Remcom has partnered with the University of Twente and a consortium of European academic and industrial leaders to spearhead a groundbreaking €2.9 million project. This initiative, funded by Horizon Europe, aims to maximize the potential of 6G-integrated technologies for remote, resilient healthcare.
The project, officially titled the European Doctoral Network for Resilient Remote Healthcare Using Intelligent Sensing and Communication Technologies, or SMARTTEST, addresses the need for advanced sensing and communication capabilities in healthcare. Coordinated by Dr. Yang Miao at the University of Twente, SMARTTEST will foster innovative research across 11 doctoral projects. This network includes contributions from prominent institutions in the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Poland, and Germany, along with specialized support from industrial partner Adant Technologies Inc.
The Power of 6G in Healthcare
6G technology, slated to provide unprecedented capabilities in wireless communication, offers new horizons for healthcare through its Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) feature. ISAC technologies allow for continuous, non-contact monitoring of vital signs, limb movements, and overall health status. For vulnerable patients who struggle with self-monitoring or frequent clinical visits, such advancements can lead to preventative, rather than merely reactive, healthcare interventions. This is particularly impactful for addressing the limitations and high costs of traditional healthcare systems.
By merging radar and communication systems, 6G allows healthcare providers to detect early health changes through electromagnetic (EM) waves and analyze these with precision. This integration of biomedical signal analytics with wireless technologies aims to redefine the quality and accessibility of healthcare for patients, potentially reducing the risks of preventable complications and enhancing quality of life.
A New Generation of Multidisciplinary Engineers
SMARTTEST’s educational initiative aims to equip doctoral students with the skills to bridge wireless engineering, biomedical sciences, and AI, addressing challenges in signal processing, hardware integration, and proactive health monitoring. Graduates from this program will be at the forefront of developing advanced sensing devices, creating robust health monitoring algorithms, and ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainability.
“SMARTTEST is more than a research initiative,” said Dr. Yang Miao. “Our mission is to cultivate a new generation of professionals skilled in both cutting-edge wireless technologies and biomedical applications to redefine personalized healthcare.”
Remcom’s Role and Technological Contributions
Remcom, with its longstanding expertise in electromagnetic simulation, brings a wealth of experience to SMARTTEST. By developing accurate channel models and Doppler maps, Remcom’s tools can predict how electromagnetic waves interact within complex healthcare environments. This allows for the design of high-quality datasets for remote monitoring and precise simulations of human-centric actions, such as breathing.
“Our EM simulation tools will support the project by enabling realistic, 3D multipath predictions and MIMO processing for healthcare scenarios,” said Tarun Chawla, Remcom’s Director. “Remcom is excited to participate in this transformative project that utilizes AI to merge communications and sensing technologies for healthcare.”
Building a Strong Collaborative Network
SMARTTEST is supported by an international consortium of hospitals, research institutions, and regulatory agencies from Europe, Canada, and the U.S. The cross-sectoral nature of this network—uniting universities, technology developers, healthcare institutions, and regulatory bodies—ensures a well-rounded approach to advancing 6G health monitoring solutions. Notable partners include Pharrowtech BV, Televic Healthcare, and the University of Waterloo.
The collaboration between University of Twente’s Radio Systems (RS) and Biomedical Signals and Systems (BSS) groups, led by Dr. Miao, Prof. Andre Kokkeler, and Dr. Ying Wang, will further drive the development of cross-disciplinary technologies essential for healthcare’s next generation.
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