Magnetic-based localization of free-moving and ingestible biomedical devices

Imec, in collaboration with its sister institute OnePlanet in the Netherlands, are performing research in novel ingestible sensors that can measure various parameters of the gastro-intestinal tract which currently cannot easily be measured in a non-invasive way.

For this purpose, it is important for the ingestible sensor to have knowledge of its relative position in the gastrointestinal tract since the propagation speed can vary widely. As part of this research, concepts have been defined for such positioning, from which magnetic-based methods stand out as one of the best performing approaches.

In previous years, imec has therefore done research in those magnetic-based localization methods and is currently moving towards a small form factor proof of concept for its integration within ingestible devices, together with improvements in the wearability of required external devices.

The purpose of the work is to further explore and validate approaches at a smaller scale, to achieve a system small enough to be able to be included within ingestible devices while maintaining the required localization performance. This includes working with prototypes developed at imec (e.g. characterization and evaluation of the solutions in lab or in phantoms), but also proposing new solutions that can range from specific hardware configurations to improvements in the localization algorithms.

This work will involve hands-on work with hardware, signal acquisition and low-level signal processing in Python and/or Matlab, as well as possibly some embedded firmware programming in C.

Skills required: mixed signal (analog and digital) electronic circuit knowledge, test and measurement skills, embedded microcontroller firmware programming in C, at least basic experience with Python and Matlab, hands-on attitude.

For additional information and for applications please contact Ivan Castro (ivand.castro@imec.be)