Archive · 6 Jan 2026
WiFi Can Now Track People Through Walls
Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University have found a way to use WiFi signals to see and track people through walls.
They modified regular WiFi routers with special computer programs to understand how WiFi signals bounce off people.
This helps them create a 3D picture of people moving behind walls, even if they can't be seen.
The system can tell if someone is sitting or standing and can track multiple people at once.
This technology could be useful for keeping an eye on elderly people or making homes safer.
However, it also raises concerns about privacy, as it might be used to spy on people without their knowledge.
The researchers are working to make sure the technology is used responsibly.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a system to track human movement through walls using WiFi signals and AI.
The technology uses standard WiFi routers and deep learning algorithms to interpret signal distortions caused by human movement.
The system can detect multiple individuals, their movements, and postures like sitting or standing with high accuracy.
Potential applications include home security, elderly care, and search-and-rescue missions, but it raises significant privacy concerns.
The technology is still in its early stages, and researchers are working on embedding privacy-protecting features.
- Who
- Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University
- What
- Developed a system to track human movement through walls using WiFi signals
- When
- Research conducted in 2022, current status in early 2026
- Where
- Carnegie Mellon University, applicable in homes and offices
- Why
- To revolutionize home security, elderly care, and search-and-rescue missions
- Researchers
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Technology
- WiFi signal analysis with AI
- Applications
- Home security, elderly care, search-and-rescue
- Privacy Concerns
- Potential misuse for surveillance
- Current Status
- Early stages of development
- Hardware Required
- Standard WiFi routers
- Detection Capabilities
- Movement, posture, multiple individuals