Wearable technology
Wearable technology is devices that are worn on, near, or inside the human body. It can be incorporated into accessories or clothing. They typically include sensors, a processor, a power source, and wireless connectivity. This allows them to collect/provide data (movement, biometrics, environment), process it, and communicate without specific user attention. Sensor technology includes smartwatches, fitness trackers, earbuds, and smartglasses. It also includes medical technology such as pacemakers, continuous glucose monitors, neuroprosthetics, exoskeletons. and dual-use technology such as night-vision devices.
Sensing devices can detect, analyze, and transmit information such as personal vital signs, and/or ambient data and may provide immediate biofeedback. Virtual reality and augmented reality devices complement/supplant human senses. Viewing devices display remote content. Mechanical aids enhance physical ability.
Wearable technology can encourage individuals to improve their lifestyle choices by providing feedback. Healthy behavior is encouraged by tracking activity levels and providing useful feedback to enable goal setting. This can be shared with interested stakeholders such as healthcare providers. Wearables are popular in consumer electronics, most commonly in the form factors of smartwatches, smart rings, and implants. Apart from commercial uses, wearable technology is being incorporated into navigation systems, advanced textiles (e-textiles), and healthcare. As wearable technology is being proposed for use in critical applications, like other technology, it is vetted for its reliability and security properties.
Devices that gather data must protect user privacy. Some data may be useful to health care providers, but care must be taken to ensure that it is not misused.
