Wearable devices

What do you mean by wearable devices?

Wearable devices are products co ntrolled by electronic components and software that can be incorporated into clothing or worn separately like accessories. Global companies started developing an increasing number of wearable devices that are small enough to be worn and contain powerful IoT sensor technologies that are able to collect and transmit information about the user.

Wearable devices are most commonly used in the field of healthcare and medicine. They help both to treat some diseases and prevent them. The usage of wearable devices is rapidly growing year by year, along with the improvement of healthcare technologies.

We would like to highlight the main types of wearable devices that are most frequently used.

What are 9 examples of wearable technology?

Smart watches

Smart watches are probably the most popular type of wearable devices. It is possible to view messages, receive calls and control music playback by connecting a smart watch to a smartphone. There is a possibility to pay in stores by connecting a bank card as well. The smart watch can also function as a fitness tracker and collect the user’s data. Smart watches that can be charged from sunlight as well as from human heat have already been invented.

Smart jewelry

A vivid example of such jewelry is a ring that may be connected to a smartphone and collect data about the user's health. One more example is a pendant-voice recorder that converts voice into the printed text. Well-known jewelry brands started producing smart jewelry in order for it not only to be technologically useful, but also beautiful and fashionable.

Smart Eyewear

Smart glasses are IoT devices that move a computer display in front of a person’s eyes in order to present data with the help of appropriate technology. The display can be broadcast on the glasses’ lens or be a separate component. Smart glasses can also perform voice commands and contain artificial intelligence.

Headsets

Head-mounted displays (HDMs) are a bit bulkier than other wearable devices. They are worn on the head and provide reflection in front of the user’s eyes. HDMs can function as monitors, provide information superimposed on the reality using augmented reality (AR) or fully immerse the user in virtual reality (VR) settings.

Smart clothes

The clothing can collect more accurate and extensive information since it is in contact with most of the body. Smart clothing provides advanced tracking for both healthcare and enhancement of a lifestyle.Smart shirts that can diagnose respiratory diseases as well as smart shoes that monitor running form will be released soon. Smart socks that can detect the development of the foot ulcer, smart yoga trousers that vibrate to improve form during the exercises and smart swimwear that alert the user when the sunscreen should be applied are already available.

Businesses have also started using smart clothing as a way to build brand loyalty. For instance, they install the tracker in clothing in order to determine the frequency of wearing. Gifts and bonuses are provided for the often wearing.

Fitness trackers

Fitness trackers track the number of steps, heart rate, calories burned and a lot of other metrics. The difference between fitness trackers and smart watches is getting smaller and smaller. Nowadays it is possible to receive calls and have a number of other functions thanks to fitness trackers. However, fitness trackers tend to be cheaper, because they have relatively fewer features and focus on functionality rather than aesthetic appeal.

Implantation

Implants contact the user’s body from the inside, but not on the skin. For example, pills with sensors that could monitor blood pressure and other health indicators are produced: once the patient swallows the pills, he can wear an external device to easily monitor the data received from inside the body. Smart tattoos that can monitor a user's health are predicted to become popular in the near future.

Smart Prosthetics

People without one or more limbs use devices that replace missing body parts. They use a combination of mechanical devices and human muscles to move and act as an additional limb. Nowadays, modern IoT technologies offer not only the creation of realistic limbs, but also intuitive control of prosthetic arms and legs. Smart Prosthetics use the interaction of the human nervous system and the brain in order to improve the accuracy and comfort of movements.

Wearable devices for children 

We would also like to separately highlight wearable devices for children. Smart watches have become the most popular. They are specially designed for children, so they are less powerful and more affordable than regular smart watches. In the vast majority they are used by parents in order to track the location of children and to always be in touch with them. Children's smart watches mostly have a fun design, games and interactivity. Some of them include selfie cameras and simple messengers.

Wearable devices are of two types by configuration.

Autonomous systems: this type operates independently by configuration and has no information transmission or communication with other tools and systems.

Integrated systems: these media are integrated with other smart devices, such as watches, smartphones, PCs. These systems transmit vital signs and necessary parameters to other smart devices. In most cases, artificial intelligence (AI) is added to them for analysis.

Wearable devices such as fitness trackers and smartwatches have already become so common in daily life that they have ceased to be something unusual. Considering the growing demand and desire of users to monitor their own health and vital signs, the usage of wearable devices has more than tripled over the past four years.

According to the research, more than 80% of consumers are ready to wear fitness IoT technologies.

As well, the growth of the market of wearable devices that are used for healthcare affects the decision of insurance companies, medical professionals and companies to take advantage of wearable devices for monitoring the health of patients.

As for insurance companies, they are able to reduce costs per patient as wearable devices promote the behavior that reduces hospital visits and readmissions due to poor control over personal health. On the same grounds, large companies encourage their employees to use wearable devices.

75% of users agree that wearable devices help them to take care of their own health.

Wearables belong to IoT devices . Therefore, they undergo the same development process and use the same protocols, sensors, and connectors. It's worth noting that external appearance, weight, and size are crucial factors to consider for Wearables. This should be taken into account during design and creation.

Here are some protocol, sensor, and connector options that can be used:

Protocols:

Many wearable devices use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate with other devices such as smartphones or tablets. Other common protocols used in wearables include Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Zigbee.

Sensors:

Accelerometers. These sensors measure acceleration and can be used to track movement and activity levels.

Gyroscopes measure rotation and can be used to track movements such as twisting or turning.

Heart rate sensors. These sensors measure the wearer's heart rate and can be used to track fitness or monitor health.

GPS sensors can be used to track location and movement.

Temperature sensors. These sensors measure the wearer's body temperature and can be used to monitor health or track changes over time.

Connectors:

Wearable devices may use a variety of connectors to transfer data and charge the device. Some common connectors include:

Micro-USB, USB Type-C. These connectors are commonly used to charge wearable devices and transfer data.

Magnetic connectors. Some wearable devices use magnetic connectors for charging.

Proprietary connectors. Some manufacturers may use their own proprietary connectors for charging and data transfer.

Wearable technologies are used in many areas of life. They facilitate the work of doctors, trainers, builders, and are used in various fields. Wearables have become commonplace and indispensable for many people. However, creating wearables is a complex and technological process. Therefore, as a company that specializes in IoT, we are glad to help you with developing any wearables.

The Embrox team has achieved the development of a wearable device that enables parents to track their children's geolocation and maintain constant communication with them. We've also prioritized ensuring a user-friendly experience and extensively tested its usability across various age groups of children.

Introducing the CHILDREN CONTROL SOLUTION. It's a smartwatch designed for kids, featuring a customized launcher. This smartwatch empowers parents to stay connected with their children while also providing the option to manage and restrict certain functionalities. Its design is engaging and enjoyable.

Another wearable device created by Embrox is Ai Fitness App 

The Ai Fitness application represents more than just an ordinary app. It embodies the forthcoming advancement in health and fitness technology. This AI-powered fitness app redefines your home workouts, exercises, and nutritional guidance, enabling you to attain the fitness levels you've long aspired to achieve. You'll benefit from your very own AI-driven personal fitness assistant.

By analyzing your objectives, body composition, and lifestyle, the AI tailors a personalized fitness roadmap exclusively for you.

The robust AI intelligently recognizes the various phases your body undergoes, evaluating your metabolism and sleep patterns to identify underlying factors.