Wearable technology is a wellspring for lots of new ideas and products. Innovative start-up businesses are continually emerging with exciting new developments in wearable electronics. We profile some of the latest, most interesting start-ups.
The right training
Gymwatch develops innovative technologies for sports and fitness training. The Gymwatch Sensor is the first fitness tracker to measure force and motion in every exercise. Its app provides users with real-time audio-visual feedback as they are doing their exercises.
www.gymwatch.com
Mood-changer
Thync has developed a wearable using which users can change their mood in just a few minutes, boosting energy or aiding relaxation at the press of a button. All users have to do is attach a pad containing a Bluetooth module with interchangeable electrodes to their forehead and select the appropriate mode in the app. The pad then stimulates specific nerves using low-energy pulses.
www.thync.com
Swing meter for golfers
PIQ has developed a multi-sport sensor platform that can measure over 3,000 different data points per second across 13 different dimensions. In the process, it records performance data such as G-force, speed and amplitude, among others. The platform can be deployed for use in a wide range of sports – golfers wear it on their wrists, for example, whilst skiers can attach it to their boots.
www.piq.com
Identification by heartbeat
Start-up Nymi has developed a bracelet of the same name which enables biometric authentication using the wearer’s heartbeat. A person’s heart rate is as unique as their fingerprint. Once authentication is enabled, the bracelet is able to continuously transmit the user’s identity to other devices. A field test is currently under way for contactless payment using the bracelet.
www.nymi.com
Power from movement
Ampy can be used to generate power from day-to-day physical movement and discreetly store it. The compact device can be attached to the arm, leg or hip, or be carried in a backpack, where it charges as the user moves. Users can then connect their smartphone to the AMPY to recharge its battery.
www.getampy.com
Measuring the environment
Amulet Corp has developed the Scarab wearable, incorporating 16 sensors which measure the surrounding environment. The device includes an air pressure gauge and thermometer, as well as sensors for gamma and UV radiation, magnetic fields, and carbon monoxide. The sensor platform is connected to the Cloud via a smartphone. It means anyone is able to detect and avoid hazardous environments, as well as notifying others of them.
www.wearscarab.com
Safe riding
With its AR-1, start-up Skully presents a motorcycle helmet featuring a head-up display, voice control, and a rearward-facing camera. The helmet shows live images from the “blind spot” camera on a small display. It is also fitted with speakers and microphones. Riders can issue voice commands to set navigation destinations or play music tracks from their phone, for example. The display optionally indicates incoming calls.
www.skully.com
Running more healthily
The fitness sock from Sensoria features embedded fabric sensors which are soft, comfortable, durable and machine-washable. The socks come with a smart ankle chain and a smartphone app. The sock tracks motion, identifying behaviour such as whether the wearer is correctly rolling his or her foot when running. The sock can of course also track conventional fitness data such as speed, number of steps, altitude, or calorie consumption.
www.sensoriafitness.com
A flying camera on your wrist
Nixie is the first flying camera that can be worn around the wrist. The armband can be released from its owner with just one movement and then flies into the air, where it takes photos from a variety of perspectives that could not be captured with any other camera. That is the goal, at least – the camera is still in an early stage of development.
www.flynixie.com
(picture credits: Ampy; Amulet Corp; Gymwatch; Nixie; Nymi; PIQ; Sensoria Inc: Matthew Pew; Skyully; Thync)
