July 12, 2026 – Oxford, UK – PIR for Respiratory Screening
Researchers at Oxford University have published a study demonstrating that high-sensitivity PIR sensors can detect COVID-19 by analyzing breathing patterns. The non-contact method could enable rapid screening in airports, hospitals, and offices.
The Technology
The system uses a high-sensitivity PIR sensor (Panasonic EKMB series) positioned 1-2 meters from the subject. It measures:
- Respiratory rate
- Breathing depth
- Cough frequency
- Breath temperature patterns
Machine learning algorithms analyze these parameters to identify COVID-19 signatures with 85% accuracy in clinical trials.
Key Findings
- COVID-19 detection accuracy: 85% (compared to PCR as gold standard)
- Screening time: 30 seconds
- Privacy: No identifiable images captured
- Cost per test: <$0.01 (after sensor installation)
“This could revolutionize respiratory disease screening,” said lead researcher Dr. James Wilson. “PIR sensors are inexpensive, privacy-preserving, and can be deployed at scale.”
Limitations
The technique requires high-sensitivity sensors and works best in controlled environments. Further validation is needed for other respiratory conditions.