Wearable technology, often simply referred to as “wearables,” represents a rapidly growing category of electronic devices that can be worn as accessories, embedded in clothing, implanted in the body, or even tattooed on the skin. These practical, hands-free gadgets are powered by microprocessors and have advanced capabilities to send and receive data over the Internet. The surge in the adoption of these devices places wearable technology at the cutting edge of the Internet of Things (IoT).
Key Takeaways
- Wearable technology is revolutionizing the Internet of Things, with significant applications in medicine, communication, and daily convenience.
- Enabled by advances in mobile networks, high-speed data transfer, and miniaturized microprocessors, wearables like smartwatches, fitness trackers, and medical devices are becoming everyday essentials.
- These technologies are worn, embedded, or tattooed directly onto the skin, integrating seamlessly with our lives.
How Wearable Technology Works
While the concept of wearable technology dates back to the 13th century with the advent of eyeglasses, and the 1500s with wearable timepieces, modern wearables are defined by their incorporation of microprocessors and internet connectivity. The evolution of mobile networks catalyzed the development of this technology, starting with fitness trackers capturing consumer interest.
From fitness activity trackers, the scope expanded to wristwatches with screens and robust mobile apps, Bluetooth headsets, smartwatches, and internet-enabled glasses. The gaming world, too, embraced wearables with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets, enriching user experience.
Specialized and Practical Applications
Some wearable tech, such as the now infamous Google Glass, faced initial setbacks mainly as consumer fashion items, yet they pivot for specialized applications. The primary focus in wearable technology’s development is now shifting towards more specialized and pragmatic uses.
Microchip implants replacing keys and passwords are a great example. These chips, embedded in a fingertip, use near-field communication (NFC) or radio-frequency identification (RFID), akin to microchips used for tracking pets.
However, the most transformative applications reside in medical technology. For instance, Cyrcadia Health has developed the Cyrcadia Breast Monitor, intelligent patches capable of early breast cancer detection and information transmission to a lab for analysis.
Examples of Wearable Technology
Recent advancements have brought forth wearable technology products fitted for medical and healthcare uses, including:
- In Louisville, Kentucky, wearable devices by AIR Louisville actively monitor local air quality, measure pollutants, and identify environmental hotspots to assist residents with respiratory issues.
- Cyrcadia Health’s Cyrcadia Breast Monitor—a smart patch detecting early signs of breast cancer, ensuring timely and effective intervention.
- Wearable medical alert monitors, widely accepted by the elderly and impaired, enhancing mobility and independence.
- The development of smart tattoos houses flexible electronic sensors to monitor heart and brain activity, sleep disorders, and muscle function. Permanent technology, such as conductive inks, are even on the horizon.
- Dedicated smartwatches for people with Parkinson’s disease champion greater treatment personalization by tracking symptoms and relaying data for tailored treatment plans.
Related Terms: Internet of Things (IoT), smart devices, microprocessor, NFC, RFID.
References
- National Library Of Medicine-National Center For Biotechnology Information. “An Introduction To The Cyrcadia Breast Monitor: A Wearable Breast Health Monitoring Device”.
- HealthAffairs. “AIR Louisville: Addressing Asthma With Technology, Crowdsourcing, Cross-Sector Collaboration, And Policy”.
- Becker’s Healthcare. “5 Medical Wearables Cleared by the FDA in 2019”.
