If The App Fits--The Advent Of Wearable Technology

The Brooklyn Better Science Club is back and we are still dedicated to making science more better for you. We're going to start with a few notes from a conference on wearable tech.

 

If your notion of wearable technology starts with buttons and ends with zippers you may soon be in for a surprise. That’s one of the big takeaways from the recent Wearable Tech Expo at NYU’s Kimmel Center The two day event brought together companies involved in different aspects of what’s projected to soon be a multi-billion dollar industry—wearable technology.  Some companies were developing  nanotechnology designed to waterproof your clothing and the gadgets you carry. Others want to sell you a wristwatch that contains enough media to make Dick Tracy’s head spin. Still others have created apps for bio-feedback devices that monitor your vital signs in a way that would let you tailor your workout on the fly.  Here are a few notes on some products that may soon be part of your wardrobe .

LUMOback

One device that made the audience sit up and take notice is a belt that monitors how you sit and stand and provides you with feedback on your posture. Even if you don’t know your chakras from a box of Chiclets, your posture can have an effect on your health, your emotions and your appearance. This monitor, from a company called Lumo Body Tech, is a small flexible sensor that attaches to a thin belt that is worn around the lower back. Called LUMOback, it can be worn over a thin layer of clothing or directly against the skin. The sensor vibrates gently to let you know when you slouch—which one suspects is more pleasant and effective than a rap on the knuckles from Sister Celine. The monitor is connected to a mobile app that is downloaded on your smartphone—complete with an avatar—that’s designed to track and provide feedback on your posture in real time, whether you’re walking, running, driving  or sitting at your desk. It can also provide graphic feedback on how your posture has been over the course of the day.

LUMO BodyTech was founded in 2011. It describes its mission as using smart sensors and software to help people improve their health. LUMOback is the first product the company has brought to market. For those who value genealogy, the company was founded by  Monisha Perkash, Dr. Charles Wang and Andrew Chang and is backed by Madrona Ventures, Eric Schmidt’s Innovation Endeavors, and Jerry Yang’s AME—yeah, that Eric Schmidt. If you don’t recognize the name, just Google it.

You can learn more at www.lumoback.com.

Why We Like It

This really seems to be an example of “making science more better for you.” The sensor it self is simple and small, while the health benefits it offers are significant. The avatar is appealing in a stick figure meets the logo from "The Saint" kind of way and the feedback is useful, but doesn’t seem to blind the consumer with bells and whistles.

And another thing
The whole time I was at the conference I couldn't help but wonder what Nudie Cohn, the guy who invented the rhinestone cowboy, could have done with all of these toys.
www.nudiesrodeotailor.com/

More notes on the conference in a day or two.