Walabot MIMO Radar Board Can See Through Walls Thanks to Vayyar 3D Imaging Sensors

A few days ago, I wrote about Orbbec Astra 3D camera that can analyze distance and depth to form a 3D image of object. However, this solution uses an IR sensors, and while it can fulfill the needs of many application it does not allow to see through object, and that’s exactly what Walabot wideband MIMO radar board promises to do thanks to Vayyar 3D imaging sensor and a dozen of RF antennas.

Vayyar_on_Walabot

Some of the key features and preliminary specifications of Walabot board include:

  • Vayyar VYYR2401 3D imaging sensor
  • 12 (or is it 14?) non-contact antennas array system based on “Octopus A3 System on chip”
  • Build in Tx/Rx linear polarized wide-band antennas from 3-10Ghz.
  • On-board Cypress FX3 controller for communication and pre-processing
  • EEPROM (for inventory and calibration information)
  • Walabot interface connectors:
    • Micro-USB 2.0 for high-rate data communication. Option to provide supply from USB.
    • Single supply voltage 4.5-5.5v input for non-USB power applications.
    • 3.3v compatible GPIOs
    • SMA RF connector for S11 measurements up to 6Ghz (TBD)
    • Expansion interface for board to board concatenation allows building larger antennas arrays (TBD)
  • Range – Up to 5 meters in open space
  • Accuracy – Detects changes in resolution of sub-mm

Walabot SDK is currently available for Windows, and supports C#/VB/C++, but depending on demand, the company will ost probably provide SDk for Linux (C++), and Android (C++ and Java). The API will provide calls for setting-up the system, single target location, respiration and heartbeat monitoring, doppler speed measurement, RF imaging, presence monitoring, S11 measurements and calibration, and more.

Walabot Block Diagram
Walabot Block Diagram

Practical applications range from detecting pipes through walls, respiration monitoring without camera (to respect privacy of patients), material composition analysis, for instance to detect the alcohol level of drinks, movement and speed detection for automotive applications, 3D scanner, and more.

Walabot development kit can be pre-ordered for $249 ($20 off with MAKERWALABOT coupon) with shipping scheduled for Q1 2016. For more details and/or pre-order the board, you can check out Walabot and Vayyar websites. If you have an interesting project, you can go to the Lab section of Walabot website to answer a few questions, describe your project, and you may be sent one for free.

Via Makezine

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3 Comments
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Alex
Alex
8 years ago

Hi! My paranoia is growing very fast with these technologies.
Just imagine if this tech can see through walls for several meters in depth.
Your neighbors will be really happy. And will know everything about their life.
Non military, accessible for consumers around the world.
Brilliant!

lseder
lseder
8 years ago

don’t worry. max scan range 5 meters.

Arman
Arman
7 years ago

Is that a FM-CV (Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave) Radar or a pulse radar? The frequenycy range is given, but what are the Bandwith and central frequency?

Khadas VIM4 SBC