Electromagnetic Compatibility Monitoring and Prediction Models for Biomedical Devices
Thematic Area: ICTs including big data and artificial intelligence
University: University of Rwanda (UR)
Project Leader: Dr. Omar GATERA
Collaborating Partners: Rochester Institute of Technology, USA.
Duration: 2 years
Project Overview
Preamble
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is a big concern in electronic devices, particularly in hospitals’ medical devices where there is high concern of health and safety. The unacceptable level of electromagnetic emissions from medical devices in hospitals can cause different illness to patients, doctors, nurses and other staff in hospitals such as cancer, mental and skin disorder, and other health and safety issues. Therefore, EMC monitoring and prediction on biomedical devices in hospitals would be a potential solution for the health and safety of people in hospitals.
The technology
The main objective of the project is to develop an Internet of Things (IoT) based monitoring system and EMC prediction algorithm for the hospital’s biomedical devices. IoT is a low cost and emerging technology for data monitoring in real time and machine learning algorithms are powerful tools for data prediction. An IoT system will be designed and implemented with EMC sensors installed on selected biomedical devices. Data of field strength, frequency, voltage fluctuation and flicker emissions, electrostatic discharge, electrical fast transient, power frequency, magnetic field immunity and radiated RF electromagnetic (EM) immunity will be collected using sensors attached to medical devices, analyzed and compared with the standards thresholds for decision making. Prediction algorithm based on machine learning will be developed to predict the EM emissions of biomedical devices for prevention purposes, proper management and planning of electronic devices maintenance.
Expected Impact
The implementation of the project will help the hospitals to prevent the effect of EM emissions and it will also assist the hospitals to plan for preventive measures and to have a clear management plan of biomedical devices. At the national level, there will be a reduction of illness as well as accidents caused by EM emissions, improvement of the health and safety of the people at hospitals and thus, the enhancement of performance of hospitals in general. This is in line with national and regional health policies and sustainable development goals (SDGs) for good health and wellbeing of the people.
For more information, please contact the Project Leader
