VisionRF: Non-Invasive Tech Saves Lives in Prisons

0:00It's March 29th. This is Europe News Today, your AI-powered source for European news. A new gadget called Vision RF could cut down on prison deaths by letting staff check inmates breathing in heart rates from afar. It uses low-power radar to spot tiny chest movements, mounted hidden in cells like behind the light. No cameras or mics needed, it just alerts teams if vitals go off track. Deaths and custody are spiking hard. In Scotland, 64 people died in prisons last year, up 60 percent from 40 the year before, with 16 suicides. England and Wales saw 401 deaths in the year. To June 2025, 30 percent more than before, including 86, self-inflicted ones. Current checks disrupt sleep and stress folks out, worsening mental health. This tech swaps those invasive peaks for quiet monitoring, respecting privacy while catching issues early. Outside Chief Nancy Lux says her reassures families and eases trauma for staff.

1:01The Harry O'Watt University team, led by Demetri's Anadna style, got funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research. They're planning a commercial spin-out for prisons and beyond. Low cost and low power, Vision RF could roll out to home care, nursing homes, anywhere health gaps hit hard, strengthening care without the intrusion, and maybe saving lives across the board.