This Wearable Really Sends a Message

Wearable sensors have become increasingly popular for health monitoring due to their convenience and ability to provide real-time data on various health metrics such as heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, and activity levels. These devices are designed to be worn on the body, typically in the form of a wristband or chest strap, allowing individuals to monitor their health continuously throughout the day without having to visit a healthcare provider. This unlocks a wide range of important applications that contribute to advances in preventive healthcare and personalized medicine.

One key application of wearable sensors is remote patient monitoring. These sensors can be used to track vital signs and other health metrics for patients who live far from medical facilities or have limited access to care. This allows healthcare providers to monitor their patients remotely and intervene early if necessary, potentially preventing complications or reducing the need for hospitalization.

Despite their significant benefits, wearable sensors do come with some drawbacks. Many users find these devices uncomfortable and bulky, particularly when worn for extended periods. The need for frequent battery recharges is another challenge, as it can disrupt the continuous monitoring that these devices aim to provide. Furthermore, the dependency on wireless connectivity poses a potential barrier to their widespread adoption, especially in rural areas with limited or no access to WiFi or cell towers.

These challenges have significantly hindered the widespread adoption of wearable sensors to date. In order to fully reap the benefits they could offer, a team of researchers at the University of Arizona has set out to solve all of these problems in one fell swoop. Towards this goal, they have created what they call a wearable biosymbiotic device, with the intent that it will seamlessly blend into the wearer’s life to the point that it becomes virtually unnoticeable.

This biosymbiotic wearable can collect skin temperature and heart rate measurements at present, although in principle, it could be fitted with alternative sensors to collect other physiological data. To avoid the hassle, and downtime, associated with charging the device, it was equipped with a wireless charging mechanism that allows it to replenish its batteries up to six feet from the charger. This feature could allow for automatic, overnight charging without removing the sensors.

To address connectivity issues, a LoRa transmitter was added to the build. By itself, this technology can transmit signals over 15 miles. And with the assistance of LoRa wireless area network gateways, a network of these wearables could transmit their data over an area of hundreds of square miles. This type of network would not require the significant infrastructure investments that go into building cellular networks, making it a viable option for remote areas and developing countries.

Of course none of these advances would be of any use if no one is actually willing to consistently wear the device. So, the team built all of these components into a soft wearable platform that is custom 3D-printed to perfectly fit each individual. After placing the device on the forearm, it is intended to remain there virtually unnoticed. It can stay in place for weeks, continuously collecting data, recharging itself, and transmitting information to medical professionals without any action on the part of the user. It was engineered so that it can even stay in place as the wearer exercises.

In the future, the team plans to work toward extending the transmission range of the device. It is their hope that their work will make digital medicine more accessible, especially in underserved rural areas.