Wearable Technology - Part Two

By George Harding

A recent news article caught my eye, because it dealt with this category of wearable technology. USA Today reported that Qualcomm Foundation launched a contest to reward the three companies with the best product resembling the Tricorder used in the Star Trek shows. The device is to detect 15 ailments, by continuous monitoring of blood pressure, respiration, temperature and more, and weigh less than 5 pounds.

The contest was launched in January 2012 and attracted over 300 entrants! Today, 10 finalists have been announced from countries around the world. Here is a description of some of them.

Basilleaf, USA-PA, wwwbasilleaftech.com. A device to diagnose specific medical conditions, provide insight into the user’s medical condition and guide them to appropriate action.

Biodyn, Taiwan, dbg.ncu.edu.tw. Five devices with sensors to monitor vitals, blood, respiration and urine. Accompanying smartphone app analyzes results to diagnose disease.

CloudDX, Toronto, www.clouddx.com. Necklace and cuff record biological data along with algorithms to display analysis on tablet and store in the cloud for tracking.

Mesi,  Slovenia, www.simplifyingdiagnostics.com. Includes wristband and modules to measure and record vital signs. Accompanying smartphone app displays results and, with the included questionnaire, determines possible diagnosis.

Scanadu, USA-CA, www.scanadu.com. Device monitors vital signs (temperature, respiration, heart rate and blood pressure) and sends result to smartphone for display and analysis. Two additional sensors test urine for pregnancy and health problems.

Scanurse, London, www.scanurse.com. Uses sensors to analyze breath, movement and vision to provide user with easy to understand results.

Zensor, Ireland, www.intelesens.com. Monitor detects arrhythmias when they occur and transmits them to a secure server where they can be reviewed and diagnosed by a physician. Also detects respiration, temperature and motion, blood and urine.

The prizes will be awarded in early 2016. First prize is $7 million, second $2 million, and third $1 million.

It is likely that the Wearable Technology section of CES 2015 will be greatly expanded with vendors displaying many new and innovative ways to sense, record and analyze our body’s condition.