What is Wearable Technology?
Definition of wearable technology
Wearable technology, which is a term that can be used interchangeably with “wearables",” are electronic devices that can be worn on a person, and contain embedded components that perform a technical function. They are typically hands-free, and contain user-friendly interfaces. While the most common piece of wearable technology is arguably the smart watch, the industry (yes, it is now a full-blown industry)extends far beyond that.
Types of wearable technology
As mentioned previously, wearable technology extends far beyond smart watches. We will mention smart watches, however, we challenge you to see the possibilities for this technology that exceed high-tech timepieces; such as those gadgets that have the potential to improve and save lives.
Smart watches
Among the most common forms of wearable technology, smart watches such as the Apple Watch and the Samsung Galaxy Watch can help with daily tasks, take phone calls, track health and fitness, and of course; tell time. As we become more digital beings, these watches will only become more advanced and deeply embedded into our daily routines.
2. Smart clothing and accessories
Smart clothing can be everything from biometric shirts to jackets that connect and enhance use of external devices, such as smartphones. A great example of smart clothing is the Neviano UV Protect swimsuit. This swimsuit is equipped with a removable, waterproof sensor that sends alerts right to your smartphone to remind you to apply more sunscreen when UV levels are too high.
As for smart accessories, we look to the Siren Sock. These socks use small sensors woven into the fabric to monitor foot temperature continuously and send your physician information to help identify signs of inflammation or injury. These socks have been used in diabetes research and have shown to improve outcomes related to ulcers by 87 percent.
3. Medical and safety wearables
Medical and Safety are two areas where wearable technology can make a drastic impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s a wearable ECG monitor, or a hard hat that can prevent lethal accidents on a construction site, wearables can be used to improve outcomes and create peace of mind.
When it comes to medical wearables, there are several products to look to as models of innovation. Hexoskin is just one example of a wearable that uses textile sensors to provide continuous cardiac, respiratory, and activity monitoring. Hexoskin garments been used in over 100 scientific publications and have recently been used by hospitals to monitor COVID-19 patients.
Now, when we say safety wearables, we mean more than just those that can keep construction workers safe. Safety can also mean a sense of security when danger looms, and the Flare bracelet is an accessory that can do just that. You simply connect your Flare to the app on your phone and hold down the hidden button located on the bracelet to get a real-sounding call sent to your phone should you feel your safety is at risk.
4. Hearables
Hearables, short for “Hearing Wearables” are in-ear devices that can play music, monitor vital signs, and produce a wireless connection to a smartphone for communication purposes. They are earbuds with a few added bonuses. However, there is reason to believe that these devices can improve hearing loss. Just last year at CES, South Korea’s Olive Union won Best Wearable. The Olive Smart Ear is a rechargeable earbud that amplifies sound for people with mild hearing loss by suppressing background noise and cancelling feedback. It is not a hearing aid, but it can improve the overall quality and clarity of sound.
Benefits of Wearable Tech
Improves and facilitates device use
Wearable technology is not only an electronic device in of itself, but it can also facilitate the use of other devices such as smartphones. Take for example the Apple Watch. Like most smart watches, it connects to a smartphone. This does not mean that the phone must be in the immediate vicinity of the person wearing the watch, though. According to several sources, the range of connection is about 100 meters (about the length of a football field).
Help monitor health and encourage good habits
We all want to get more physically fit, sleep better, and improve our lifestyles. Wearables can help us achieve this. According to a report from Intel on the benefits of health analytics and wearables to the population’s health, an estimated $2 trillion (about $6,200 per person in the US) per year in healthcare costs are attributable to poor health. Wearables can help remedy this transforming the overall health and habits of individuals.
A seamless and compact design
As wearable devices have advanced over the years, so has the design. The wearables on the market currently are some of the slimmest and most compact in terms of size, and they are only getting smaller and more efficient. Where is design heading? According to Paul Olyslager, a UX Designer, there are three aspects of wearables design that can be improved: Form factor, style (it should not compromise fashion), and comfort.
E-Textiles and wearable tech
E-textiles can be used for several wearable technology applications: medical wearables, safety apparel, outdoor gear, and connected accessories. The most well-researched application of e-textiles is medical. Specifically, the monitoring of health conditions. For medical wearable applications, e-textiles often function as either electrodes or power and data cables, connecting sensors and power sources. E-textiles can also be used in light-up safety apparel, as well as biometric clothing and accessories. The main benefit to using e-textiles, like our LEL, in wearable technologies is their ability to accommodate products that need to flex and stretch. The LEL can stretch up to 20 percent and has an infinite bend radius.
Learn more about the LEL capabilities
The future of wearable tech
So, where is wearable technology heading? Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic has significantly slowed growth and stunted projections. However, the industry is currently estimated at reaching a valuation of $57 billion by next year. This is money talk, though. What you really want to know is where the technology itself will be, not the health of the industry (albeit that is important, too). In 2021, we can expect to see more healthcare wearables. We are still in a pandemic, and the ability to track and monitor patients is becoming increasingly necessary. If you take away anything from this article, we hope you see that wearable technology can do more than just tell us our steps for the day or wake us from a deep slumber; they can change lives for the better and take us to places we never imagined possible.