May 20, 2021
UW researchers develop first AI system for contactless monitoring of heart rhythms
Utilizing smart speaker technology, UW researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence system to monitor heartbeats without physical contact.
The researchers tested their new system and recently published their results, finding the smart speaker consistently detected heartbeats that closely matched those detected by standard heartbeat monitors.
The smart speaker technology detects individual heartbeats by sending inaudible sounds from the speaker and analyzing how the sounds are reflected back to the speaker, utilizing machine learning to distinguish individual heartbeats.
After identifying individual heartbeats, the system can monitor heartbeat patterns over time, known as heart rhythms. Healthcare providers can then utilize the heart rhythms to detect potential heart rhythm disorders or irregularities that would otherwise be difficult to diagnose.