5 Predictions for the Future of Wearables Smashing Boxes презентация

machines become one. Science fiction author Philip K. Dick (adapted films include Blade Runner and Minority Report to name a few) describes a world where high-tech enhancements increase our ability to process information. This allows us to become superhuman. This co-evolution of technology and physiology is no longer the stuff of science fiction. It will shape the story of the 21st Century.
With that said, we are still in the toddler phase of the “wearable” generation. Much of what we “touch” currently is just noise in the form of data. There are hundreds of devices that monitor everything from sleep to blood glucose. To make this data relevant, these devices must communicate with each other and provide a smarter interpretation of the data. And there is still much to be desired where battery life and wearable interfaces are concerned. We can dig into what’s being done to break down these barriers in a bit, but first we should probably answer the big question: Why does this matter?

Let’s begin with some predictions.

NEXT FIVE YEARS:

provide continuous capture, delivery and interpretation of health and performance. This allows physicians, care teams and coaches to make prescriptive decisions quickly and from anywhere.

“One of the main objectives right now is to improve continuity of care...with ‘wearables’ we are close to having continuous, accurate data about an individual's physiology and daily behaviors. This is key to empowering healthcare professionals to make better decisions and help drive behavior change and outcomes.”
Dr. David Berkoff, Sports Medicine Physician at UNC Department of Orthopaedics

Biometric sensors embedded in clothing.
Photo Credit: Keoni Cabral

medical devices that use advances in 3D printing technology to personalize the experience for an individual.
According to a recent article in Quartz, Nike is using advances in nano-technology to embed sensors in their apparel. This combined with the ability to print an individual t-shirt with a 3D enabled printer will allow people to customize their apparel. Athletes and coaches will better understand when they are overtraining or under-training, and when they are under hydrated and overstressed. It will also reduce the cost of production and management of the supply chain for companies like Nike.


Sensor-embedded 3D printing will also impact the medical device industry. Mayo Clinic has already produced its first custom hip. They are looking for ways to embed sensors in the devices to improve monitoring of a patient's function and wear and tear on the joint.

Photo Credit: Atos

performance, provide interpretation and make suggestions on how to progress. This next step in wearable technology will help individuals improve everything from their fitness to their biomechanics (posture and gait for example). One of the keys for active coaching to be successful is to improve the validity of the data and interpretation.







“One reason we started with optical signal sensor based technology in the ear was the validity of the data. We need good data and then software that accurately interprets the data and provides useful advice on how to progress to make a dent in improving health and fitness outcomes.”

Dr. Steven LeBoeuf, Founder and President of Valencell

other natural movements to interplay with devices. By adopting everyday movements and gestures in lieu of complex machine based tasks, we can improve the user experience and make it easier for people to onboard to new devices and software.

According to recent patents from Apple, their new Watch may allow for gesture-based adaptive learning. This may communicate actions like navigating through Apple TV, flipping pages on your iPad while running on a treadmill, shutting off the lights, and more.

We’ve already seen the beginning of gesture-based interfacing with Google Glass which lets users take a picture by blinking.

Photo Credit: CyberHades

a unique signature to the individual. Using unique characteristics such as heart rhythm could take the place of outdated credentialing methods like a written password.

How many times have you forgotten your password or had your email hacked? This could soon be a problem of the past. New technologies like watch-enabled heart rate monitors can measure one’s unique rhythm and convert it to a password. Other companies are creating ingestibile technology that allows external devices to log in when the individual is near. Acid in the stomach powers the battery.

is expected to expand rapidly within the next few years. The firm projects that the wearable tech market will hit $4.5 billion by the end of 2014, and reach $53.2 billion by 2019. This is great news for OEMs who are investing heavily in wearable tech initiatives. However, several things need to fall into place in order for this market opportunity to achieve its full potential.
Increased Battery Life
Improved User Experience
Making Data Useful

six month mark is the inconvenience of having to charge it. According to LeBoeuf, industry statistics show that as soon as someone takes off the device there is a more than one third chance they won’t put it back on.

“When you have to take your device off to charge it, you immediately disengage the user and they begin to wonder how much value they are getting by counting steps. If their experience with the device is a good one, then they will likely put it back on but if not it may become best friends with the underwear drawer.”

Dr. Steven LeBoeuf, Founder and President of Valencell

“As an athlete, it’s one of my biggest frustrations...I’m ready to go on a long ride and I forgot to charge my device,” he said. He also sees battery life as a big barrier to getting regular joes to purchase the devices, “If it’s a problem for early adopters, then you know it’s going to be an issue for everyone else.”

Dr. David Berkoff, Sports Medicine Physician at UNC Department of Orthopaedics

at North Carolina State University are working on solving the battery life issue. They are developing technologies to enable battery free and body powered devices. As an example, ASSIST materials, embedded in a textile can harvest energy from the temperature difference between the skin and air, and use this to power the sensors. This not only has an impact on clothing but also on medical devices. They’re currently working on a battery free pacemaker.

key. Sensors embedded in a shirt to free up space coupled with a watch interface that delivers the information from clothing is one example. Another example of providing a good user experience is embedding technology in devices that are familiar, like headphones.

According to an industry report by Rock Health, a health incubator and fund based in San Francisco, California, one of the biggest barriers to engagement is at the onset of using the device. Meaning, quite literally, the pain of getting it out of the box and setting it up. Reports indicate that close to 10 percent of technology products are returned before they are even used.



“We started with headphones because our audience were athletes and weekend warriors. They already wore headphones when they worked out so it made sense. Why make them work harder and purchase another device?”
Dr. Steven LeBoeuf, Founder and President of Valencell

2016 that number will reach over 90 million. With that said, the adoption rate will slow or decline if these devices don’t provide more meaning and context about how to improve our health, fitness, and life based upon our goals and needs.

To truly connect the data, simplifying the communication between devices through a universal API will become critically important. It will start when devices talk to each other. Thanks to your phone’s G.P.S., RFID, or Bluetooth, you’ll get a personalized workout plan the second you arrive at the gym and adjust the intensity based upon your previous workout, cortisol levels and hydration.

and performance and help people be more productive. Parents and their children are finding significant value in products like Sqord - the first wearable for kids that helps curb childhood obesity and improve children’s health. It uses sensors to track activity and provides feedback and motivation to help kids move more.

Companies like Fitlinxx are also changing the game with their new product, AmpStrip. The heart rate and activity tracking monitor is designed to stick to the wearer’s torso and be left for a week or more at a time. Once they’re done with it, they can remove it like a bandaid and recharge, add adhesive and put it back on.

Photo credit: Sqord

excitement around them will ensure the technology matures rapidly over the next few years.