CES^® 2026

AKM will also showcase the next-generation of the smart diaper solution that was presented at CES 2025. 

This system generates a tiny voltage using urine as an electrolyte and conductive materials as electrodes. These electrodes are implemented using printable inks in the diaper material, allowing for flexible and scalable manufacturing.

AKM’s proprietary energy-harvesting technology powers the system: a module featuring its ultra-low-power DC/DC converter boosts the generated voltage and powers AKM’s Bluetooth^® Low Energy transmitter.  A smart diaper designed to work with this platform can detect and notify caregivers of urination without the requirement of batteries.

This updated solution includes an algorithm that estimates both frequency and volume of urination, providing caregivers with more data that may be used to improve the quality of care.

AKM and Aizip’s collaboration has yielded a millimeter-wave radar solution for real-time swallowing monitoring, addressing the critical need to detect aspiration (accidentally inhaling solid or liquid into the airway) in aging populations

According to the American Thoracic Society, aspiration pneumonia claimed nearly 186,000 American lives from 1999 to 2022, with three-quarters of these incidents involving people aged 75 or older. 

AKM’s millimeter-wave radar module is used to monitor throat movement, eliminating the need for a wearable device. The radar signal is converted into audio data, which Aizip’s AI models analyze locally in real-time to distinguish swallowing from a series of other throat motions and body movements, providing insights into aspiration risk.

The gesture recognition technology platform is built around AKM’s AK05611 analog front-end IC, which features amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters, and integrated motion artifact (MA) cancellation in a compact 1.56 × 2.71 mm package.

In this demonstration, the AK05611 is housed in a wristband and used to detect electromyography signals generated by muscle movements in the forearm. Aizip’s models interpret these signals as specific gestures, such as a closed hand, an open hand, and a single tap.

This technology could enable users to interact with their electronic devices, including sending alerts to family or caregivers, without needing to touch a screen.