Magnetic fields offer new method for wireless communication

The research, presented at the recent International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society in Italy, details a technique called magnetic field human body communication. Whereas the electromagnetic radiation of Bluetooth struggles to penetrate the human body, this new technology uses the body as a vehicle to communicate information between electronic devices.

The researchers claim it could lead to a new generation of wearable electronics that use much less power than current devices, as well as providing better security.

“In the future, people are going to be wearing more electronics, such as smart watches, fitness trackers and health monitors,” said leader of the study Patrick Mercier, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UC San Diego and the co-director of the university’s Centre for Wearable Sensors.

“All of these devices will need to communicate information with each other. Currently, these devices transmit information using Bluetooth radios, which use a lot of power to communicate. We’re trying to find new ways to communicate information around the human body that use much less power.”