PanopticAI’s Vital Signs App Became World’s First FDA-Cleared App for Contactless Pulse Rate Measurement
PanopticAI, a health technology start-up founded by three HKUST engineering alumni, has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its contactless vital signs monitoring software. The PanopticAI Vitals™ app is the first FDA-cleared mobile application for contactless pulse rate measurement using the built-in camera of iPhones and iPads. This also distinguishes PanopticAI as the first Hong Kong-based company to achieve FDA clearance for a Software as a Medical Device (SaMD).
The three co-founders of PanopticAI are:
- Dr. Kyle WONG (2023 PhD in Bioengineering)
- Dr. Nick CHIN (2021 PhD in Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management, 2014 MSc in Telecommunications, 2013 BEng in Electronic Engineering)
- Mr. Teric CHAN (2021 MPhil in Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics, 2017 BEng in Mechanical Engineering)
They were guided by their supervisor, Prof. Richard So, Associate Dean of Engineering (Research and Graduate Studies) and Professor in both the Department of Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.
PanopticAI’s technology leverages proprietary remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) algorithms to transform readily available smartphones and tablets into medical-grade vital sign monitors. Advanced AI and signal processing techniques are used to analyze subtle color changes in the skin captured by the device’s camera, accurately measuring vital signs like pulse rate in just 30 seconds with a high accuracy rate of 98%.
This FDA clearance represents a significant milestone in PanopticAI’s mission to make healthcare more accessible and scalable. By leveraging the ubiquity of smartphones, PanopticAI’s technology eliminates the need for specialized equipment, significantly reducing costs and expanding access to vital sign monitoring for a wider population. The technology is already used by hospitals, insurance providers and pharmacies.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university committed to innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. Our holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach is recognized globally. HKUST placed 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education’s impact Rankings. Twelve of HKUST’s subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Of these, "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently placing among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. Our research and entrepreneurship endeavors are also innovative and impactful. Over 80% of our work was rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of November 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,800 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 16 exits (IPO or M&A).
