Wearable Technology
Wearable Technology
Smart Robotics Concept
Industrial Design . Mechanical Engineering . Prototyping & Testing . Design for Manufacture
Anticipating the Future of Medical Wearable Technology
| Client | Imperial College London |
| Sector | Medical |
Since the popularisation of wearable technology, we have seen a more informed public understanding of the technology. This increasingly close partnership between people and technology brings new opportunities to improve lives. This led Imperial College London to partner with Smallfry to anticipate how wearable medical technology might empower people and fit within their lifestyles.
Process
This project is typical of how effective the design thinking process can be. Innovation requires designers to understand patients, markets, technology and consumer behaviour. By considering these aspects, Smallfry can develop a broad range of ground-breaking ideas that can improve lives and yield a high return on investment but, more importantly, significantly enhance people’s quality of life.
Made‑to‑Measure
Poor posture, an increasingly common problem as more people work on laptops, can have a significant impact on health. It can lead to nerve compression, blurred vision, muscle weakness and frequent headaches. Smallfry’s ‘Assistive Core Back Support’ senses individual issues with muscle tension and targets them with vibration, massage and heat therapy. By utilising 3D printing and biosensors, it can provide a fully customisable healing experience.
Physical Recovery
Recovering from physical injuries can take months. Smallfry’s wearable robotics system aims to dramatically reduce the time it takes for people’s limbs to become usable, even before they have fully recovered. By combining robotics and 3D printing, fully customised, low-cost ‘enhanced arms’ can augment a person’s strength and agility while they recuperate.
Data Collection
Home-based monitoring of Parkinson’s disease, for example, is invaluable to researchers. Smallfry developed a wearable device capable of obtaining data unobtrusively. e-AR is inspired by the human inner ear, using a MEMS sensor to replicate the vestibular system. Using this sensor, e-AR can observe gait, posture and daily living activities without risking behaviour modification from the patient. Through this project, Smallfry discovered that wearable medical devices can make medical research more accessible and effective without causing additional stress to patients.
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