Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Microsystems and Solid State Technologies EMFTAsthma and COPD are among the most common chronic respiratory diseases, affecting over 600 million patients worldwide – yet inhalation therapy often falls short of its potential in everyday life. A key reason is that many patients do not use their inhalers correctly. This can lead to reduced treatment effectiveness, persistent symptoms, and a higher risk of acute exacerbations and hospitalizations. Proper inhaler use is particularly challenging for children, older adults, and patients with complex therapy regimens. This is exactly where the "CAELIA Health" project by Fraunhofer EMFT comes in: its goal is to provide patient-centered digital support for inhalation therapy, reducing technical and adherence-related issues in daily life – thereby contributing to better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life.
AI-powered inhalation therapy for asthma and COPD
CAELIA Health: Digital guidance for correct inhaler use
Inhalation therapies are effective – but their success critically depends on how they are used in everyday life. In practice, however, the following is often lacking:
- Confidence in inhalation technique (e.g., timing, breathing, routine)
- Continuous support between doctor visits
- Objective information on how therapy is actually implemented in daily life
The consequences are avoidable symptoms, exacerbations, additional medical visits, and a significant burden on patients, the healthcare system, and healthcare payers.
Our approach: intelligent inhaler add-on with AI-assisted digital guidance
The CAELIA Health project is developing an innovative combination of smart medical technology and AI-powered digital support. The focus is on a solution that can be integrated into existing therapy routines and supports patients in their daily lives – without unnecessarily complicating their treatment.
Fraunhofer EMFT brings its extensive experience in sensor technology and broad expertise in the development of medical systems. Together with various project partners, including Fraunhofer ITEM with over 40 years of experience in aerosol research, an inhalation system is being developed that:
- supports daily use (e.g., through clear feedback and training),
- makes therapy quality objectively measurable (without relying on subjective self-reporting),
- provides the basis for personalized, data-driven care
The goal is to improve therapy adherence, optimize treatment outcomes, and enable millions of patients to live as symptom-free as possible. Our guiding principle is: 'Every breath counts' – for more control, more confidence, and a better quality of life.
The startup project follows a responsible, patient-centered approach to digitalization, with a focus on data protection, security, and transparency. The goal is a solution that can be integrated into modern care and strengthens the trust of all stakeholders.
For more information about CAELIA Health, please visit the CAELIA Health website and the CAELIA Health LinkedIn profile.