Business and Technology Insight Forums Korea 2016

Half-day Insight Forum 3

Wearable Technologies

Forum will be conducted in English

The introduction of widespread wearable technology within consumer electronics markets has been one defining feature of 2014 and 2015. Many of these products are direct derivatives of technology from the mobile phone, using commodity components and a 'components-in-a-box' design. The next generations of wearable technology are beginning to move beyond the box and beyond the wrist, with key product areas like smart eyewear, smart clothing and skin patches approaching commercial readiness.

This session will look at the entire wearable technology industry, which IDTechEx analysts estimate to be worth around $38bn in 2015. This ranges from prominent incumbents (including electronic wristwatches, headphones, hearing aids, and alike) to key growth sectors (including smartwatches and activity trackers), and sectors which have significant growth potential (smart eyewear, e-textiles, skin patches, etc.). IDTechEx have produced detailed market forecasts for all of these categories and more, concluding that the wearable technology industry as a whole will reach $110bn by 2026.

This session will also break down the value chain which feeds the industry today, emphasizing key unmet needs and progress throughout. At the materials level, there is a significant focus on the interaction between electronics and textiles, and the inks, adhesives and encapsulation required for this process are key. Whilst e-textile products have been around for over 15 years, they have failed to reach large markets so far. However, with large players investing and entering the market rapidly, this is set to change in the near future.

Made-for-wearable sensor platforms are beginning to mature, where new combinations of sensors can provide new insights from data. Displays account for over 50% of the power consumption in a typical high-end smartwatch, so low power displays are increasingly popular in many wearable products. Haptics provide a key user interface, and many players are starting to move beyond the ERM motor that has been the dominant incumbent for many years. Finally, we will address the power problem. With the historic rate of progress in batteries lagging behind other components, there is a constant battle between battery life and increasing functionality. We will address the trends in batteries, but also the impact of other key techniques including energy harvesting and wireless charging.

All of these developments will shape the future of the wearable technology industry, and this forum will provide insight into technology, key players and key trends behind each. This class provides a comprehensive overview of all of the key technologies, sectors and players across this fragmented and diverse industry.

All Insight Forums will be conducted in English

Please see registration form for special forum packages. If your colleagues would like to attend, company discounts are available - please contact Corinne Jennings, c.jennings@IDTechEx.com for details.