Wearable Technology

Deep Optics is an Israeli company which designs flat, dynamic liquid crystal lenses for human vision-related applications. Its first product is adaptive diopter sunglasses for the correction of presbyopia, released under its consumer-facing brand 32°N. Future target uses of this technology include augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) headsets, where the lenses could adjust for prescriptions and solve the vergence-accommodation conflict.

Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Perceptually-enabled Task Guidance program to develop a prototype artificial intelligence assistant. The prototype will be embedded in an augmented reality headset to help rotary pilots perform expected and unexpected tasks.

Event held virtually January 10-13, 2022

Managing blood sugar levels requires round-the-clock attention for people diagnosed with diabetes. A more healthful diet and increased physical activity can help, but many with the condition also need to take regular shots of insulin — the primary hormone that regulates sugar. To deliver this drug in a less invasive way, researchers report a prototype insulin-loaded patch that comfortably sticks to the inside of a person's cheek.

Know Labs is a US-based company developing non-invasive glucose monitoring devices based on its proprietary technology called Bio-RFID. IDTechEx analyst Brendan Beh interviewed Know Labs Chairman Ron Erickson on the 25th of January, 2022.

Avery Dennison Corporation has acquired TexTrace AG, a technology developer that specializes in custom-made woven and knitted RFID products which can be sewn onto or inserted into garments.

EasyMax Diabetes Care is a Taiwan-based test strip and glucometer manufacturer, having been founded in 2003. IDTechEx analyst Brendan Beh spoke with EasyMax sales manager Sam Chen on the 31st of January, 2022.

A research team has developed a graphene-inorganic-hybrid micro-supercapacitor made of leaves using femtosecond direct laser writing lithography. The advancement of wearable electronic devices is synonymous with innovations in flexible energy storage devices. Of the various energy storage devices, micro-supercapacitors have drawn a great deal of interest for their high electrical power density, long lifetimes, and short charging times.

The new year has dawned, and with it, new year resolutions. From hitting the gym to learning Japanese, January is a month where people challenge themselves. But what if the most worthwhile challenge is to spend a little longer asleep? A celebration that starts with staying up past midnight is hardly the most conducive to getting enough shut-eye - but that is exactly the resolution worth making.

A review of current trends in adoption, business models and biomarker selection, and an outlook for the future

In a significant achievement prototype battery ink cells were screen printed onto flexible plastic and successfully generated over 250mAh (milliamp hours) of electrical charge solely from moisture. In addition, over 5mA (milliamps) of electrical current was achieved under load over a 3-day testing period. The results detail a 150% increase in electrical charge compared to previous reporting.

Alertgy is a US-based biotech startup currently developing the Alertgy NICGM, a noninvasive CGM device in the form of a wristband. IDTechEx analyst Brendan Beh spoke with Alertgy CEO, Marc Rippen, on 18 January 2022.

The next generation of soft robotics, smart clothing and biocompatible medical devices are going to need integrated soft sensors that can stretch and twist with the device or wearer. The challenge: most of the components used in traditional sensing are rigid.

Most of this new round of financing will be used by Wandercraft to fulfil the company's mission of "mobility for all", through the continued development, then launch, of the new Personal Exoskeleton for outdoor and home use. The funding will also allow Wandercraft to accelerate the deployment of Atalante, its pioneering CE marked rehabilitation exoskeleton, in the USA.

CES 2022 was held from the 5th to 8th of January 2022 in hybrid form. IDTechEx attended remotely.

Researchers are working to overcome challenges in order to bring wearable, electric, wound-healing devices to clinical practice.

Engineers have developed a new smart sensor platform for face masks that they are calling a "Fitbit for the face." Dubbed "FaceBit," the lightweight, quarter-sized sensor uses a tiny magnet to attach to any N95, cloth or surgical face mask.

Researchers have received a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a robotic assistive device to help infants with movement difficulties. The soft wearable device will fit over little arms to support them or offer an extra boost in their movements.

Kura is developing optical engines (waveguide + displays) for AR/VR headsets. These utilize, a new type of geometric waveguides, about which the company makes impressive claims.

Limbak is an optics development firm, focussing on VR. It designed catadioptric freeform prism optics for the Lynx R-1.