Carnegie Mellon University Turns WiFi Routers Into Motion Tracking Devices

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have repurposed a common household device, WiFi routers, into a technology capable of tracking human movements and detecting the shape of bodies through walls.  This innovative method uses radio signals emitted by WiFi routers to map the phase and amplitude of the signals, allowing the system to detect the movements of people in a room.  AI Transforms WiFi Routers Into Devices That Can See Through WallsThe team used DensePose, an AI system capable of mapping the human body’s surface by identifying key points like joints, head, and torso.  By combining this data with deep neural networks, they were able to track the pose and movements of a person, even through walls.  The technology uses three $30 WiFi routers and receivers to bounce signals off walls, focusing on moving objects while ignoring static ones. This setup works even if a wall is between the routers and the person being tracked. This breakthrough could make it possible for WiFi routers to see through various obstacles like drywall, wood, and concrete, offering a far more advanced method than previous efforts using cell phone signals or other WiFi-based techniques.  Although similar research has been conducted in the past, Carnegie Mellon’s approach delivers much higher resolution, allowing for detailed tracking of human movements.  WiFi routers are seen as an ideal substitute for regular cameras due to their low cost, omnipresence, and ability to work in challenging conditions like poor lighting.  While this technology could help detect suspicious behavior in households, it raises significant concerns about privacy, as it could be used for surveillance without consent.  The potential for widespread use of this technology, especially by companies like Amazon, may necessitate a careful examination of its ethical implications. As this technology advances, balancing innovation and privacy will be crucial.