these sensors highlights the potential for military innovation to pave the way for broader civilian applications, showcasing the adaptability and utility of such advanced technology.