Huntsville, Ala., — CFD Research has been awarded a $1.3 million contract from the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to develop a compact, non-contact vital signs monitoring system using advanced photonic and optical sensing technologies. The innovative system aims to enable real-time health monitoring of military personnel and civilians in dynamic and challenging environments where traditional contact-based medical devices are not feasible.
Accurate measurement of vital signs such as body temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure are critical for assessing the physical condition of individuals, particularly in battlefield or disaster scenarios. Existing solutions often require bulky, contact-based equipment that limits their use in remote or mobile operations. CFD Research’s contactless solution is being designed for flexible deployment, including wearable systems, vehicle-mounted platforms, and even unmanned aerial systems to assess individuals in otherwise inaccessible locations.
“This technology has the potential to transform how vital health data is captured in dynamic environments,” said Karthikeyan Lingasubramanian, the project’s Principal Investigator. “By combining cutting-edge photonics, advanced imaging, and intelligent algorithms, we are developing a lightweight system capable of monitoring vital signs from a distance with precision and adaptability.”
CFD Research’s approach integrates several key innovations; advanced laser beam steering, Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) and computer vision and signal processing algorithms. This system is unique in that it accurately locates and monitors pulse points on a moving subject, leveraging CFD Research’s virtual human avatar and computer-vision capabilities. The PIC and laser beam steering technology enable to deliver this as a light-weight hand-held technology keeping field-use in mind.
Initial research and simulation efforts have already successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the system’s core components, providing a foundation for the next phases of development. The current work will focus on building and testing a fully integrated prototype that combines these core components. The prototype will be tested and validated using human subject testing. The team will also enhance the system’s ability to monitor moving targets and demonstrate its full capabilities in operational scenarios.
“This project reflects our continued commitment to delivering innovative medical monitoring solutions that address real-world challenges faced by military and emergency response teams,” said Ashok Raman, Senior Director of Energy & Materials. “The ability to remotely assess vital signs in the field has significant potential to improve readiness, response, and care in time-critical situations.”
Upon successful development, the technology is expected to support future military medical operations, improve casualty assessment, and contribute to the design of advanced, deployable health monitoring platforms.
This material is based upon work supported by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs under Contract
No. HT942524C0068. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Defense, DHA, SBIR/STTR Programs, USARIEM, or USAMRAA.
About CFD Research
Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine’s Inc5000 as a top growing company for five of the last six years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com.
