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
