Wearables
Sensor platform simplifies design of wearable applications
Designers of health, wellness and fitness applications can quickly and easily validate next-gen solutions with the small hSensor Platform from Maxim Integrated Products. Creating a custom board with sensors can be complex, as designers must first build custom hardware and firmware to validate their concepts and then build prototypes before starting any field trials.
Lower-limb 'robotic exoskeleton' for human gait rehab
Stroke and spinal cord injury patients often require gait rehabilitation to regain the ability to walk or to help strengthen their muscles. Wearable "robot-assisted training" is quickly emerging as a method that helps improve this rehab process. In a major advance, researchers from Beihang University in China and Aalborg University in Denmark have designed a lower-limb robot exoskeleton—a wearable robot—that features natural knee...
Here to stay, or a flash in the pan?
From the Apple Watch to the Samsung Gear S3, it seems that there is a smart watch for everyone these days. However, new research is telling a different story, revealing that sales of such devices are showing a steep decline.
Tracking system incorporates security-critical features
Drawing on its expertise in producing advanced, resilient engineering solutions to deal with exacting application demands, Steatite now introduces a comprehensive, high integrity tracking system. It presents the national security, border control and law enforcement sectors with an ultra-reliable, all-encompassing, end-to-end solution that is simple to implement and can be tailored to fit their specific operational requirements.
Wearable tattoo sends alcohol levels to smartphone
Engineers funded by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) have developed a small monitoring device, worn on the skin, that detects alcohol levels in perspiration. It was designed as a convenient method for individuals to monitor their alcohol intake, which could help reduce unsafe drinking that can lead to vehicle crashes, violence, and the degeneration of the health of heavy drinkers.
Wireless power evaluation kits available for wearable applications
Two new compatible evaluation modules (EVMs) are being shipped by Semtech Corporation for prototyping and developing wireless charging solutions for wearable applications. The Semtech TSWITX-G4-EVM is an evaluation platform for the test and experimentation of a wireless charging transmitter based on the Semtech TS80002 Wireless Power Transmitter Controller and TS51231 Driver.
Smart specs treats facial palsy
Smart specs that know when you are smiling are being developed by researchers to help rehabilitate people with facial palsy. The technology - named Facial Remote Activity Monitoring Eyewear (Frame) - may lend itself to other future applications such as providing feedback on a person’s mood if, for instance, they have depression. It may also enable someone who is tetraplegic control a wheelchair.
Addressing the trade-off in wearables
Processor technology is key to optimising functionality and battery life in wearables to meet the performance/power trade-off, writes Luciano Duca, General Manager, Toshiba Electronics Europe.
Wireless biosensor platform frees patients from cables
HMicro and STMicroelectronics have launched their cooperation to create the industry’s first single-chip solution for clinical-grade, single-use disposable smart patches and biosensors. The product, HC1100, targets the 5 billion wired wearable sensors, such as those for vital-sign monitors and electrocardiogram leads, utilised annually. The HC1100 chip is based on the WiPoint technology and a purpose-built silicon platform jointly crea...
Colour-changing wearable alerts user to get out of sun
According to the American Cancer Society approximately 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year. Yet, the sun does contribute to the production of Vitamin D, which is necessary for bone health, and perhaps even useful in preventing some cancers. So how does one know how much sun exposure is enough?