Wearable Technology

A recent article by IDTechEx Principal Analyst, James Hayward, written on the need to update e-textiles' traditional mantra which implies that "technology + comfort = success".

Attendee of AWE 2020.

Researchers have developed electronic fibers that, when embedded in textiles, can collect a wealth of information about our bodies by measuring subtle and complex fabrics deformations. Their technology relies on transmission line theory and offers a host of applications, such as in health care and robotics.

Scientists developed an initial prototype of a new generation of brain scanner in 2018 which is a lightweight device that can be worn on the head like a hat, and can scan the brain even whilst a patient moves. Their latest research has now expanded this to a fully functional 49 channel device that can be used to scan the whole brain and track electrophysiological processes that are implicated in a number of mental health problems.

2019 saw the largest single year growth rate for wearable technology product revenue since 2015

By 2030, $20Bn of the AR/VR market are expected to be standalone-AR devices. As a result, will augmented reality become the next leader for sports metrics?

Manus VR make Haptic Gloves for a range of use cases to work with VR headsets. IDTechEx interviewed Russell Clasessens, Global Business Development Director.

The new 130 page IDTechEx report, "Electronics Reshaped 2020-2040", reveals how electrically smart, multifunctional materials are enabling the added-value materials industry to bypass the traditional electronic and electrical business.

Asked to picture a printed sensor, you might well imagine a paper test strip for measuring blood glucose concentration. After all, such test strips comprise the majority of the printed sensor market, with billions used each year by diabetics around the world. However, this ubiquitous application masks a highly complex, fragmented and in some cases rapidly growing market that spans applications ranging from image sensing to wearable electrodes.

Glo make microLED's for a range of applications, from smartwatches to tv panel displays. IDTechEx interviewed their CEO Saket Chadda.

A wearable biosensor may help monitor stress experienced by healthcare professionals, according to a study published in Physiological Reports.

Of 13 primary forms of energy harvesting, five harvest movement with electrodynamics clear winner because it efficiently harvests the types of movement commonly encountered. Only two forms of energy harvesting use electromagnetic radiation.

Researchers have developed biomaterial-based inks that respond to and quantify chemicals released from the body (e.g. in sweat and potentially other biofluids) or in the surrounding environment by changing color. The inks can be screen printed onto textiles such as clothes, shoes, or even face masks in complex patterns and at high resolution, providing a detailed map of human response or exposure.

Presented by Rafael Michalczuk, Senior Technology & Funding Manager, Swarovski Opportunities for Printed & Flexible Electronics, a virtual interactive event hosted by IDTechEx featuring Coca-Cola, Electrolux, Swarovski, Roartis, Ynvisible and Neotech. This conference was originally broadcast May 27th 2020.

Smart watches have been the most successful product type in this sector, and arguably, within the whole "wearables" topic.

Physicists have created the most sensitive strain sensor ever made, capable of detecting a feather's touch.

IDTechEx spoke with Trine Hindklev and Jon Dalzell, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Science Officer (respectively) at Guided Knowledge. They have developed a high-end motion capture suit and digital coaching system, and are initially targeting golf training as their first application with their brand, Dragonfly Golf.

A premium article discussing the themes of the event

This therapy utilizes brief electrical stimulation of injured nerves to upregulate regeneration associated genes and accelerate the creation of the building blocks that form new regenerating nerves. The company's wearable technology was designated a breakthrough device by the FDA in recognition of the impact it may have on the recovery of patients suffering from peripheral nerve injuries and the shift this device will bring about in the therapeutic industry.

An innovation turning waste material into stretchable devices may soon provide a new option for creating self-powered biomedical inventions.