Research projects
► MARINA - Artificial Voice 2.0: Miniaturization, Articulation Compensation and Integration Image
The aim of the project is to develop a miniaturized, non-invasive voice prosthesis based on AI and radar sensors. Through innovative hardware integration, energy-efficient algorithms, and articulator-adaptive speech synthesis, the project aims to enable a natural-sounding, personalized voice for voiceless patients and to expand its application to new indications.
► SEMECO-B1: Medical Radar Microsystems (MERAMIS)
The SEMECO-B1: Medical Radar Microsystems (MERAMIS) project aims to develop radar-based platforms as proof-of-concept for innovative medical imaging. The focus is on two pilot applications: contactless monitoring of vital parameters and patient position in hospital beds, and a novel radar-assisted imaging technique for endoscopic procedures.
Conventional methods have their limitations in this area: video surveillance can compromise patient privacy, while optical endoscopy only reveals surface structures. Although ultrasound enables limited transmural imaging, it is comparatively complex and susceptible to interference. Radar-based approaches, on the other hand, offer a radiation-free, cost-effective and flexible alternative, for example through compact and mobile antenna systems.
The project is coordinated by VMedD GmbH and implemented in collaboration with the Chair of High Frequency Technology at TU Dresden and the Else Kröner-Fresenius Centre at Dresden University Hospital. From the outset, consideration has been given to transferability into everyday clinical practice – particularly with regard to installation space, resolution and costs.
► SEMECO-B3: Multi-sensory non-invasive voice prosthetics using AI (MUSIK)
as part of the ERDF/JTF technology funding programme 2021 to 2027 of the Free State of Saxony.
► Feasibility study for the "Positioning, Navigation and Timing" project
You can see the antenna system on a CubeSat mockup from a feasibility study for the "Positioning, Navigation and Timing" project, which we carried out together with Beyond Gravity (Austria) and DA Group (Finland). The aim was to develop a relay satellite in LEO to increase the coverage of signals from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), in particular Galileo. The antenna system for L- and S-band as well as several amplifiers for L-, S- and UHF-band were developed and manufactured by the chair.
► SIRANA
As part of the ERDF validation funding programme, the Technical University of Dresden is working on an innovative approach that uses radar-based sensor technology for human-machine interaction and biomonitoring. The sensor is able to wirelessly recognise the movement of muscles in the body (e.g. heart or tongue). The project is being carried out by the Chair of High Frequency Technology (Prof. Dr Dirk Plettemeier) and the Chair of Language Technology and Cognitive Systems (Prof. Dr Peter Birkholz). The combination of expertise in high-frequency systems, radar signal analysis, speech technology and machine learning enables the comprehensive investigation of the novel applications. The innovative sensor principle offers a promising alternative to conventional control methods such as physical buttons, touchscreens, gesture recognition or voice control. A particular advantage of the new sensor system is its suitability in situations where manual control with the hands is not possible. Thanks to the planned miniaturisation, the sensor will also be very comfortable to wear.
Inhaber der Professur
NameMr Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dirk Plettemeier
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Visiting address:
Barkausenbau (BAR), D-Flügel, Raum IV 77 Georg-Schumann-Str. 11, 4.OG
01187 Dresden