The Sensorimote by Chongqing Yaozhikang Technology Co. Ltd provides a contactless approach to blood-pressure estimation, addressing the shortcomings of traditional methods.
Harnessing artificial intelligence, Chongqing Yaozhikang Technology’s Sensorimote delivers zero-contact blood pressure checks, promising to transform how vital signs are monitored.
The human body is arguably a more complex and delicate machine than any device we have, but remains less understood than our cars, computers and cameras. With its myriad functions and interconnected systems, the human body requires constant monitoring to ensure its optimal performance, especially as it ages.
In health monitoring, the importance of tracking vital signs cannot be overstated. Blood pressure in particular, serves as a crucial indicator of cardiovascular health. With a staggering 1.28 billion adults worldwide living with hypertension—almost half unaware they have the condition—the need for accurate and accessible blood-pressure monitoring is paramount.
However, conventional methods come with their own set of challenges. The discomfort of a constricting cuff, the risk of cross-infection from direct contact, and the inability to support long-term monitoring are longstanding concerns of patients and healthcare professionals alike.
Thinking outside the cuff
Emerging from NUSRI Chongqing, Chongqing Yaozhikang Technology Co. Ltd is on a mission to transform the landscape of elderly care by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI).Supported by NUSRI Chongqing (BLOCK71)—an incubator offering a panoply of resources and services for tech start-ups—Yaozhikang’s “Sensorimote” software provides a contactless approach to blood-pressure estimation, addressing the shortcomings of traditional methods.
Developed by a team of experts at Yaozhikang, Sensorimote ensures a hassle-free user experience, sidestepping the discomfort of traditional cuffs. Its contact-free approach mitigates cross-infection risks, a significant advantage in a post-COVID-19 world that is now more vigilant about maintaining clean environments. In addition, Sensorimote does not require pre-calibration, facilitates continuous monitoring and swiftly delivers results within 10 to 30 seconds.
The nascent startup’s technology is adaptable across various platforms and showcases its versatility. Its intelligent health measurement robot armed with the non-contact sensor system, can detect a spectrum of vital signs. This innovation heralds potential advancements in areas like remote medication, in-home healthcare and the evolution of smart hospitals. The desktop box version meanwhile, encapsulates these capabilities in a more compact design.
An in-bed system that harnesses big data and AI combined with millimetre-wave radar, is in the pipeline. This modality not only ensures uninterrupted monitoring of the elderly’s vital signs, but also delivers timely health alerts on abnormalities.
Behind this technology is a team of dedicated experts. Dr Wang Bo, founder and chief technology officer, is an alumnus of NUS with expertise in the medical application of radio frequency(RF) sensors. He is complemented by co-founder Dr Guo Yongxin, an NUS Professor specialising in electronic design automation and the design of RF microwave- and millimetre-wave integrated chips. Dr Feng Yuan of Tsinghua University is another integral co-founder. The team is further strengthened by advisor Prof Teo Hock Hai from NUS, and software development lead Dr Yang Meixia from Yunnan University.
Looking ahead, Yaozhikang has grand aspirations. The company has applied for the China-Singapore ICM Joint Innovation Development Fund to facilitate the product’s launch and development in Chongqing. The startup’s dedication to elevating the quality of life of the elderly combined with their innovative solutions, positions it at the forefront of healthcare technology. With patents filed and pending, a strong presence in conferences and numerous publications, Yaozhikang is poised to make a significant impact in the field of health monitoring.
