Wearable Bio-Tracker Sees Potential in Military Training

Sept. 8, 2016
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Researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology have invented a wearable fitness monitor marketed toward military training and patients with dementia. In addition to tracking fine-grained movements, the device also measures the  humidity, temperature, and pressure of the ambient environment. It is sensitive to bio-signals that can be detected through the skin including heart rate, respiration, and electrical signals generated by the sympathetic nervous system as a person reacts to stimuli. 

The team is seeking approval for the device as a tracker during combat training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. It could save money by detecting early signs of injury so that soldiers in training can pause their regime before a condition persists. For example, resting for 72 hours after a concussion could save a soldier from having to leave training all together. 

For patients with dementia, the watch includes a GPS and communicates with nearby Bluetooth beacons for various location contexts.

The device uses machine learning-based analytics to recognize motions by the wearer. 

About the Author

Leah Scully | Associate Content Producer

Leah Scully is a graduate of The College of New Jersey. She has a BS degree in Biomedical Engineering with a mechanical specialization.  Leah is responsible for Machine Design’s news items that cover industry trends, research, and applied science and engineering, along with product galleries. Visit her on Facebook, or view her profile on LinkedIn

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