Wireless RFID Tags Offer Breakthrough in Contactless Respiratory Monitoring for Home and Hospital Care

Researchers in Sweden develop contactless RFID "plasters" to monitor breathing, offering a radiation-free alternative for hospital and home-based lung care.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 7:12 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

Repurposing Wireless Tracking for Healthcare

The same technology used to track warehouse inventory or locate domestic pets is now being adapted to monitor human health. A research collaboration between Chalmers University of Technology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and the University of Gothenburg has demonstrated that radio frequency technology can accurately measure respiratory movements. This contactless approach provides a safe, radiation-free alternative to traditional imaging techniques like X-rays and CT scans, which are currently the standard for assessing patients with impaired lung function.

How the RFID "Plaster" System Works

The system utilizes small, plaster-like RFID tags equipped with unique identification chips. These tags do not require batteries or cables; instead, they draw power wirelessly from a nearby portable reader. In proof-of-concept tests conducted at a simulation center, researchers placed four tags on the chest wall of a computer-controlled mannequin. As the "patient" breathed, the reader recorded the precise movements of the tags, converting the data into real-time graphs on a monitor. The technology proved sensitive enough to detect even minute variations in breathing patterns across different measurement points.

Reducing Radiation Exposure and Healthcare Costs

Currently, patients recovering from major surgery or living with chronic pulmonary diseases must often undergo expensive and specialized hospital examinations. Xuezhi Zeng, Associate Professor at Chalmers, highlights that using commercial radio frequency equipment makes this advanced monitoring much more accessible and cost-effective. By eliminating the need for ionizing radiation, the RFID method allows for frequent, long-term monitoring without the health risks associated with repeated X-ray exposure.