Wearable sensors

Why are these scientists teaching seniors how to fall?

Rather than focus on avoiding tumbles, researchers at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute are using high-tech, hands-on trials to teach how to fall. Cathrin Bradbury walks on sensor plates in the reactive balance training room at the … READ MORE

Soft robotic wearable restores arm function for people with ALS

Proof-of-concept device is comfortable, safe, easy to use. This soft robotic wearable is capable of significantly assisting upper arm and shoulder movement in people with ALS. Photo credit: Walsh Lab, Harvard SEAS By Kat J. McAlpine, … READ MORE

‘Smart’ walking stick could help visually impaired with groceries, finding a seat

Subject tests a ‘smart’ walking stick for people who are blind or visually impaired in a mock grocery store. Credit: Nico Goda, University of Colorado Boulder By Daniel Strain, University of Colorado Boulder January 19, … READ MORE

Algorithm measures quality of gait through smart watches

The Watch Walk algorithm could help reduce falls and fall-related injuries in elderly people, study shows. Participants aged 46 to 77 were instructed to wear a device on their dominant wrists for seven days. Photo by SHVETS … READ MORE

Improving the accuracy of markerless gait analysis

Researchers combine RGB camera-based pose estimation and an inertial measurement unit sensor to reduce errors in gait analysis A more accurate markerless gait analysis tool. TUS researchers develop a method that enables accurate gait … READ MORE

Wearable tech offers up-close look at infant development

Researchers at the Beckman Institute have developed a tool to measure stress regulation and parent-child bonding in young children. The device enables infants as young as one month to provide useful information from the comfort of … READ MORE

Brain implants and wearables let paralyzed people move again

A “neural bypass” routes signals around the damaged spinal cord, potentially restoring both movement and sensation. Motion Restored: Luke Tynan, who was paralyzed in 2017 by a spinal cord injury, demonstrates the wearable system … READ MORE

Smart textiles sense how their users are moving

Researchers develop a comfortable, form-fitting fabric that recognizes its wearer’s activities, like walking, running, and jumping. Using a novel fabrication process, MIT researchers have produced smart textiles that snugly conform … READ MORE

A smart jumpsuit tracks infants’ motor development

A smart jumpsuit measures the spontaneous and voluntary movement of infants. Details on their mobility help in assessing abnormal neurological development. Image: Sampsa Vanhatalo, University of Helsinki Miia Soininen, University of … READ MORE

Curtin-developed wearable sensor finds dancers are dancing through pain

A new Curtin-developed wearable sensor system has tracked the movement of dancers, providing valuable insights into how they adapt to dance through disabling pain. Curtin University illustration. Greta Carlshausen, Curtin University … READ MORE

Using ergonomics to help reduce pain from technology use

Study indicates interventions are needed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders from using smartphones. Students across Europe learn Swift to unlock new opportunities. Apple photo Tim Schnettler, Texas A&M University School of … READ MORE

Wearable brain-machine interface could control a wheelchair, vehicle or computer

Combining new classes of nanomembrane electrodes with flexible electronics and a deep learning algorithm could help disabled people wirelessly control an electric wheelchair, interact with a computer or operate a small robotic vehicle … READ MORE

A new framework for investigating stability during walking

By using mechanical energetics to measure stability, researchers gain deeper insights into how and why we fall. Pawel Golyski and Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Gregory Sawicki (left) with the CAREN (Computer Assisted … READ MORE

Cionic unveils bionic clothing to assist patients with walking difficulties

For those with walking difficulties arising from neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and cerebral palsy — augmenting mobility in a manner that seamlessly blends with the human body has always been … READ MORE

Mobility is the most important measure of health

Cionic Neural Sleeve promises groundbreaking and innovative healthcare product for people who live with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke recovery, spinal cord injuries, or other neuromuscular diagnoses. CIONIC CIONIC Blog … READ MORE

UArizona researchers develop ultra-thin ‘computer on the bone’

Engineers and physicians teamed up to develop a wireless device to monitor and protect bone health. Osseosurface electronic devices, which attach directly to the bone, could one day help physicians monitor bone health. It’s show … READ MORE

How to design personalized and meaningful technology for older adults

Marjolein den Haan-Wintermans defends her PhD on ideas to help seniors relax and make sense of their day. More and more research suggests framing ageing positively rather than focusing on problems. In her PhD research on the … READ MORE

Skin in the game: Transformative approach uses the human body to recharge smartwatches

UMass Amherst team designs prototype charging system for wearable devices. ShaZam charging via steering wheel. N. Mohammed et al. Nick Bild, Cut the Cord Patty Shillington, University of Massachusetts Amherst July 1, 2021 As smart … READ MORE

Owlet infant monitoring sock pulled following FDA warning

Following receipt of a warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Utah-based tech startup Owlet, innovators of a baby sock that monitors infant vital signs, will stop selling the product until it earns approval from … READ MORE

New treatment to regain hand and arm function after spinal cord injury

Using physical therapy combined with a noninvasive method of stimulating nerve cells in the spinal cord, University of Washington researchers helped six Seattle area participants regain some hand and arm mobility. That increased … READ MORE

In the debate over ‘SIDS monitors,’ evidence is thin all around

Supporters hope modern baby monitors might prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Critics are doubtful. Who’s right? Smart Sock Gen 3. Owlet photo by Michael Schulson, Undark May 24, 2021 Each year in the United States, according to … READ MORE

Disability advocates call for easier access to ‘life-changing’ technology

Assistive devices can improve quality of life, but their high cost keeps them out of reach for many. Tammy Martin’s eSight helps her magnify images, as well as change their colour, contrast and focus. Tammy Martin Feleshia … READ MORE

New non-invasive technology could spot early signs of motor disorders in babies

Imperial College London scientists have created the world’s first non-invasive way to map how baby movements are generated on a neuronal level. Babies synchronise their spinal nerves for a hard kick. Photo by Picsea on Unsplash by … READ MORE

Printed electronics open way for electrified tattoos and personalized biosensors

The first demonstration of a fully print-in-place electronics technique is gentle enough to work on surfaces as delicate as human skin and paper. Two electronically active leads directly printed along the underside of Duke graduate … READ MORE

Wearable motion detectors identify subtle motor deficits in children

Could lead to early intervention, help prevent disability. Noah Drozda shows off a pair of motion detectors that he wore around the clock for a study on motor deficits in children. Researchers at Washington University School of … READ MORE

An engineer explains how to forge a career designing for disabilities

Blessin Varkey develops tech to help Indian students with cognitive disabilities. Screen Time: A Tamana student uses tablet-based software to improve a variety of skills. Blessin Varkey IEEE Spectrum By Dinsa Sachan, IEEE Spectrum 25 … READ MORE

Parkinson’s results beyond researchers’ wildest dreams

A treatment that has restored the movement of patients with chronic Parkinson’s disease has been developed by Canadian researchers. Parkinson’s results beyond researchers’ wildest dreams. treatment that has restored … READ MORE

Robotic neck brace dramatically improves functions of ALS patients

Comfortable brace incorporates both sensors and actuators to restore roughly 70% of the active range of motion. A study participant wearing the neck brace. Photo and Video credit: Haohan Zhang and Sunil K. Agrawal, Columbia … READ MORE

Gore (the Gore-Tex company) thinks it holds the key to on-skin wearables

Gore is recruiting startups to Silicon Valley to make wearables or flexible electronics from the same material used in Gore-Tex. Gore Innovation Center By Tekla S. Perry, IEEE Spectrum 13 July 2018 I confess, I wasn’t familiar with … READ MORE

Digital humanism and healthcare

Patients not only have to be put in the center of care, but also in the center of health technology. In a more general manner that’s what digital humanism is about. The Medical Futurist 13 July 2019 ▽ Table of Contents Overview … READ MORE

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