Towards Reliable, Interoperable and Secure In-Body Networks

Purpose and goal

In-body sensor networks provide viable data about the human body. Applications using such data require a reliable and secure data transfer from within the body to the Internet, e.g., to a smart home system. We have shown the reliability of our novel approach for in-body communication by performing simulations that included obstacles such as embedded muscles. We have initiated an end-to-end security design and devised measures to increase end-to-end reliability. We have explored novel application possibilities and found a new partner for commercialisation after the full project.

Expected results and effects

The goal of this pre-study was to get a better understanding of the basic reliability and robustness of our approach to in-body communication and what reliability and robustness features are required to make our technology applicable in realistic scenarios where Internet connectivity is required. We have shown that our approach can handle obstacles in the fat tissue such as embedded muscles. We have also started to explore application areas: our preliminary results have shown that it is very likely that our technology can be applied for e.g. intra-cranial pressure monitoring.

Planned approach and implementation

Partners in this project are Uppsala University and Alleato who provide solutions and technologies for smart systems for health care, social care and wellness. We have had regular face to face meetings in order to get an understanding of each other’s work and existing systems. These meetings have been very fruitful. One of the major outcomes is that these meetings have given us a good understanding for planning the work in the full project.