Imagine if you're working out and your clothes can
signal a nutrition deficiency or read your emotions to be used in a
computer game. There are companies working on these types of
technologies. Today, wearable health monitoring systems actually use
sensors to read vital signs from the human body - such as the heart
rate, body temperature and blood pressure. These wearable health
monitoring systems are being used to monitor patients, including those
recovering from operations away from the hospital
How do they work?
Textile-based sensors can be woven or knitted into an item of clothing
and worn next to the skin. Information picked up is then sent to an electronic
device where it can be recorded or displayed and used to provide the wearer with
bio-feedback.
Textronics is at the forefront of wearable health monitoring. Its first product was the NuMetrex branded sports bra and has added the NuMetrex Cardio Shirt for men and the NuMetrex Racer Tank for women. More recently, it has launched Heart Smart apparel to expand from the sports to the health market. Target customers will include those focusing on weight loss and heart health.
I have to say, reading my emotional state would be entertaining, especially on my weekend long runs.
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