The trend toward the use of sensors to record information about events in real-time began in the manufacturing world and has slowly spread everywhere except to the human body, until now.
As the human world becomes increasingly connected and sensors become smaller and cheaper, people are beginning to understand life in completely new ways. The use of wearable devices or “body metrics” provide as much information as wearers care to know about their activity and its effect on their bodies.
Personalized vs. Population-Based Health
Until very recently, doctors and scientists have had a virtual monopoly over medical equipment and the data it produces. But this is changing and people may soon be asked to submit body physiology tracking information to doctors as part of a routine checkup.
A company called Hexoskin has designed new wearable materials that track heart rate (EKG), heart rate variability, breathing rate and volume, movement, perspiration, respiration, and “actigraphy,” or the number of steps and movements. The company’s biometric t-shirts are packed with sensors and amount to what can only be called “smart clothing”. Hexoskin can also be used as a sleep tracking device, measuring resting heart rate, breathing and sleep positions and efficiency.
Hexoskin has raised $165,000 from an Indiegog campaign, 65% over its goal. Its technology is already being used for scientific testing and astronaut training.
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- Wearable Tech’s Future Is Now
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- Wearable Artificial Kidney: A portable dialysis machine for patients on the go
References and related content:
- Hexoskin’s On A Mission To Change Personal Health Management – Forbes
- Packed with sensors, Hexoskin shirt replaces wearable fitness trackers | Digital Trends
