To start of discussing this topic, we should first start with understanding wearable technologies actually are and how they work.
What is a wearable technology?
Starner [1] defines wearable technologies as “human and machine combination where the interface becomes a natural extension of the user”. It is important to note that there is a difference between technologies that you can wear, such as devices like headphones, and “wearable technologies”, which often incorporate some form of smart sensors that help measure the wearer’s personal data [2].
So what are some examples of wearable technologies?
Whilst the fitness sector has headlined the wearable technology news for the past few years with the development of FitBits and Apple Smart Watches, which help record data with regards to the wearer’s health (calories burned, steps, sleep schedule, heart rate etc.), there are many lesser known applications of wearable technology which help to create really niche solutions to certain problems.
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality headsets are becoming more mainstream as the years go on. Whilst initially made for gaming purposes, with one of the first true VR headsets created by Palmer Luckey [3], there has been development in alternative applications. Some examples of this are: the use of VR headsets for military applications (creating situational scenarios for soldiers to react to) [4]; interview process for new job hires [5]; astronaut training [4], and more.
Microchips
The use of microchips has long since been used, for example the implants of RFID chips into pets, however we have seen this spread to humans as of late. In Sweden, we have seen the use of implanted microchips into their hands to help create a slightly more "smart" society, replacing the need to carry out car keys, credit cards or train tickets [6].
Smart Clothes
Whilst there are developments in smart clothing that accomplish similar outcomes to fitness trackers, there have also been developments in areas outside of the fitness industry such as the development of "smart pyjamas" which give hugs to help calm down autistic children [7]. Currently prototyped in the form of rings, when one individual activates the ring the other receives a "squeeze".
Smart Glasses
eSight - A Toronto based startup that created electronic glasses for people with impaired vision [8]. "The glasses use high-definition cameras to beam images to the peripheral vision, which is often still functioning for many people with low vision".
While a failed product because of lack of mainstream hype, perhaps due to its steep price tag, Google attempted to break into the industry through the development of their Google Glass but discontinued it in 2015. They have now unveiled their new version in mid-2019 [9].
How can they contribute to us living a healthier lifestyle outside of tracking our steps?
It is clear that there is a widespread application for wearable technologies, and that the term "wearable" is not limited to simply smart items that you can wear but also have implanted in you.
Within the medical space specifically, it seems that many of the problems previously faced are being alleviated with the development of these technologies. Some advantages are [10]:
- Personalization: The doctor, with the help of a software can quickly create a program based on the needs of the patient which work together with the implants they have.
- Early diagnosis: The monitoring of certain vitals (heart rate, blood pressure etc.) allow early detection of symptoms, and can help prevent conditions before they become worse
- Remote patient monitoring: Through the use of wearable technologies, healthcare professionals can monitor their patients both in-person and whilst at home. This is particularly useful for patients with chronic conditions such as Parkinsons and Diabetes.
- Adherence to medication: Wearable devices help patient to take medications on time and even inform medical professionals if the patient fails to adhere to medications
- Information registry: Complete data readings are stored in real-time, allowing a more in-depth analysis of the information. This means that doctors have access to a more precise medical report and are able to more easily spot anomolies/patterns. This results in a more supported decision by the doctor.
- Saving healthcare cost and prioritising service: The development of wearable technologies have been especially important for this because it allows for remote healthcare which saves time and mobility, as it removes the need for the patient to be continuously transferred to the medical center. Patients do not have to be constantly watched as their vitals are being monitored, and allows for doctors who would otherwise be pro-occupied to help other patients.
As described during the examples of wearable technologies earlier on during this blog, there have been many new devices created to be niche solutions for problems. As we saw with eSight, a device was created to help those who were blind but still able to somewhat see (which according to their studies is the case most of the time). We have also seen the development of exoskeletons by Ekso Bionics [8], which aim to create bionic suits that assist paraplegics and stroke victims learn to walk again.
Are wearable technologies the hail mary solution, or should we be weary of them?
There's no doubt that they help provide interesting and useful solutions to previously existing problems within the medical industry. But should we be so quick to implement them at every step possible?
There comes a question of ethics and privacy. If we allow doctors to so easily gather all this information on us health wise from these devices, what happens in scenarios where our medical insurance providers have access to this information?
Between 2005 to 2012, hospital records covering atleast 47 million people under the NHS were sold to private medical insurance companies, which resulted in the rise of premiums/removal of their plan [11]. This wasn't even on one occassion, but over 588 instances. Now that this information is more precise and easily obtainable through wearable technologies, should we be so trusting of them or the entities in charge of handling that information?
Image on right taken from Reference [13]
An interesting but unusual case happened with regard to information being avaliable via Google about FitBit users in a certain context [12]. Although not intentional, users were able to have their information about calories burned during sexual activity searchable via Google! Whilst FitBit may not have wanted this to happen, the existance of that information led to that being a possible scenario.
Final Thoughts
Wearable Technologies: yay or nay?
I believe that wearable devices certainly have an important role to play not only in the fitness sector but the medical one too. The development of these new ubiquitous technologies to create niche solutions is certainly leading us to be in a better place than we were before, with more people with disabilities getting the support/help they need and potential improvements to the current medical healthcare system. Whilst we must stay cautious about the potential downsides with regards to data management, and too much information being recorded and us having no control over it, I believe we will continue to see further development in the wearable technologies area.
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References
[1] Starner, T. (2001). The challenges of wearable computing: Part 1. IEEE Micro, [online] 21(4), pp.44–52. Available at: https://blackboard.ncl.ac.uk/bbcswebdav/pid-3986691-dt-content-rid-13882216_1/courses/J1920-CSC3723/wearable%20computing%20part1.pdf.
[2] Shivali Best (2018). Everything you need to know about wearable technology. [online] mirror. Available at: https://www.mirror.co.uk/tech/what-wearable-technology-everything-you-12461665 [Accessed 13 Dec. 2019].
[3] Clark, T. (2014). How Palmer Luckey Created Oculus Rift. [online] Smithsonian. Available at: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/how-palmer-luckey-created-oculus-rift-180953049/ [Accessed 13 Dec. 2019].
[4] Knvul Sheikh (2016). Beyond Gaming: 10 Other Fascinating Uses for Virtual-Reality Tech. [online] livescience.com. Available at: https://www.livescience.com/53392-virtual-reality-tech-uses-beyond-gaming.html [Accessed 13 Dec. 2019].
[5] Accenture to use virtual reality for inclusive hiring practices (2019). Accenture to use virtual reality for inclusive hiring practices. [online] ComputerWeekly.com. Available at: https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252457613/Accenture-to-use-virtual-reality-for-inclusive-hiring-practices [Accessed 13 Dec. 2019].
[6] South China Morning Post. (2018). SCMP. [online] Available at: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/2145896/thousands-people-sweden-get-microchip-implants-new-way-life [Accessed 13 Dec. 2019].
[7] TAN KIT HOONG (2015). Professor working on programming pyjamas to give out hugs. [online] The Star Online. Available at: https://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/31/Beyond-sight-and-sound-Professor-working-on-programming-pyjamas-to-give-out-hugs/ [Accessed 13 Dec. 2019].
[8] Nowak, P. (2015). How wearable technology is changing the lives of disabled people. [online] The Globe and Mail. Available at: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-growth/how-wearable-technology-is-changing-the-lives-of-disabled-people/article26274519/ [Accessed 13 Dec. 2019].
[9] Stein, S. (2019). Google Glass gets a surprise upgrade and new frames. [online] CNET. Available at: https://www.cnet.com/news/google-glass-enterprise-edition-2-gets-surprise-upgrade-and-new-frames/ [Accessed 13 Dec. 2019].
[10] https://www.wearable-technologies.com/author/jmischke (2018). The State of Wearable Technology in Healthcare: Current and Future. [online] Wearable Technologies. Available at: https://www.wearable-technologies.com/2018/10/the-state-of-wearable-technology-in-healthcare-current-and-future/ [Accessed 13 Dec. 2019].
[11] Donnelly, L. (2014). Millions of NHS records sold to insurance firms. [online] Telegraph.co.uk. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/10906390/Millions-of-NHS-records-sold-to-insurance-firms.html [Accessed 13 Dec. 2019].
[12] Rao, L. (2011). Sexual Activity Tracked By Fitbit Shows Up In Google Search Results. [online] TechCrunch. Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2011/07/03/sexual-activity-tracked-by-fitbit-shows-up-in-google-search-results/ [Accessed 13 Dec. 2019].
Photos: Taken from cited references or pexels.com