Researchers at La Sapienza University in Italy have developed a system that can identify individuals without the need for cameras or other devices, based on the human body’s physical interaction with Wi-Fi signals.
People will be monitored with Wi-Fi signals
The technology called “WhoFi” analyzes the human body’s impact on electromagnetic waves, creating a signal signature unique to each individual. This resulting digital signature allows for the identification and tracking of individuals in different environments.

When Wi-Fi signals propagate through an environment, they impact objects such as walls, furniture, and human bodies, causing structural changes. These changes can be measured using data called “Channel State Information” (CSI).
WhoFi processes this CSI data with deep learning algorithms to create a unique radiobiometric signature for each individual. This allows for highly accurate identification of whether a signal belongs to a specific individual. The research team states that the system works without the need for any devices, requiring only a Wi-Fi network in the individual’s location.
The study goes a step beyond previous research demonstrating that Wi-Fi signals can be used to track human movements or visualize what’s behind walls. WhoFi now transforms these signals into a means of identification and authentication. Initial tests revealed that the system achieved 95.5 percent accuracy.
The developed system is considered not only a surveillance tool but also a new security solution that can be used in areas inaccessible to traditional camera systems. Wi-Fi-based tracking technologies operate without requiring adequate lighting conditions.
This system, which remains functional even in dark, foggy, or low-visibility areas, can also monitor areas inaccessible to cameras thanks to Wi-Fi signals’ ability to penetrate physical barriers such as walls. Because it relies on electromagnetic signatures rather than visual identification, factors such as a person’s face, clothing, or movement pattern become irrelevant.
Prof. Danilo Avola stated that WhoFi technology can be effectively used in dark environments, behind walls, or in areas outside camera view. According to Avola, since Wi-Fi networks are readily available on nearly every street in today’s cities, this system could surpass traditional facial recognition technologies.