Next-gen Wi-Fi can read the room (and who's in it)

What is the story

Dutch start-up Gamgee has developed a new system that uses Wi-Fi networks to detect the presence of physical intruders.

The Wi-Fi home alarm system can learn to recognize residents, regular visitors and pets, and alert owners of the presence of strangers or even when an elderly person falls.

This system uses invisible Wi-Fi signals already present in homes, connecting various devices such as phones, laptops, light bulbs and refrigerators.

The system uses specialized algorithms

Research has shown that specialized algorithms can analyze reflected Wi-Fi signals to detect a person inside a room, even through walls.

These algorithms were developed to differentiate individuals based on their body shape, height or even the way they walk.

The technology is capable of counting up to 20 people in a room.

Gamgee’s system uses these advancements to form a mesh network of routers, which ensure reliable internet connection and motion detection throughout the home.

He learns to recognize “body prints”

Gamgee’s Wi-Fi home alarm system undergoes a two-week training phase, during which it learns to recognise the “body prints” of residents and regular visitors.

Once this phase is completed, unknown movements trigger a notification to the user.

This allows users to tag new guests or be alerted of potential intruders to their specific location in the home.

Gamgee’s team is also exploring using the technology to monitor older adults’ movements and alert family members if they fall.

A user-friendly application controls the alarm system

The detection system can be controlled via an app and can operate either permanently or only when you leave the house.

Users do not need to carry Wi-Fi devices themselves, as the system recognizes everything from existing signals.

Gamgee assures users that all movement data is processed and stored on the routers, not in the cloud, ensuring the privacy and security of user data.

Gamgee seeks funding for Wi-Fi home alarm system

Gamgee is currently seeking funding on Indiegogo, with a pledge of €295 (₹26,600) for a set of three routers, or €345 (₹31,200) for four. If the funding campaign is successful, shipping is expected to begin in January 2025.