Jakarta, INTI – Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to push the boundaries of what was once considered science fiction. Researchers have now developed a method to turn ordinary WiFi routers into devices that can detect human movement—even through walls. This innovation is not only revolutionary but also sparks critical debates about the fine line between security and personal privacy in the digital age.
WiFi: No Longer Just for Internet Access
Traditionally, WiFi has been used solely as a means to connect to the internet—for browsing, working remotely, gaming, or streaming movies. However, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have drastically changed that narrative. Their work reveals that WiFi signals, which constantly fill our homes and offices, can be repurposed as a kind of digital "vision."
With the help of AI, they have shown that WiFi routers can be used to detect human presence, positions, and even body poses—regardless of whether the person is in plain sight or behind a wall. This turns a once-passive device into a powerful sensing tool.
How It Works: Turning Signal Disruptions into Human Shapes
This technology does not involve any cameras or traditional visual sensors. Instead, it operates on the principle that the human body disrupts wireless signals as it moves. These disruptions create specific patterns in the signal's behavior.
AI, trained using a neural network, reads and analyzes these signal distortions. It then reconstructs a three-dimensional map that represents the positions and movements of human bodies in near real-time—as if the WiFi itself could “see” through walls.
Advantages: Low-Cost, Non-Invasive, and Versatile
One of the biggest strengths of this system is that it is non-invasive. Unlike cameras, which can feel intrusive and compromise visual privacy, this method doesn’t capture facial features or identifiable imagery. That makes it a more discreet and potentially safer alternative for certain environments.
It’s also highly cost-effective. Because it uses standard WiFi routers and AI software, it doesn’t require expensive equipment or complex installation. This makes it accessible for a wide range of applications, from private homes to large facilities.
Real-World Applications: Smart Homes, Elder Care, and Security
This technology opens the door to a range of practical applications. In smart homes, it could be used to detect human presence and automatically adjust lighting or temperature. In healthcare, it could allow for discreet monitoring of elderly patients or individuals with mobility issues—without the need for cameras in every room.
Security is another area with significant potential. The system could detect unauthorized movement in secure spaces or alert homeowners to unusual activity, all without a single camera installed.
A New Kind of Threat to Digital Privacy
But with greater technological power comes greater responsibility. If a WiFi router can be turned into a human motion sensor without someone’s awareness, it raises serious questions about surveillance and consent.
Who has access to this data? Could internet service providers, tech companies, or even governments use this technology without our knowledge? And are current laws and regulations strong enough to protect individuals from misuse?
A Future of Connected Convenience—With Ethical Challenges
This innovation showcases the enormous potential of AI and connectivity in improving daily life and public safety. But like all disruptive technologies, it comes with ethical considerations.
There must be a balance between technological progress and individual rights. Transparency, regulation, and public education are key to ensuring that these tools are used responsibly and fairly.
Conclusion: A Visionary Step Forward—But at What Cost?
AI's ability to turn WiFi signals into a sensing system is a remarkable leap forward. However, this leap comes with new responsibilities. As our world becomes more connected, we must ask ourselves: how much should technology be allowed to “know” about our private lives?