View source for Wearable technology

{{short description|Clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies}}
'''Wearable technology''' is any technology that is designed to be used while [[Clothing|worn]]. Common types of wearable technology include [[smartwatch]]es and [[smartglasses]]. Wearable electronic devices are often close to or on the surface of the skin, where they detect, analyze, and transmit information such as vital signs, and/or ambient data and which allow in some cases immediate biofeedback to the wearer.<ref>Düking P, Achtzehn S, Holmberg HC, Sperlich B. Integrated Framework of Load Monitoring by a Combination of Smartphone Applications, Wearables and Point-of-Care Testing Provides Feedback that Allows Individual Responsive Adjustments to Activities of Daily Living. Sensors. 2018 May 19;18(5). {{PMID|29783763}}. {{doi|10.3390/s18051632}}</ref><ref name=":7">Düking P, Hotho A, Holmberg HC, Fuss FK, Sperlich B. Comparison of Non-Invasive Individual Monitoring of the Training and Health of Athletes with Commercially Available Wearable Technologies. Frontiers in physiology. 2016;7:71. {{PMID|27014077}}. {{doi|10.3389/fphys.2016.00071}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Data Management Within mHealth Environments: Patient Sensors, Mobile Devices, and Databases|first1=John|last1=O'Donoghue|first2=John|last2=Herbert|date=1 October 2012|journal=J. Data and Information Quality|volume=4|issue=1|pages=5:1–5:20|doi=10.1145/2378016.2378021|s2cid=2318649}}</ref>

Wearable devices such as [[activity tracker]]s are an example of the [[Internet of things]], since "things" such as [[electronics]], [[software]], [[sensor]]s, and connectivity are effectors that enable objects to exchange data (including data quality<ref>{{Cite book |last1=O'Donoghue |first1=John |last2=Herbert |first2=John |last3=Sammon |first3=David |title=Smart Homes and Health Telematics |chapter=Patient Sensors: A Data Quality Perspective |date=2008 |editor-last=Helal |editor-first=Sumi |editor2-last=Mitra |editor2-first=Simanta |editor3-last=Wong |editor3-first=Johnny |editor4-last=Chang |editor4-first=Carl K. |editor5-last=Mokhtari |editor5-first=Mounir |chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-540-69916-3_7 |series=Lecture Notes in Computer Science |volume=5120 |language=en |location=Berlin, Heidelberg |publisher=Springer |pages=54–61 |doi=10.1007/978-3-540-69916-3_7 |isbn=978-3-540-69916-3}}</ref>) through the internet with a manufacturer, operator, and/or other connected devices, without requiring human intervention. Wearable technology offers a wide range of possible uses, from communication and entertainment to improving health and fitness, however, there are worries about privacy and security because wearable devices have the ability to collect personal data.

Wearable technology has a variety of use cases which is growing as the technology is developed and the market expands. Wearables are popular in consumer electronics, most commonly in the form factors of [[smartwatches]], [[smart ring]]s, and [[Implant (body modification)|implants]]. Apart from commercial uses, wearable technology is being incorporated into navigation systems, advanced textiles ([[e-textiles]]), and [[healthcare]]. As wearable technology is being proposed for use in critical applications, like other technology, it is vetted for its reliability and security properties.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last1=Liu|first1=Xing|last2=Chen|first2=Tianyu|last3=Qian|first3=Feng|last4=Guo|first4=Zhixiu|last5=Lin|first5=Felix Xiaozhu|last6=Wang|first6=Xiaofeng|last7=Chen|first7=Kai|title=Proceedings of the 15th Annual International Conference on Mobile Systems, Applications, and Services |chapter=Characterizing Smartwatch Usage in the Wild |date=2017-06-16|chapter-url=https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3081333.3081351|series=MobiSys '17|language=en|location=Niagara Falls, NY|publisher=ACM|pages=385–398|doi=10.1145/3081333.3081351|isbn=978-1-4503-4928-4|s2cid=3405212}}</ref>

[[File:Android white watch.jpg|thumb|A smartwatch]]

== History ==
In the 1500s, German inventor [[Peter Henlein]] (1485-1542) created small watches that were worn as necklaces. A century later, [[pocket watch]]es grew in popularity as waistcoats became fashionable for men. Wristwatches were created in the late 1600s but were worn mostly by women as bracelets.<ref name="crafting"/>

In the late 1800s, the first wearable [[hearing aid]]s were introduced.<ref>{{cite news|author=Howard, Alexander|title=Hearing Aids: Smaller and Smarter|work=The New York Times|date=November 26, 1998}}</ref>

In 1904, aviator [[Alberto Santos-Dumont]] pioneered the modern use of the wristwatch.<ref name="crafting"/>

In the 1970s, [[calculator watch]]es became available, reaching the peak of their popularity in the 1980s.

From the early 2000s, [[wearable camera]]s were being used as part of a growing [[sousveillance]] movement.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Wearable Computing: A First Step Toward Personal Imaging|journal=IEEE Computer|volume=30|number=2|url=http://wearcam.org/ieeecomputer/}}</ref> In 2008, Ilya Fridman incorporated a hidden Bluetooth microphone into a pair of earrings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ripple Headset|url=https://www.behance.net/gallery/203455/Ripple-Headset|website=Behance|date=March 2009 |access-date=13 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2009/07/and-you-thought-the-jawbone-headset-was-stylish.html |title=And you thought the Jawbone headset was stylish |newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=13 August 2015|date=2009-07-20 }}</ref>

In 2010, [[Fitbit]] released its first step counter.<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal|last1=Kaewkannate|first1=Kanitthika|last2=Kim|first2=Soochan|date=24 May 2016|title=A comparison of wearable fitness devices|journal=BMC Public Health|volume=16|page=433|doi=10.1186/s12889-016-3059-0|pmid=27220855|pmc=4877805 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Wearable technology which tracks information such as walking and heart rate is part of the [[quantified self]] movement.

[[File:Smart Ring.jpg|thumb|World's First Consumer Released Smart Ring, by McLear/NFC Ring, circa 2013]]

In 2013, McLear, also known as NFC Ring, released the first widely used advanced wearable device. The smart ring could pay with bitcoin, unlock other devices, transfer personally identifying information, and other features.<ref name="Lomas 2013-07-23">{{cite web |title=This NFC Ring Puts Wireless Transfer Tech On Your Finger So You Can Fist-Bump Phones |first=Natasha |last=Lomas |date=July 23, 2013 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/07/23/put-an-nfc-ring-on-it/ |website=TechCrunch}}</ref> McLear owns the earliest patent, filed in 2012, which covers all smart rings, with Joe Prencipe of Seattle, WA as the sole inventor.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFC Ring Patent |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US9313609B2/en |website=wGoogle Patents |access-date=30 July 2021}}</ref>

In 2013, one of the first widely available smartwatches was the [[Samsung Galaxy Gear]]. Apple followed in 2015 with the [[Apple Watch]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/a-timeline-of-how-the-apple-watch-was-created-2015-3|title=A timeline of how the Apple Watch was created|work=Business Insider|access-date=2017-10-24|language=en}}</ref>

=== Prototypes ===
From 1991 to 1997, [[Rosalind Picard]] and her students, [[Steve Mann (inventor)|Steve Mann]] and Jennifer Healey, at the [[MIT Media Lab]] designed, built, and demonstrated data collection and decision making from "Smart Clothes" that monitored continuous physiological data from the wearer. These "smart clothes", "smart underwear", "smart shoes", and smart jewellery collected data that related to affective state and contained or controlled physiological sensors and environmental sensors like cameras and other devices.<ref>
{{cite journal|title=Smart Clothes|journal=Personal Technologies|last=Mann|first=Steve|date=March 1997|volume=1|issue=1|pages=21–27|doi=10.1007/BF01317885|s2cid=6600120}}</ref><ref>
{{cite journal|title=Affective Wearables|journal=Personal Technologies|last1=Picard |first1=Rosalind |last2=Healey|first2=Jennifer|date=December 1997|volume=1|issue=4|pages=231–240|doi=10.1007/BF01682026|s2cid=27284360}}</ref>
<ref>Mann, S. (1997). Wearable computing: A first step toward personal imaging. IEEE Computer, 30(2), 25-32.</ref><ref>Mann, S. (1996). Smart clothing: The shift to wearable computing. Communications of the ACM, 39(8), 23-24.</ref>

At the same time, also at the MIT Media Lab, [[Thad Starner]] and Alex "Sandy" Pentland develop [[augmented reality]].  In 1997, their smartglass prototype is featured on ''[[60 Minutes]]'' and enables rapid web search and instant messaging.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wearable Computing: rapid instant messaging and web search|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge0wbagV34o&ab_channel=ThadStarner|website=YouTube|access-date=21 January 2021|date=2010-11-19}}</ref>  Though the prototype's glasses are nearly as streamlined as modern smartglasses, the processor was a computer worn in a backpack – the most lightweight solution available at the time.

In 2009, [[Sony Ericsson]] teamed up with the [[London College of Fashion]] for a contest to design digital clothing. The winner was a cocktail dress with Bluetooth technology making it light up when a call is received.<ref>{{cite news|title=Does the Bluetooth dress signal the future of fashion|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2009/06/does-the-bluetooth-dress-signal-the-future-of-fashion.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=13 August 2015|date=2009-06-18}}</ref>

Zach "Hoeken" Smith of [[MakerBot Industries|MakerBot]] fame made keyboard pants during a "Fashion Hacking" workshop at a New York City creative collective.

The Tyndall National Institute<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tyndall.ie/|title=Tyndall|website=www.tyndall.ie|access-date=2016-06-05}}</ref> in Ireland developed a "remote non-intrusive patient monitoring" platform which was used to evaluate the quality of the data generated by the patient sensors and how the end users may adopt to the technology.<ref>O'Donoghue, John, John Herbert, and Paul Stack. "Remote non-intrusive patient monitoring." ''Smart Homes and Beyond'' (2006): 180–87.</ref>

More recently, London-based fashion company [[CuteCircuit]] created costumes for singer [[Katy Perry]] featuring LED lighting so that the outfits would change color both during stage shows and appearances on the red carpet such as the dress Katy Perry wore in 2010 at the MET Gala in NYC.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/costume-institute-gala-2010 |access-date=2020-05-14 |website=British Vogue |title=Costume Institute Gala 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419175736/http://www.vogue.co.uk:80/gallery/costume-institute-gala-2010 |archive-date=2018-04-19 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, CuteCircuit created the world's first dress to feature Tweets, as worn by singer [[Nicole Scherzinger]].<ref name="Krupnick">{{Cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/02/twitter-dress-nicole-scherzinger-photos_n_2064299.html|title=The Huffington Post: Twitter Dress | first=Ellie|last=Krupnick|date=2 November 2012}}</ref>

In 2010, McLear, also known as NFC Ring, developed the first advanced wearables prototype in the world, which was then fundraised on Kickstarter in 2013.<ref name="Lomas 2013-07-23" />

In 2014, graduate students from the [[Tisch School of Arts]] in New York designed a hoodie that sent pre-programmed text messages triggered by gesture movements.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Restauri|first1=Denise|title=The Brains Behind The Hoodie That Texts|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/deniserestauri/2014/08/14/the-brains-behind-the-hoodie-that-texts-its-not-who-you-think/|work=Forbes|access-date=14 August 2014}}</ref>

Around the same time, prototypes for digital eyewear with [[heads up display]] (HUD) began to appear.<ref name="digital dimension">Anne Eisenberg [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/business/26novel.html?_r=1 Inside These Lenses, a Digital Dimension] April 25, 2009 New York Times</ref>

The US military employs headgear with displays for soldiers using a technology called [[holographic optics]].<ref name="digital dimension"/>

In 2010, Google started developing prototypes<ref>{{cite web|last1=Molen|first1=Brad|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/06/26/google-glass-prototypes/|website=Engadget|title=These early Google Glass prototypes looked (even more) awkward|date=26 June 2014 |access-date=11 August 2015}}</ref> of its [[optical head-mounted display]] [[Google Glass]], which went into customer beta in March 2013.

==Usage==
[[File:AsteroidOS - Appswitcher-full.png|thumb|Multiple open apps in the [[free and open source software|open source]] [[AsteroidOS]] (2016)]]
In the consumer space, sales of smart wristbands (aka activity trackers such as the Jawbone UP and Fitbit Flex) started accelerating in 2013. One in five American adults have a wearable device, according to the 2014 PriceWaterhouseCoopers Wearable Future Report.<ref>{{Cite journal |title = The Age of Wearables Is on Us|last = Zalud|first = Bill|date = Jan 2015|journal = SDM|pages = 72–73|url=https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/90779-the-age-of-wearables-is-on-us}}</ref> As of 2009, decreasing cost of processing power and other components was facilitating widespread adoption and availability.<ref name="virtual trainer" />

In professional sports, wearable technology has applications in monitoring and real-time feedback for athletes.<ref name="virtual trainer">Duncan Smith [http://www.pddnet.com/news-the-rise-of-the-virtual-trainer-071409/ The Rise of the Virtual Trainer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006004909/http://www.pddnet.com/news-the-rise-of-the-virtual-trainer-071409/ |date=2011-10-06 }} July 13, 2009 Product Design and Development</ref> Examples of wearable technology in sport include accelerometers, pedometers, and GPS's which can be used to measure an athlete's energy expenditure and movement pattern.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Li|first1=Ryan T.|last2=Kling|first2=Scott R.|last3=Salata|first3=Michael J.|last4=Cupp|first4=Sean A.|last5=Sheehan|first5=Joseph|last6=Voos|first6=James E.|date=2016-01-01|title=Wearable Performance Devices in Sports Medicine|journal=Sports Health|language=en|volume=8|issue=1|pages=74–78|doi=10.1177/1941738115616917|pmid=26733594|issn=1941-7381|pmc=4702159}}</ref>

In cybersecurity and financial technology, secure wearable devices have captured part of the physical security key market. McLear, also known as NFC Ring, and VivoKey developed products with one-time pass secure access control.<ref name="McLear Secure Access Press Release">{{cite web |url=https://mclear.com/news/new-wearable-device-makes-payments-simple/ |website=www.mclear.com |access-date=30 July 2021|title=New wearable device makes payments simple |date=4 December 2018 }}</ref>

In health informatics, wearable devices have enabled better capturing of human health statics for data driven analysis. This has facilitated data-driven machine learning algorithms to analyse the health condition of users.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Alan |first1=Godfrey |last2=Victoria |first2=Hetherington |last3=Hubert P. H. |first3=Shum |last4=Paolo |first4=Bonato |last5=Nigel |first5=Lovell |last6=Stuart |first6=Sam |title=From A to Z: Wearable Technology Explained |journal=Maturitas |date=2018 |volume=133 |pages=40–47 |doi=10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.04.012|pmid=29903647 |s2cid=49211284 |doi-access=free }}</ref> For applications in health {{see below|[[#Wearable technology and health|below]]}}.

In business, wearable technology helps managers easily supervise employees by knowing their locations and what they are currently doing. Employees working in a warehouse also have increased safety when working around chemicals or lifting something. Smart helmets are employee safety wearables that have vibration sensors that can alert employees of possible danger in their environment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Smart Technologies for Integrated Logistics Operations - SIPMM Publications |url=https://publication.sipmm.edu.sg/smart-technologies-for-integrated-logistics-operations/#Wearable_Technology |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=publication.sipmm.edu.sg |date=28 October 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Wearable technology and health ==
[[File:Smartwatches.jpg|thumb|[[Samsung Galaxy Watch]] is designed specifically for sports and health functions, including a step counter and a heart rate monitor.]]

Wearable technology is often used to monitor a user's health. Given that such a device is in close contact with the user, it can easily collect data. It started as soon as 1980 where first wireless ECG was invented. In the last decades, there has been substantial growth in research of e.g. textile-based, tattoo, patch, and contact lenses<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Harito |first1=Christian |last2=Utari| first2=Listya|last3=Putra |first3=Budi Riza|last4=Yuliarto| first4=Brian|last5=Purwanto| first5=Setyo|last6=Zaidi| first6=Syed S.J.|last7=Bavykin| first7=Dmitry V.|last8=Marken| first8=Frank|last9=Walsh| first9=Frank C.|title=Review—The Development of Wearable Polymer-Based Sensors: Perspectives|journal=Journal of the Electrochemical Society|date=17 February 2020 |volume=167 |issue=3 |page=037566 |doi=10.1149/1945-7111/ab697c |arxiv=2003.00956 |bibcode=2020JElS..167c7566H |doi-access=free}}</ref> as well as circulation of a notion of "[[quantified self]]", [[transhumanism]]-related ideas, and growth of [[life extension]] research.

Wearables can be used to collect data on a user's health including:{{additional citation needed|date=September 2022}}
* Heart rate<ref name="10.3390/mi13081356"/>
* Calories burned
* Steps walked
* Blood pressure
* Release of certain biochemicals
* Time spent exercising
* Seizures
* Physical strain<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wearable-solutions.de/dynasens/|title=Dynasens - physical strain|website=Wearable Solutions GmbH|language=de-DE|access-date=2020-01-28}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=September 2022}}
* Body composition and Water levels<ref>{{cite web |last1=Song |first1=Victoria |title=Aura Strap 2 review: context — you love to see it |date=11 May 2022 |url=https://www.theverge.com/23066781/aura-strap-2-review-apple-watch-bia |publisher=TheVerge}}</ref>

These functions are often bundled together in a single unit, like an activity tracker or a smartwatch like the [[Apple Watch Series 2]] or [[Samsung Galaxy Gear]] Sport. Devices like these are used for physical training and monitoring overall physical health, as well as alerting to serious medical conditions such as seizures (e.g. [[Empatica]] Embrace2).

=== Medical uses ===
{{See also|Virtual reality applications#Healthcare and medical}}
[[File:Virtual_reality_PTSD_therapy.jpg|thumb|A [[soldier]] demonstrates a [[virtual reality]] system that could be used to help treat [[Post-traumatic stress disorder|PTSD]]]]
[[File:Razer_OSVR_Open-Source_Virtual_Reality_for_Gaming_(16241057474).jpg|thumb|[[Razer Inc.|Razer]] [[Open Source Virtual Reality|Open-Source Virtual Reality]] (OSVR) for Gaming]]
While [[virtual reality]] (VR) was originally developed for gaming, it also can be used for rehabilitation. Virtual reality headsets are given to patients and the patients instructed to complete a series of tasks, but in a game format. This has significant benefits compared to traditional therapies. For one, it is more controllable; the operator can change their environment to anything they desire including areas that may help them conquer their fear, like in the case of [[Post-traumatic stress disorder|PTSD]]. Another benefit is the price. On average, traditional therapies are several hundred dollars per hour, whereas VR headsets are only several hundred dollars and can be used whenever desired. In patients with neurological disorders like [[Parkinson's disease|Parkinson's]], therapy in game format where multiple different skills can be utilized at the same time, thus simultaneously stimulating several different parts of the brain.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Tokgöz |first1=Pinar |last2=Stampa |first2=Susanne |last3=Wähnert |first3=Dirk |last4=Vordemvenne |first4=Thomas |last5=Dockweiler |first5=Christoph |date=2022-06-16 |title=Virtual Reality in the Rehabilitation of Patients with Injuries and Diseases of Upper Extremities |journal=Healthcare |language=en |volume=10 |issue=6 |pages=1124 |doi=10.3390/healthcare10061124 |issn=2227-9032 |pmc=9222955 |pmid=35742176 |doi-access=free }}</ref> VR's usage in physical therapy is still limited as there is insufficient research. Some research has pointed to the occurrence of motion sickness while performing intensive tasks,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tugend |first=Alina |date=April 21, 2021 |title=Meet Virtual Reality, Your New Physical Therapist |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/21/health/virtual-reality-therapy.html}}</ref> which can be detrimental to the patient's progress. Detractors also point out that a total dependence on VR can lead to self-isolation and be coming overly dependent on technology, preventing patients from interacting with their friends and family. There are concerns about privacy and safety, as the VR software would need patient data and information to be effective, and this information could be compromised during a [[data breach]], like in the case of [[23andMe]]. The lack of proper medical experts coupled with the longer learning curved involved with the recovery project, may result in patients not realizing their mistakes and recovery taking longer than expected.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Canning |first1=Colleen G. |last2=Allen |first2=Natalie E. |last3=Nackaerts |first3=Evelien |last4=Paul |first4=Serene S. |last5=Nieuwboer |first5=Alice |last6=Gilat |first6=Moran |date=August 2020 |title=Virtual reality in research and rehabilitation of gait and balance in Parkinson disease |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41582-020-0370-2 |journal=Nature Reviews Neurology |language=en |volume=16 |issue=8 |pages=409–425 |doi=10.1038/s41582-020-0370-2 |pmid=32591756 |s2cid=220071913 |issn=1759-4766}}</ref> The issue of cost and accessibility is also another issue; while VR headsets are significantly cheaper than traditional physical therapy, there may be many ad-ons that could raise the price, making it inaccessible to many.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Patsaki |first1=Irini |last2=Dimitriadi |first2=Nefeli |last3=Despoti |first3=Akylina |last4=Tzoumi |first4=Dimitra |last5=Leventakis |first5=Nikolaos |last6=Roussou |first6=Georgia |last7=Papathanasiou |first7=Argyro |last8=Nanas |first8=Serafeim |last9=Karatzanos |first9=Eleftherios |date=2022-09-22 |title=The effectiveness of immersive virtual reality in physical recovery of stroke patients: A systematic review |journal=Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience |volume=16 |doi=10.3389/fnsys.2022.880447 |issn=1662-5137 |pmc=9535681 |pmid=36211591 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Base models may be less effective compared to higher end models, which may lead to a [[digital divide]]. Overall, VR healthcare solutions are not meant to be a competitor to traditional therapies, as research shows that when coupled together physical therapy is more effective.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Feng |first1=Hao |last2=Li |first2=Cuiyun |last3=Liu |first3=Jiayu |last4=Wang |first4=Liang |last5=Ma |first5=Jing |last6=Li |first6=Guanglei |last7=Gan |first7=Lu |last8=Shang |first8=Xiaoying |last9=Wu |first9=Zhixuan |date=2019-06-05 |title=Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Versus Conventional Physical Therapy for Improving Balance and Gait in Parkinson's Disease Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial |url=https://www.medscimonit.com/abstract/index/idArt/916455 |journal=Medical Science Monitor |language=en |volume=25 |pages=4186–4192 |doi=10.12659/MSM.916455 |issn=1643-3750 |pmc=6563647 |pmid=31165721}}</ref> Research into VR rehabilitation continues to expand with new research into haptic developing, which would allow the user to feel their environments and to incorporate their hands and feet into their recovery plan. Additionally, there are more sophisticated VR systems being developed <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-31 |title=New VR body suit lets you see inside your body while you exercise |url=https://news.mit.edu/2022/mit-system-sees-inner-structure-body-during-physical-rehab-1011 |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=Freethink |language=en-US}}</ref> which allow the user to use their entire body in their recovery. It also has sophisticated sensors that would allow medical professionals to collect data on muscle engagement and tension. It uses [[electrical impedance tomography]], a form of noninvasive imaging to view muscle usage.
[[File:Head-mounted display and wired gloves, Ames Research Center.jpg|thumb|A VR type [[Display device|display]] and [[Haptic technology|haptic]] glove developed by [[NASA]] to allow the user to interact with their environment.]]

Another concern is the lack of major funding by big companies and the government into the field.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Fan |first1=Ting |last2=Wang |first2=Xiaobei |last3=Song |first3=Xiaoxi |last4=Zhao |first4=Gang |last5=Zhang |first5=Zhichang |date=2023-03-06 |title=Research Status and Emerging Trends in Virtual Reality Rehabilitation: Bibliometric and Knowledge Graph Study |journal=JMIR Serious Games |language=en |volume=11 |pages=e41091 |doi=10.2196/41091 |pmid=36877556 |pmc=10028519 |issn=2291-9279 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Many of these VR sets are off the shelf items, and not properly made for medical use. External add-ones are usually [[3D printing|3D printed]] or made from spare parts from other electronics. this lack of support means that patients who want to try this method have to be technically savvy, which is unlikely as many aliments only appear later in life. Additionally, certain parts of VR like [[Haptic technology|haptic feedback]] and [[Finger tracking|tracking]] are still not advanced enough to be used reliably in a medical setting. Another issue is the amount of VR devices that are available for purchase. While this does increase the options available, the differences between VR systems could impact patient recovery. The vast number of VR devices also makes it difficult for medical professionals to give and interpret information, as they might not have had practice with the specific model, which could lead to faulty advice being given out.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

===Applications===
Currently other applications within healthcare are being explored, such as:

* Applications for monitoring of [[glucose]],<ref name="10.1038/s41551-022-00887-1"/><ref name="10.1016/j.matt.2021.07.013">{{cite journal |last1=Li |first1=Nan |last2=Dai |first2=Yahao |last3=Li |first3=Yang |last4=Dai |first4=Shilei |last5=Strzalka |first5=Joseph |last6=Su |first6=Qi |last7=Oliveira |first7=Nickolas De |last8=Zhang |first8=Qingteng |last9=Onge |first9=P. Blake J. St |last10=Rondeau-Gagné |first10=Simon |last11=Wang |first11=Yunfei |last12=Gu |first12=Xiaodan |last13=Xu |first13=Jie |last14=Wang |first14=Sihong |title=A universal and facile approach for building multifunctional conjugated polymers for human-integrated electronics |journal=Matter |date=1 September 2021 |volume=4 |issue=9 |pages=3015–3029 |doi=10.1016/j.matt.2021.07.013 |s2cid=236955719 |language=English |issn=2590-2393|doi-access=free }}
* University press release: {{cite news |title=Researchers discover new strategy for developing human-integrated electronics |url=https://phys.org/news/2021-08-strategy-human-integrated-electronics.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |work=[[University of Chicago]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kim |first1=Jayoung |last2=Campbell |first2=Alan S. |last3=de Ávila |first3=Berta Esteban-Fernández |last4=Wang |first4=Joseph |title=Wearable biosensors for healthcare monitoring |journal=Nature Biotechnology |date=April 2019 |volume=37 |issue=4 |pages=389–406 |doi=10.1038/s41587-019-0045-y |pmid=30804534 |pmc=8183422 |language=en |issn=1546-1696}}</ref> alcohol, and [[Lactic acid#Blood testing|lactate]]<ref name="10.1038/s41551-022-00887-1">{{cite journal |last1=Tehrani |first1=Farshad |last2=Teymourian |first2=Hazhir |last3=Wuerstle |first3=Brian |last4=Kavner |first4=Jonathan |last5=Patel |first5=Ravi |last6=Furmidge |first6=Allison |last7=Aghavali |first7=Reza |last8=Hosseini-Toudeshki |first8=Hamed |last9=Brown |first9=Christopher |last10=Zhang |first10=Fangyu |last11=Mahato |first11=Kuldeep |last12=Li |first12=Zhengxing |last13=Barfidokht |first13=Abbas |last14=Yin |first14=Lu |last15=Warren |first15=Paul |last16=Huang |first16=Nickey |last17=Patel |first17=Zina |last18=Mercier |first18=Patrick P. |last19=Wang |first19=Joseph |title=An integrated wearable microneedle array for the continuous monitoring of multiple biomarkers in interstitial fluid |journal=Nature Biomedical Engineering |date=9 May 2022 |volume=6 |issue=11 |pages=1214–1224 |doi=10.1038/s41551-022-00887-1 |pmid=35534575 |s2cid=248667417 |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-022-00887-1 |language=en |issn=2157-846X|url-access=subscription}}
* University press release: {{cite news |title=Multi-tasking wearable continuously monitors glucose, alcohol, and lactate |url=https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-05-multi-tasking-wearable-glucose-alcohol-lactate.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |work=[[University of California-San Diego]] |language=en}}</ref> or [[Pulse oximetry|blood oxygen]], breath monitoring, heartbeat, heart rate and its [[heart rate variability|variability]], [[electromyography]] (EMG), [[electrocardiogram]] (ECG) and [[electroencephalogram]] (EEG), [[body temperature]], pressure (e.g. in shoes), [[sweat]] rate or sweat loss, levels of uric acid and ions – e.g. for preventing fatigue or injuries or for optimizing training patterns,<ref name="10.3390/mi13081356">{{cite journal |last1=Liu |first1=Lei |last2=Zhang |first2=Xuefeng |title=A Focused Review on the Flexible Wearable Sensors for Sports: From Kinematics to Physiologies |journal=Micromachines |date=20 August 2022 |volume=13 |issue=8 |page=1356 |doi=10.3390/mi13081356|pmid=36014277 |pmc=9412724 |doi-access=free}}</ref> including via "[[human-integrated electronics]]"<ref name="10.1016/j.matt.2021.07.013"/>
* Forecasting changes in mood, stress, and health<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90160775/this-mit-startup-is-developing-a-fitness-tracker-for-your-brain|title=This MIT Startup is Developing a Fitness Tracker for your Brain|last=Schwab|first=Kahtarine|work=Fastcompany|access-date=2018-02-16|language=en}}</ref>
* Measuring [[blood alcohol content]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/johngreathouse/2017/07/08/this-wearable-will-tell-you-when-youre-drunk/#77a7f1213beb|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708201929/https://www.forbes.com/sites/johngreathouse/2017/07/08/this-wearable-will-tell-you-when-youre-drunk/#77a7f1213beb|archive-date=July 8, 2017|title=This Wearable Will Tell You When You're Drunk|last=Greathouse|first=John|work=Forbes|access-date=2017-10-25|language=en}}</ref>
* Measuring athletic performance<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/leebelltech/2017/07/06/best-wearable-tech-health-fitness-gadgets-2017-updated/#10d5fed13ebc|title=Best Wearable Tech And Fitness Gadgets 2017 (Updated)|last=Bell|first=Lee|work=Forbes|access-date=2017-10-25|language=en}}</ref>
* Monitoring how sick the user is<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/12/smartwatches-could-soon-tell-you-when-youre-getting-sick/|title=Smartwatches could soon tell you when you're getting sick|last=Coldewey|first=Devin|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2017-10-25|language=en}}</ref>
* Detecting early signs of infection<ref>{{cite web |title=Wearable Sensors |url=https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-turning-discovery-into-health/wearable-sensors |website=National Institutes of Health (NIH) |access-date=9 March 2023 |language=EN |date=5 February 2020}}</ref>
* Long-term [https://www.empa.ch/web/s604/chest-strap-heart-rate-monitor monitoring of patients] with heart and circulatory problems that records an electrocardiogram and is self-moistening
* [[Health risk assessment]] applications, including measures of [[Frailty syndrome|frailty]] and risks of age-dependent diseases<ref name="pmid 29581467">{{cite journal |vauthors=Pyrkov TV, Slipensky K, Barg M, Kondrashin A, Zhurov B, Zenin A, Pyatnitskiy M, Menshikov L, Markov S, Fedichev PO | title=Extracting biological age from biomedical data via deep learning: too much of a good thing? | journal=Scientific Reports | volume=8 | issue=1 | year=2018 | page=5210 | doi=10.1038/s41598-018-23534-9 | pmid= 29581467| pmc=5980076 | bibcode=2018NatSR...8.5210P }}</ref>
* Automatic documentation of care activities{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}
* Days-long continuous [[Medical imaging#Ultrasound|imaging of diverse organs]] via a wearable [[bioadhesive]] [[Stretchable electronics|stretchable]] high-resolution [[Medical ultrasound|ultrasound]] imaging patch<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Wang |first1=Chonghe |last2=Chen |first2=Xiaoyu |last3=Wang |first3=Liu |last4=Makihata |first4=Mitsutoshi |last5=Liu |first5=Hsiao-Chuan |last6=Zhou |first6=Tao |last7=Zhao |first7=Xuanhe |title=Bioadhesive ultrasound for long-term continuous imaging of diverse organs |journal=Science |date=29 July 2022 |volume=377 |issue=6605 |pages=517–523 |doi=10.1126/science.abo2542 |pmid=35901155 |bibcode=2022Sci...377..517W |s2cid=251158622 |url=http://zhao.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/162.pdf |language=en |issn=0036-8075}}
* News article: {{cite news |title=This stick-on ultrasound patch could let you watch your own heart beat |url=https://www.sciencenews.org/article/ultrasound-patch-skin-watch-heart-beat-personalized-medicine |access-date=21 August 2022 |work=Science News |date=28 July 2022}}</ref> or e.g. a wearable continuous [[Cardiac imaging|heart ultrasound imager]].<ref>{{cite news |title=A wearable ultrasound sensor provides real-time cardiac imaging |url=https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230129/A-wearable-ultrasound-sensor-provides-real-time-cardiac-imaging.aspx |access-date=15 February 2023 |work=News-Medical.net |date=29 January 2023 |language=en |archive-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215165717/https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230129/A-wearable-ultrasound-sensor-provides-real-time-cardiac-imaging.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="10.1038/s41586-022-05498-z">{{cite journal |last1=Hu |first1=Hongjie |last2=Huang |first2=Hao |last3=Li |first3=Mohan |last4=Gao |first4=Xiaoxiang |last5=Yin |first5=Lu |last6=Qi |first6=Ruixiang |last7=Wu |first7=Ray S. |last8=Chen |first8=Xiangjun |last9=Ma |first9=Yuxiang |last10=Shi |first10=Keren |last11=Li |first11=Chenghai |last12=Maus |first12=Timothy M. |last13=Huang |first13=Brady |last14=Lu |first14=Chengchangfeng |last15=Lin |first15=Muyang |last16=Zhou |first16=Sai |last17=Lou |first17=Zhiyuan |last18=Gu |first18=Yue |last19=Chen |first19=Yimu |last20=Lei |first20=Yusheng |last21=Wang |first21=Xinyu |last22=Wang |first22=Ruotao |last23=Yue |first23=Wentong |last24=Yang |first24=Xinyi |last25=Bian |first25=Yizhou |last26=Mu |first26=Jing |last27=Park |first27=Geonho |last28=Xiang |first28=Shu |last29=Cai |first29=Shengqiang |last30=Corey |first30=Paul W. |last31=Wang |first31=Joseph |last32=Xu |first32=Sheng |title=A wearable cardiac ultrasound imager |journal=Nature |date=January 2023 |volume=613 |issue=7945 |pages=667–675 |doi=10.1038/s41586-022-05498-z |pmid=36697864 |pmc=9876798 |bibcode=2023Natur.613..667H |language=en |issn=1476-4687 |doi-access=free }}</ref> (potential novel diagnostic and monitoring tools)
* [[Sleep]] tracking<ref>{{cite news |last1=Song |first1=Victoria |title=The best sleep tech you can buy right now |url=https://www.theverge.com/23291925/best-sleep-tech-trackers-earbuds-wearables |access-date=2 September 2022 |work=The Verge |date=5 August 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Cortisol#Testing of individuals|Cortisol monitoring]] for measuring [[Psychological stress|stress]]<ref name="10.1126/sciadv.abk0967">{{cite journal |last1=Wang |first1=Bo |last2=Zhao |first2=Chuanzhen |last3=Wang |first3=Zhaoqing |last4=Yang |first4=Kyung-Ae |last5=Cheng |first5=Xuanbing |last6=Liu |first6=Wenfei |last7=Yu |first7=Wenzhuo |last8=Lin |first8=Shuyu |last9=Zhao |first9=Yichao |last10=Cheung |first10=Kevin M. |last11=Lin |first11=Haisong |last12=Hojaiji |first12=Hannaneh |last13=Weiss |first13=Paul S. |last14=Stojanović |first14=Milan N. |last15=Tomiyama |first15=A. Janet |last16=Andrews |first16=Anne M. |last17=Emaminejad |first17=Sam |title=Wearable aptamer-field-effect transistor sensing system for noninvasive cortisol monitoring |journal=Science Advances |date=7 January 2022 |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=eabk0967 |doi=10.1126/sciadv.abk0967 |pmid=34985954 |pmc=8730602 |bibcode=2022SciA....8..967W |language=en |issn=2375-2548|doi-access=free}}
* University press release: {{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Wayne |title=Sweating the small stuff: Newly developed smartwatch measures key stress hormone |url=https://techxplore.com/news/2022-02-small-newly-smartwatch-key-stress.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |work=[[University of California, Los Angeles]] |language=en}}
* News article: {{cite news |title=Breakthrough Stanford wearable detects stress levels through sweat |url=https://newatlas.com/sweat-stress-cortisol-sensor-wearable-stanford/55563/ |access-date=2 September 2022 |work=New Atlas |date=23 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rice |first1=Paul |last2=Upasham |first2=Sayali |last3=Jagannath |first3=Badrinath |last4=Manuel |first4=Roshan |last5=Pali |first5=Madhavi |last6=Prasad |first6=Shalini |title=CortiWatch: watch-based cortisol tracker |journal=Future Science OA |date=1 October 2019 |volume=5 |issue=9 |pages= FSO416|doi=10.2144/fsoa-2019-0061 |pmid=31608155 |pmc=6787562 |language=en |issn=2056-5623}}</ref>
* Measuring [[Relaxation (psychology)|relaxation]] or [[alertness]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lee |first1=Boon-Giin |last2=Lee |first2=Boon-Leng |last3=Chung |first3=Wan-Young |title=2015 37th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC) |chapter=Smartwatch-based driver alertness monitoring with wearable motion and physiological sensor |date=August 2015 |volume=2015 |pages=6126–6129 |doi=10.1109/EMBC.2015.7319790|pmid=26737690 |isbn=978-1-4244-9271-8 |s2cid=21231064 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Eadicicco |first1=Lisa |title=Citizen's Newest Wearable Uses AI to Gauge Your Alertness and Fatigue |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/citizens-newest-wearable-uses-ai-to-gauge-your-alertness-and-fatigue/ |access-date=9 March 2023 |work=CNET |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=A wearable new technology moves brain monitoring from the lab to the real world |url=https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/innovative-technology-wearable-portable-EEG-moves-brain-monitoring-from-lab-to-real-world |access-date=9 March 2023 |work=Penn Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Adão Martins |first1=Neusa R. |last2=Annaheim |first2=Simon |last3=Spengler |first3=Christina M. |last4=Rossi |first4=René M. |title=Fatigue Monitoring Through Wearables: A State-of-the-Art Review |journal=Frontiers in Physiology |date=2021 |volume=12 |page=790292 |doi=10.3389/fphys.2021.790292 |pmid=34975541 |pmc=8715033 |issn=1664-042X|doi-access=free }}</ref> e.g. to adjust their modulation or to measure efficacy of modulation techniques

====Proposed applications====
Proposed applications, including applications without functional wearable prototypes, include:
{{See also|#Head-worn|Electronic skin|Biosensor|Bioadhesive|Nootropic|Modified-release dosage|Nanobiotechnology|Electronic health record}}
* Tracking physiological changes such as stress levels and heartbeat of "experiencers" or "contactees"<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hernandez |first1=Reinerio |last2=Davis |first2=Robert |last3=Scalpone |first3=Russell |last4=Schild |first4=Rudolph |title=A Study on Reported Contact with Non-Human Intelligence Associated with Unidentified Aerial Phenomena |journal=Journal of Scientific Exploration |date=30 June 2018 |volume=32 |issue=2 |pages=298–348 |doi=10.31275/2018.1282 |s2cid=92981846 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326151576|doi-access=free }}</ref> of the [[UFO]]-sighting, anomalous physiological effects and [[alien abduction]]/contact/sighting phenomena, including "experiencer group research"<ref>{{cite AV media |title=#41 Dr. Garry Nolan |publisher=Calling All Beings |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEm_U4-BXj8&t=580s |access-date=2 September 2022 |language=en |via=[[YouTube]] }}</ref>{{better source needed|date=September 2022}}
* [[Biosensor#Pathogen detection|Pathogen detection]] and detection of hazardous substances<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Yu |first1=You |last2=Li |first2=Jiahong |last3=Solomon |first3=Samuel A. |last4=Min |first4=Jihong |last5=Tu |first5=Jiaobing |last6=Guo |first6=Wei |last7=Xu |first7=Changhao |last8=Song |first8=Yu |last9=Gao |first9=Wei |title=All-printed soft human-machine interface for robotic physicochemical sensing |journal=Science Robotics |date=June 1, 2022 |volume=7 |issue=67 |pages=eabn0495 |doi=10.1126/scirobotics.abn0495 |pmid=35648844 |pmc=9302713 |language=en |issn=2470-9476 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Nguyen |first1=Peter Q. |last2=Soenksen |first2=Luis R. |last3=Donghia |first3=Nina M. |last4=Angenent-Mari |first4=Nicolaas M. |last5=de Puig |first5=Helena |last6=Huang |first6=Ally |last7=Lee |first7=Rose |last8=Slomovic |first8=Shimyn |last9=Galbersanini |first9=Tommaso |last10=Lansberry |first10=Geoffrey |last11=Sallum |first11=Hani M. |last12=Zhao |first12=Evan M. |last13=Niemi |first13=James B. |last14=Collins |first14=James J. |title=Wearable materials with embedded synthetic biology sensors for biomolecule detection |journal=Nature Biotechnology |date=28 June 2021 |volume=39 |issue=11 |pages=1366–1374 |doi=10.1038/s41587-021-00950-3 |pmid=34183860 |s2cid=235673261 |language=en |issn=1546-1696|doi-access=free }}
* News article: {{cite news |title=Face masks that can diagnose COVID-19 |url=https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-06-masks-covid-.html |access-date=11 July 2021 |work=medicalxpress.com |language=en}}</ref>
* Improving [[sleep]] via sleeping caps<ref>{{cite news |title=Brain-cleaning sleeping cap gets US Army funding |url=https://newatlas.com/science/brain-cleaning-skullcap-sleep-glymphatic-system-us-army/ |access-date=2 September 2022 |work=New Atlas |date=1 October 2021}}</ref>

=== Applications to COVID-19 ===
Various wearable technologies have been developed in order to help with the diagnosis of COVID-19. Oxygen levels, antibody detection, blood pressure, heart rate, and so much more are monitored by small sensors within these devices.<ref name=":32">{{Cite journal |last1=Ates |first1=H. Ceren |last2=Yetisen |first2=Ali K. |last3=Güder |first3=Firat |last4=Dincer |first4=Can |date=January 2021 |title=Wearable devices for the detection of COVID-19 |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41928-020-00533-1 |journal=Nature Electronics |language=en |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=13–14 |doi=10.1038/s41928-020-00533-1 |issn=2520-1131}}</ref><ref name=":03">{{Cite journal |last1=Canali |first1=Stefano |last2=Schiaffonati |first2=Viola |last3=Aliverti |first3=Andrea |date=2022-10-13 |title=Challenges and recommendations for wearable devices in digital health: Data quality, interoperability, health equity, fairness |journal=PLOS Digital Health |volume=1 |issue=10 |pages=e0000104 |doi=10.1371/journal.pdig.0000104 |doi-access=free |issn=2767-3170 |pmc=9931360 |pmid=36812619}}</ref>

==== Wearable Devices to Detect Symptoms of COVID-19 ====

* Smart lenses
* On-teeth sensors
* Face masks
* [[E-textiles|Smart textiles]]
* Electronic epidermal tattoos
* Micro needle patches
* Wristbands
* [[Smart ring|Smart rings]]
* [[Smartwatch|Smartwatches]]<ref name=":32" />

==== Smartwatches ====
Wearable technology such as [[Apple Watch|apple watches]] and [[Fitbit|fitbits]] have been used to potentially diagnose symptoms of [[COVID-19]]. Monitors within the devices have been designed to detect heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level, etc.<ref name=":03" /> The diagnostic capabilities of wearable devices proposes an easier way to detect any abnormalities within the human body.

Estimation and prediction techniques of wearable technology for COVID-19 has several flaws due to the inability to differentiate between other illnesses and COVID-19. Elevations in [[blood pressure]], [[heart rate]], etc. as well as a fluctuation in oxygen level can be attributed to other sicknesses ranging from the common cold to [[Respiratory disease|respiratory diseases]].<ref name=":03" /> The inability to differentiate these illnesses has caused "unnecessary stress in patients, raising concern on the implementation of wearables for health."<ref name=":03" />

==== Smart Masks ====
In addition to wearable devices such as watches, professionals designed face masks with built in sensors for individuals to use during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name=":12">{{Cite journal |last1=Ates |first1=H. Ceren |last2=Yetisen |first2=Ali K. |last3=Güder |first3=Firat |last4=Dincer |first4=Can |date=January 2021 |title=Wearable devices for the detection of COVID-19 |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41928-020-00533-1 |journal=Nature Electronics |language=en |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=13–14 |doi=10.1038/s41928-020-00533-1 |issn=2520-1131}}</ref> The built in sensors were designed to detect characteristics of exhaled breath such as "patterns and rates of respiration, biomarkers of inflammation and the potential detection of airborne [[Pathogen|pathogens]]."<ref name=":12" />

Smart masks "contain a sensor that monitors the presence of a [[SARS-CoV-2]] protease in the breath."<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |title=Smart Masks May Help Detect COVID-19 and Future Infections {{!}} NIH COVID-19 Research |url=https://covid19.nih.gov/news-and-stories/smart-masks-may-help-detect-covid-19-and-future-infections |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=covid19.nih.gov |language=en}}</ref> Contained in the mask is a blister pack, which, when broken, causes a [[chemical reaction]] to occur. As a result of the chemical reaction, the sensor will turn blue if the virus is detected from an individuals breathing.<ref name=":22" />

Issues occur however with the amount of protease needed to warrant a correct result from the sensor. An individuals breath only contains protease once the cells die. Then they make their way out of the body in fluids such a saliva, and through breathing. If too little [[protease]] is present, the mask may not be able to detect the protease thus causing a false result.<ref name=":22" />

==== Smart Lenses ====
Smart lenses have been developed to record [[intraocular pressure]].<ref name=":32" /> The lens conforms to the eyeball and contains sensors in which monitor glucose levels, eye movement, and certain [[Biomarker|biomarkers]] for particular diseases. Built into the lenses are micro electronics and processing units that are responsible for data collection. With the innovation of technology, smart lenses have the potential to "incorporate displays that superimpose information onto what the wearer sees."<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Kazanskiy |first1=Nikolay L. |last2=Khonina |first2=Svetlana N. |last3=Butt |first3=Muhammad A. |date=2023-10-18 |title=Smart Contact Lenses—A Step towards Non-Invasive Continuous Eye Health Monitoring |journal=Biosensors |volume=13 |issue=10 |pages=933 |doi=10.3390/bios13100933 |doi-access=free |issn=2079-6374 |pmid=37887126|pmc=10605521 }}</ref>

==== Smart Textiles ====
Smart textiles have been developed to monitor skin temperature and [[Metabolite|metabolites]].<ref name=":32" /> These textiles contain sensors which are composed of three basic parts: "containing [[Substrate (chemistry)|substrate]], active elements, and [[electrode]]/[[Interconnect (integrated circuits)|interconnect]]."<ref name=":42">{{Cite journal |last1=Saber |first1=Dalia |last2=Abd El-Aziz |first2=Khaled |date=June 2022 |title=Advanced materials used in wearable health care devices and medical textiles in the battle against coronavirus (COVID-19): A review |journal=Journal of Industrial Textiles |volume=51 |issue=1 Suppl |pages=246S–271S |doi=10.1177/15280837211041771 |issn=1528-0837 |pmc=9301358}}</ref> Although smart textiles can provide a way for individuals to diagnose abnormalities about their body, there are a multitude of challenges associated with the usage. Economic burdens to patients and hospitals as well as the high cost of purchasing and upkeep provide a hinderance to the application of smart textiles. The development of these sensors also face many challenges such as "the selection of suitable substrates, [[Biomaterial|biocompatible materials]], and manufacturing techniques, as well as the instantaneous monitoring of different analysts, the washability, and uninterrupted signal display circuits."<ref name=":42" />

==== Smart Rings ====
Smart rings have been developed to monitor blood pressure. <ref name=":32" /> The Oura Smart Ring is able to predict coronavirus symptoms within 24-hours. Data that is cultured from RNN and CNN algorithms are used to "diagnose the coronavirus rapidly and accurately."<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Poongodi |first1=M. |last2=Hamdi |first2=Mounir |last3=Malviya |first3=Mohit |last4=Sharma |first4=Ashutosh |last5=Dhiman |first5=Gaurav |last6=Vimal |first6=S. |date=2022 |title=Diagnosis and combating COVID-19 using wearable Oura smart ring with deep learning methods |journal=Personal and Ubiquitous Computing |volume=26 |issue=1 |pages=25–35 |doi=10.1007/s00779-021-01541-4 |issn=1617-4909 |pmc=7908947 |pmid=33654480}}</ref>

==== Micro Needle Patches ====
Micro needle patches have been developed to monitor [[Metabolite|metabolites]], inflammation markers, [[Drug|drugs]], etc.<ref name=":32" /> They are also very advantageous for various reasons: "improved [[immunogenicity]], dose-sparing effects, low manufacturing costs...ease of use...and greater acceptability compared to traditional hypodermic injections."<ref name=":52">{{Cite journal |last1=O’Shea |first1=Jesse |last2=Prausnitz |first2=Mark R. |last3=Rouphael |first3=Nadine |date=2021-04-01 |title=Dissolvable Microneedle Patches to Enable Increased Access to Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and Future Pandemic Outbreaks |journal=Vaccines |volume=9 |issue=4 |pages=320 |doi=10.3390/vaccines9040320 |doi-access=free |issn=2076-393X |pmc=8066809 |pmid=33915696}}</ref> The implementation of micro needle patches is expected to expedite the vaccination process making it more applicable, efficient, and cost effective.<ref name=":52" />

=== Contemporary use ===
{{More citations needed section|date=March 2023}}
Living a healthy life may not just solely be dependent on [[healthy diet|eating healthy]], sleeping well, or participating in a few exercises a week. Instead, it lies far beyond just a few things and rather is deeply connected to a variety of physiological and biochemical parts of the body in relation to physical activity and living a healthy lifestyle. In the past several years, the emergence of technological devices better known as "wearable technology" has improved the ability to measure physical activity and has given simple users and e.g. cardiologists to be able to analyze parameters related to their quality of life.

Wearable technology are devices that people can wear at all times throughout the day, and also throughout the night. They help measure certain values such as heartbeat and rhythm, quality of sleep,{{citation needed|date=March 2023}} total steps in a day, and may help recognize certain diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}} They may promote ideas on how to improve one's health and stay away from certain impending diseases. These devices give daily feedback on what to improve on and what areas people are doing well in, and this motivates and continues to push the user to keep on with their improved lifestyle.

Over time, wearable technology has impacted the health and physical activity market an immense amount as, according to ScienceDirect, "The consumer-directed wearable technology market is rapidly growing and expected to exceed $34B by 2020."<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Pevnick |first1=Joshua M. |last2=Birkeland |first2=Kade |last3=Zimmer |first3=Raymond |last4=Elad |first4=Yaron |last5=Kedan |first5=Ilan |date=2018-02-01 |title=Wearable technology for cardiology: An update and framework for the future |journal=Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine |language=en |volume=28 |issue=2 |pages=144–150 |doi=10.1016/j.tcm.2017.08.003 |issn=1050-1738 |pmc=5762264 |pmid=28818431}}</ref> This shows how the wearable technology sector is increasingly becoming more and more approved amongst all people who want to improve their health and quality of life.

Wearable technology can come in all forms from watches, pads placed on the heart, devices worn around the arms, all the way to devices that can measure any amount of data just through touching the receptors of the device. In many cases, wearable technology is connected to an app that can relay the information right away ready to be analyzed and discussed with a cardiologist. In addition, according to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine they state, "wearables may be a low-cost, feasible, and accessible way for promoting PA."<ref name="Phillips 144–150">{{Cite journal |last1=Phillips |first1=Siobhan M. |last2=Cadmus-Bertram |first2=Lisa |last3=Rosenberg |first3=Dori |last4=Buman |first4=Matthew P. |last5=Lynch |first5=Brigid M. |date=2018-01-01 |title=Wearable Technology and Physical Activity in Chronic Disease: Opportunities and Challenges |url=https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(17)30456-7/abstract |journal=American Journal of Preventive Medicine |language=English |volume=54 |issue=1 |pages=144–150 |doi=10.1016/j.amepre.2017.08.015 |issn=0749-3797 |pmc=5736445 |pmid=29122356}}</ref> Essentially, this insinuates that wearable technology can be beneficial to everyone and really is not cost prohibited. Also, when consistently seeing wearable technology being actually utilized and worn by other people, it promotes the idea of physical activity and pushes more individuals to take part.

Wearable technology also helps with chronic disease development and monitoring physical activity in terms of context. For example, according to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, "Wearables can be used across different chronic disease trajectory phases (e.g., pre- versus [[Post-surgical complications|post-surgery]]) and linked to [[electronic health record|medical record data]] to obtain granular data on how activity frequency, intensity, and duration changes over the disease course and with different treatments."<ref name="Phillips 144–150"/> Wearable technology can be beneficial in tracking and helping analyze data in terms of how one is performing as time goes on, and how they may be performing with different changes in their diet, workout routine, or sleep patterns. Also, not only can wearable technology be helpful in measuring results pre and post surgery, but it can also help measure results as someone may be rehabbing from a chronic disease such as cancer, or heart disease, etc.

Wearable technology has the potential to create new and improved ways of how we look at health and how we actually interpret that science behind our health. It can propel us into higher levels of medicine and has already made an significant impact on how patients are diagnosed, treated, and rehabbed over time. However, extensive research still needs to be continued on how to properly integrate wearable technology into health care and how to best utilize it. In addition, despite the reaping benefits of wearable technology, a lot of research still also has to be completed in order to start transitioning wearable technology towards very sick high risk patients.

===Sense-making of the data===
{{Expand section|date=March 2023}}
{{See also|Electronic health record#Use in research and development}}
While wearables can collect data in aggregate form, most of them are limited in their ability to analyze or make conclusions based on this data – thus, most are used primarily for general health information.

Exception include seizure-alerting wearables, which continuously analyze the wearer's data and make a decision about calling for help – the data collected can then provide doctors with objective evidence that they may find useful in diagnoses.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

Wearables can account for individual differences, although most just collect data and apply one-size-fits-all algorithms. Software on the wearables may analyze the data directly or send the data to a nearby device(s), such as a smartphone, which processes, displays or uses the data for analysis. For analysis and real-term sense-making, [[machine learning]] algorithms can also be used.<ref name="10.1038/s41586-022-05498-z"/>

===Use in surveillance===
Today, there is a growing interest to use wearables not only for individual self-tracking, but also within corporate health and wellness programs. Given that wearables create a massive [[data trail]] which employers could repurpose for objectives other than health, more and more research has begun to study privacy- and security-related issues of wearables, including related to the use for [[surveillance capitalism|surveillance of workers]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mettler |first1=Tobias |last2=Wulf| first2=Jochen |title=Physiolytics at the workplace: affordances and constraints of wearables use from an employee's perspective |journal=Information Systems Research |date=6 July 2018 |volume=28 |issue=6 |pages=245–273 |doi=10.1111/isj.12205 |doi-access=free }}</ref>{{additional citation needed|date=March 2023}} [[Asha Peta Thompson]] founded Intelligent Textiles who create woven power banks and circuitry that can be used in [[E-textiles|e]]-uniforms for [[infantry]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2015/aug/03/wearable-technology-wardrobes-smart-fashion|title=Is wearable technology set to take over our wardrobes?|last=Bearne|first=Suzanne|date=2015-08-03|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-02-22|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

== By form factor ==
Wearable technology can exist in multiple different form factors. Popular smartwatches include the [[Samsung Galaxy Watch]] and the [[Apple Watch]]. A popular [[smart ring]] is the McLear Ring. A popular implant is the [[Dangerous Things]] NExT RFID + NFC [[Microchip implant (human)|Chip Implant]], albeit such is not worn but implanted.{{clarify|date=March 2023|reason=implants are also mentioned in the lead but they're usually only implanted not also worn}}{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

=== Head-worn ===
Glasses (including but not only [[smartglasses]]) are wearable technology that are head-worn.

====Headgear====
Headcaps, for example to measure [[Electroencephalography|EEG]], are head-worn. A study indicates EEG headgear could be used for [[neuroenhancement]], concluding that a "visual flicker paradigm to entrain individuals at their own brain rhythm (i.e. peak [[Alpha wave|alpha frequency]])" results in {{tooltip|substantially|according to the news report "This group improved at least three times faster than control groups"}} faster perceptual visual [[learning]], maintained the day following training.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brain-frequency primer accelerates learning and retention |url=https://newatlas.com/health-wellbeing/brain-frequency-learning/ |access-date=15 February 2023 |work=New Atlas |date=1 February 2023 |archive-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215182922/https://newatlas.com/health-wellbeing/brain-frequency-learning/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Learning at your brain's rhythm: individualized entrainment boosts learning for perceptual decisions |journal=Cerebral Cortex |date=9 November 2022 |doi=10.1093/cercor/bhac426|doi-access=free|last1=Michael |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Covarrubias |first2=Lorena Santamaria |last3=Leong |first3=Victoria |last4=Kourtzi |first4=Zoe |volume=33 |issue=9 |pages=5382–5394 |pmid=36352510 |pmc=10152088 }}</ref> There is research into various forms of [[neurostimulation]], with various approaches including the use of wearable technology.

Another application may be supporting the induction of [[lucid dream]]s,<ref>{{cite news |title=Mastering the art of lucid dreaming |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/how-lucid-dreaming-science-sleep-b1789299.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |work=The Independent |date=8 February 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Tech for Lucid Dreaming Takes Off—But Will Any of It Work? |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-for-lucid-dreaming-takes-off-but-will-any-of-it-work |access-date=2 September 2022 |work=IEEE Spectrum |date=14 July 2017 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jabituya |first1=Ben |title=CPX M0 dream monocle |website=[[GitHub]] |url=https://github.com/jabituyaben/dream_monocle |access-date=2 September 2022 |date=10 April 2022}}</ref><ref name="10.3389/fnins.2019.00428/full"/> albeit "better-controlled validation studies are necessary to prove the effectiveness".<ref name="10.3389/fnins.2019.00428/full">{{cite journal |vauthors=Mota-Rolim SA, Pavlou A, Nascimento GC, Fontenele-Araujo J, Ribeiro S |title=Portable Devices to Induce Lucid Dreams—Are They Reliable? |journal=Frontiers in Neuroscience |date=2019 |volume=13 |page=428 |doi=10.3389/fnins.2019.00428 |pmid=31133778 |pmc=6517539 |language=English |issn=1662-453X |doi-access=free}}</ref>

=== Epidermal electronics (skin-attached) ===
{{Further|#Applications}}
Epidermal electronics is an emerging field of wearable technology, termed for their properties and behaviors comparable to those of the epidermis, or outermost layer of the skin.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last1=Kim|first1=Dae-Hyeong|last2=Rogers|first2=John|date=2011|title=Epidermal Electronics|journal=Science|volume=333|issue=6044|pages=838–843|doi=10.1126/science.1206157|pmid=21836009|bibcode=2011Sci...333..838K|osti=1875151 |s2cid=426960}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|last1=Webb|first1=R. Chad|last2=Ma|first2=Yinji|last3=Krishnan|first3=Siddharth|last4=Li|first4=Yuhang|last5=Yoon|first5=Stephen|last6=Guo|first6=Xiaogang|last7=Feng|first7=Xue|last8=Shi|first8=Yan|last9=Seidel|first9=Miles|last10=Cho|first10=Nam Heon|last11=Kurniawan|first11=Jonas|date=October 2015|title=Epidermal devices for noninvasive, precise, and continuous mapping of macrovascular and microvascular blood flow|journal=Science Advances|volume=1|issue=9|pages=e1500701|doi=10.1126/sciadv.1500701|pmid=26601309|pmc=4646823|bibcode=2015SciA....1E0701W|issn=2375-2548|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|last1=Zhang|first1=Yujia|last2=Tao|first2=Tiger H.|date=2019-10-17|title=Skin-Friendly Electronics for Acquiring Human Physiological Signatures|journal=Advanced Materials|volume=31|issue=49|page=1905767|doi=10.1002/adma.201905767|pmid=31621959|bibcode=2019AdM....3105767Z |s2cid=204757274 |issn=0935-9648}}</ref> These wearables are mounted directly onto the skin to continuously monitor physiological and metabolic processes, both dermal and subdermal.<ref name=":4" /> Wireless capability is typically achieved through battery, Bluetooth or NFC, making these devices convenient and portable as a type of wearable technology.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal|last1=Krishnan|first1=Siddharth R.|last2=Ray|first2=Tyler R.|last3=Ayer|first3=Amit B.|last4=Ma|first4=Yinji|last5=Gutruf|first5=Philipp|last6=Lee|first6=KunHyuck|last7=Lee|first7=Jong Yoon|last8=Wei|first8=Chen|last9=Feng|first9=Xue|last10=Ng|first10=Barry|last11=Abecassis|first11=Zachary A.|date=2018-10-31|title=Epidermal electronics for noninvasive, wireless, quantitative assessment of ventricular shunt function in patients with hydrocephalus|journal=Science Translational Medicine|volume=10|issue=465|pages=eaat8437|doi=10.1126/scitranslmed.aat8437|pmid=30381410|issn=1946-6234|doi-access=free}}</ref> Currently, epidermal electronics are being developed in the fields of fitness and medical monitoring.

Current usage of epidermal technology is limited by existing fabrication processes. Its current application relies on various sophisticated fabrication techniques such as by lithography or by directly printing on a carrier substrate before attaching directly to the body. Research into printing epidermal electronics directly on the skin is currently available as a sole study source.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Zhang|first1=Ling|last2=Ji|first2=Hongjun|last3=Huang|first3=Houbing|last4=Yi|first4=Ning|last5=Shi|first5=Xiaoming|last6=Xie|first6=Senpei|last7=Li|first7=Yaoyin|last8=Ye|first8=Ziheng|last9=Feng|first9=Pengdong|last10=Lin|first10=Tiesong|last11=Liu|first11=Xiangli|date=2020-10-07|title=Wearable Circuits Sintered at Room Temperature Directly on the Skin Surface for Health Monitoring|journal=ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces|volume=12|issue=40|pages=45504–45515|doi=10.1021/acsami.0c11479|pmid=32911929|s2cid=221625878|issn=1944-8244|url=https://scholarsphere.psu.edu/resources/68f43a0c-eef1-49d9-8b4a-4f65c5090d6c }}</ref>

The significance of epidermal electronics involves their mechanical properties, which resemble those of skin. The skin can be modeled as bilayer, composed of an epidermis having Young's Modulus (''E'') of 2-80 kPa and thickness of 0.3–3&nbsp;mm and a dermis having ''E'' of 140-600 kPa and thickness of 0.05-1.5&nbsp;mm. Together this bilayer responds plastically to tensile strains ≥ 30%, below which the skin's surface stretches and wrinkles without deforming.<ref name=":2" /> Properties of epidermal electronics mirror those of skin to allow them to perform in this same way. Like skin, epidermal electronics are ultrathin (''h'' < 100&nbsp;μm), low-modulus (''E'' ~ 70 kPa), and lightweight (<10&nbsp;mg/cm<sup>2</sup>), enabling them to conform to the skin without applying strain.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Krishnan|first1=Siddharth R.|last2=Arafa|first2=Hany M.|last3=Kwon|first3=Kyeongha|last4=Deng|first4=Yujun|last5=Su|first5=Chun-Ju|last6=Reeder|first6=Jonathan T.|last7=Freudman|first7=Juliet|last8=Stankiewicz|first8=Izabela|last9=Chen|first9=Hsuan-Ming|last10=Loza|first10=Robert|last11=Mims|first11=Marcus|date=2020-03-06|title=Continuous, noninvasive wireless monitoring of flow of cerebrospinal fluid through shunts in patients with hydrocephalus|journal=npj Digital Medicine|volume=3|issue=1|page=29|doi=10.1038/s41746-020-0239-1|pmid=32195364|pmc=7060317|issn=2398-6352|doi-access=free}}</ref> Conformal contact and proper adhesion enable the device to bend and stretch without delaminating, deforming or failing, thereby eliminating the challenges with conventional, bulky wearables, including measurement artifacts, hysteresis, and motion-induced irritation to the skin. With this inherent ability to take the shape of skin, epidermal electronics can accurately acquire data without altering the natural motion or behavior of skin.<ref name=":6">{{Citation|last1=Chad Webb|first1=R.|title=Ultrathin, Skin-Like Devices for Precise, Continuous Thermal Property Mapping of Human Skin and Soft Tissues|date=2016|work=Stretchable Bioelectronics for Medical Devices and Systems|pages=117–132|publisher=Springer International Publishing|isbn=978-3-319-28692-1|last2=Krishnan|first2=Siddharth|last3=Rogers|first3=John A.|series=Microsystems and Nanosystems |doi=10.1007/978-3-319-28694-5_6}}</ref> The thin, soft, flexible design of epidermal electronics resembles that of temporary tattoos laminated on the skin. Essentially, these devices are "mechanically invisible" to the wearer.<ref name=":2" />

Epidermal electronics devices may adhere to the skin via van der Waals forces or elastomeric substrates. With only van der Waals forces, an epidermal device has the same thermal mass per unit area (150 mJ/cm<sup>2</sup>K) as skin, when the skin's thickness is <500&nbsp;nm. Along with van der Waals forces, the low values of ''E'' and thickness are effective in maximizing adhesion because they prevent deformation-induced detachment due to tension or compression.<ref name=":2" /> Introducing an elastomeric substrate can improve adhesion but will raise the thermal mass per unit area slightly.<ref name=":6" /> Several materials have been studied to produce these skin-like properties, including photolithography patterned serpentine gold nanofilm and patterned doping of silicon nanomembranes.<ref name=":3" />

=== Foot-worn ===
Smart shoes are an example of wearable technology that incorporate smart features into shoes. Smart shoes often work with smartphone applications to support tasks cannot be done with standard footwear. The uses include vibrating of the smart phone to tell users when and where to turn to reach their destination via [[Google Maps]] or self-lacing.<ref name="Euronews">{{cite news|title=Five Futuristic Trends which could change the face of Tourism|url=http://www.euronews.com/2017/08/15/five-futuristic-trends-which-could-change-the-face-of-tourism|newspaper=[[Euronews]]|date=15 August 2017|access-date=15 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="xtech">{{cite news|title=The smartshoe: A much more sensible approach to wearable computing than Glass or a smartwatch
|url=http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/186824-the-smartshoe-a-much-more-sensible-approach-to-wearable-computing-than-glass-or-a-smartwatch|work=Extreme Tech|last=Anthony|first=Sebastian|date=24 July 2014|access-date=26 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="Mint (newspaper)">{{cite news|title=Footwear that also track and navigate|url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/F9psoSWYum6a8M900hJFgO/Footwear-that-also-track-and-navigate.html|newspaper=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]|date=3 April 2017|access-date=3 April 2017}}</ref><ref name="twsj">{{cite news|title=India's Answer to Google Glass: The Smartshoe|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2014/07/24/indias-answer-to-google-glass-the-smartshoe/|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|last=Thoppil|first=Dhanya Ann Thoppil|date=24 July 2014|access-date=26 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="Deccan">{{cite news|title=A smart shoe from Indian firm|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140727/technology-science-and-trends/article/%E2%80%98smart-shoe%E2%80%99-indian-firm|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=27 July 2014|access-date=26 July 2014}}</ref>

[[Self-tying shoes|Self-lacing sneaker]] technology, similar to the [[Nike Mag]] in ''[[Back to the Future Part II]]'', is another use of the smart shoe. In 2019 German footwear company [[Puma (brand)|Puma]] was recognized as one of the "100 Best Inventions of 2019" by ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' for its Fi laceless shoe that uses micro-motors to adjust the fit from an [[iPhone]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/collection/best-inventions-2019/5734576/puma-fi/|title=A Digital Sneaker|magazine=Time}}</ref> [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] also introduced a smart shoe in 2019 known as Adapt BB. The shoe featured buttons on the side to loosen or tighten the fit with a custom motor and gear, which could also be controlled by a smartphone.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://footwearnews.com/2019/focus/athletic-outdoor/jayson-tatum-nike-adapt-bb-basketball-sneaker-nba-1202731545/|title=Jayson Tatum Is the First Basketball Player to Wear Nike's Self-Lacing Shoes in an NBA Game|date=17 January 2019 |publisher=Footwear News}}</ref>

==Modern technologies==

[[File:Fitbit Charge HR.jpg|thumb|right|The Fitbit, a modern wearable device]]
On April 16, 2013, [[Google]] invited "Glass Explorers" who had pre-ordered its wearable glasses at the 2012 Google I/O conference to pick up their devices. This day marked the official launch of Google Glass, a device intended to deliver rich text and notifications via a heads-up display worn as eyeglasses. The device also had a 5 MP camera and recorded video at 720p.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tech specs|url=https://support.google.com/glass/answer/3064128?hl=en&ref_topic=3063354|access-date=20 April 2013}}</ref> Its various functions were activated via [[Speech recognition|voice command]], such as "OK Glass". The company also launched the Google Glass companion app, MyGlass.<ref>{{cite web|title=Google Finally Reveals Glass Specifications, MyGlass App Now Live|url=http://selfscreens.com/archives/1794/google-finally-reveals-glass-specifications-myglass-app-now-live/|access-date=11 August 2013|website = Self Screens}}</ref> The first third-party Google Glass App came from the ''[[New York Times]]'', which was able to read out articles and news summaries.

However, in early 2015, Google stopped selling the beta "explorer edition" of Glass to the public, after criticism of its design and the $1,500 price tag.<ref>{{cite web|title=Google has admitted that releasing Google Glass early may have been a mistake|url=http://uk.businessinsider.com/tony-fadell-releasing-google-glass-explorer-beta-to-public-mistake-2015-7/|website=Business Insider|access-date=17 March 2016}}</ref>

While optical head-mounted display technology remains a niche, two popular types of wearable devices have taken off: smartwatches and activity trackers. In 2012, [[ABI Research]] forecast that sales of smartwatches would hit $1.2 million in 2013, helped by the high penetration of smartphones in many world markets, the wide availability and low cost of MEMS sensors, energy efficient connectivity technologies such as Bluetooth 4.0, and a flourishing app ecosystem.<ref>[http://www.abiresearch.com/press/more-than-one-million-smart-watches-will-be-shippe More Than One Million Smart Watches will be Shipped in 2013], ABI Research</ref>

[[Crowdfunding]]-backed start-up [[Pebble (watch)|Pebble]] reinvented the smartwatch in 2013, with a campaign running on [[Kickstarter]] that raised more than $10m in funding. At the end of 2014, Pebble announced it had sold a million devices. In early 2015, Pebble went back to its crowdfunding roots to raise a further $20m for its next-generation smartwatch, Pebble Time, which started shipping in May 2015.{{update inline|date=March 2023}}

[[Crowdfunding]]-backed start-up [[McLear]] invented the smart ring in 2013, with a campaign running on [[Kickstarter]] that raised more than $300k in funding. McLear was the first mover in wearables technology in introducing payments, bitcoin payments, advanced secure access control, [[quantified self]] data collection, biometric data tracking, and monitoring systems for the elderly.

In March 2014, [[Motorola]] unveiled the [[Moto 360]] smartwatch powered by [[Android Wear]], a modified version of the mobile operating system Android designed specifically for smartwatches and other wearables.<ref>{{cite web|title=Moto 360: It's Time|url=http://motorola-blog.blogspot.in/2014/03/moto-360-its-time.html|access-date=18 March 2014|website = The Official Motorola Blog}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sharing what's up our sleeve: Android coming to wearables|url=http://googleblog.blogspot.in/2014/03/sharing-whats-up-our-sleeve-android.html|access-date=18 March 2014|website = Official Google Blog|date=18 March 2014}}</ref> Finally, following more than a year of speculation, Apple announced its own smartwatch, the [[Apple Watch]], in September 2014.

Wearable technology was a popular topic at the trade show [[Consumer Electronics Show]] in 2014, with the event dubbed "The Wearables, Appliances, Cars and Bendable TVs Show" by industry commentators.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wearable tech at CES 2014: Many, many small steps |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/wearable-tech-at-ces-2014-many-many-small-steps/ |access-date=17 March 2016 |website=CNET|date=9 January 2014 }}</ref> Among numerous wearable products showcased were smartwatches, activity trackers, smart jewelry, head-mounted optical displays and earbuds. Nevertheless, wearable technologies are still suffering from limited battery capacity.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Energy-Efficient Integration of Continuous Context Sensing and Prediction into Smartwatches|journal = Sensors|volume=15|issue=9|pages=22616–22645|doi=10.3390/s150922616|pmid=26370997|pmc = 4610428|year=2015|last1=Rawassizadeh|first1=Reza|last2=Tomitsch|first2=Martin|last3=Nourizadeh|first3=Manouchehr|last4=Momeni|first4=Elaheh|last5=Peery|first5=Aaron|last6=Ulanova|first6=Liudmila|last7=Pazzani|first7=Michael|bibcode = 2015Senso..1522616R|doi-access = free}}</ref>

Another field of application of wearable technology is monitoring systems for [[assisted living]] and [[eldercare]]. Wearable sensors have a huge potential in generating [[big data]], with a great applicability to biomedicine and ambient assisted living.<ref>{{cite journal|title=What Does Big Data Mean for Wearable Sensor Systems?
| pmc=4287062 | pmid=25123733 | doi=10.15265/IY-2014-0019| volume=9| journal=Yearb Med Inform| pages=135–42 | last1 = Redmond | first1 = SJ | last2 = Lovell | first2 = NH | last3 = Yang | first3 = GZ | last4 = Horsch | first4 = A | last5 = Lukowicz | first5 = P | last6 = Murrugarra | first6 = L | last7 = Marschollek | first7 = M| year=2014 | issue=1 }}</ref> For this reason, researchers are moving their focus from data collection to the development of intelligent algorithms able to glean valuable information from the collected data, using [[data mining]] techniques such as [[statistical classification]] and [[Artificial neural network|neural networks]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Data Mining for Wearable Sensors in Health Monitoring Systems: A Review of Recent Trends and Challenges
|journal = Sensors|volume=13|issue=12|pages=17472–17500|doi=10.3390/s131217472|pmid=24351646
|pmc = 3892855|year=2013|last1=Banaee|first1=Hadi|last2=Ahmed|first2=Mobyen|last3=Loutfi|first3=Amy|bibcode = 2013Senso..1317472B|doi-access = free}}</ref>

Wearable technology can also collect biometric data such as heart rate (ECG and HRV), brainwave (EEG), and muscle bio-signals (EMG) from the human body to provide valuable information in the field of health care and wellness.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jdsupra.com/topics/wearable-technology/biometric-information/data-collection/|title=Wearable Technology, Biometric Information, Data Collection {{!}} JD Supra|website=JD Supra|access-date=2016-12-13}}</ref>

Another increasingly popular wearable technology involves virtual reality. [[VR headset]]s have been made by a range of manufacturers for computers, consoles, and mobile devices. Recently Google released their headset, the Google Daydream.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://calhoun.nps.edu/bitstream/handle/10945/41253/Singh_d912f5075af50e0812_2008.pdf?sequence=1|title=A survey of mobile and wireless technologies for augmented reality systems|last=Papagiannakis|first=George}}</ref>

In addition to commercial applications, wearable technology is being researched and developed for a multitude of uses. The [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] is one of the many research institutions developing and testing technologies in this field. For example, research is being done to improve [[haptic technology]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.mit.edu/2013/wearable-tactile-displays-0614|title=Can you feel me now?|work=MIT News|access-date=2017-10-24}}</ref> for its integration into next-generation wearables. Another project focuses on using wearable technology to assist the visually impaired in navigating their surroundings.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.mit.edu/2017/wearable-visually-impaired-users-navigate-0531|title=Wearable system helps visually impaired users navigate|work=MIT News|access-date=2017-10-24}}</ref>
[[File:Wearable Technology Picture for Modules 8-10 ENGL 15 assignment.jpg|thumb|Wearable technology in action]]
As wearable technology continues to grow, it has begun to expand into other fields. The integration of wearables into healthcare has been a focus of research and development for various institutions. Wearables continue to evolve, moving beyond devices and exploring new frontiers such as smart fabrics. Applications involve using a fabric to perform a function such as integrating a [[QR code]] into the textile,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/06/20/technology/startups/jansport-programmable-backpack/index.html|title=JanSport's high-tech backpack gives teens a new way to express themselves|last=McFarland|first=Matt|work=CNNMoney|access-date=2017-10-26}}</ref> or performance apparel that increases airflow during exercise<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.mit.edu/2017/moisture-responsive-workout-suit-0519|title=Researchers design moisture-responsive workout suit|work=MIT News|access-date=2017-10-26}}</ref>

== Entertainment ==
[[File:W Series Sports Walkman.jpg|thumb|A fully wearable [[Walkman]] music player ([[List of Sony Walkman products#W Series|W series]])]]
Wearables have expanded into the entertainment space by creating new ways to experience digital media. Virtual reality headsets and augmented reality glasses have come to exemplify wearables in entertainment. The influence of these virtual reality headsets and augmented reality glasses are seen mostly in the gaming industry during the initial days, but are now used in the fields of medicine and education.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://healthinformatics.uic.edu/blog/big-data-and-wearable-health-monitors-harnessing-the-benefits-and-overcoming-challenges/|title=Big Data and Wearable Health Monitors: Harnessing the Benefits and Overcoming Challenges|date=2019-09-17|website=Health Informatics Online Masters {{!}} Nursing & Medical Degrees|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-13}}</ref>

Virtual reality headsets such as the [[Oculus Rift]], [[HTC Vive]], and Google Daydream View aim to create a more immersive media experience by either simulating a first-person experience or displaying the media in the user's full field of vision. Television, films, video games, and educational simulators have been developed for these devices to be used by working professionals and consumers. In a 2014 expo, Ed Tang of Avegant presented his "Smart Headphones". These headphones use Virtual Retinal Display to enhance the experience of the Oculus Rift.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.alistdaily.com/media/the-future-of-wearables-in-entertainment-at-wearable-tech-la/|title=The Future Of Wearables In Entertainment At Wearable Tech LA|date=2014-07-18|work=AListDaily|access-date=2018-02-19|language=en-US}}</ref> Some augmented reality devices fall under the category of wearables. Augmented reality glasses are currently in development by several corporations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mashable.com/2017/05/20/microsoft-research-augmented-reality-glasses/#suovjGvxZOqi|title=Microsoft Research shows off its augmented reality glasses|last=Strange|first=Adario|work=Mashable|access-date=2017-10-26|language=en}}</ref> [[Snap Inc.]]'s [[Spectacles (product)|Spectacles]] are sunglasses that record video from the user's point of view and pair with a phone to post videos on [[Snapchat]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/24/13042640/snapchat-spectacles-how-to-use|title=Here's how Snapchat's new Spectacles will work|work=The Verge|access-date=2017-10-26}}</ref> Microsoft has also delved into this business, releasing Augmented Reality glasses, [[Microsoft HoloLens|HoloLens]], in 2017. The device explores using digital holography, or holograms, to give the user a first hand experience of Augmented Reality.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/holographic-near-eye-displays-virtual-augmented-reality/|title=Holographic Near-Eye Displays for Virtual and Augmented Reality - Microsoft Research|work=Microsoft Research|access-date=2018-02-19|language=en-US}}</ref> These wearable headsets are used in many different fields including the military.

Wearable technology has also expanded from small pieces of technology on the wrist to apparel all over the body. There is a shoe made by the company shiftwear that uses a smartphone application to periodically change the design display on the shoe.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.shiftwear.com/|title=ShiftWear - Designs In Motion - Shiftwear Sneakers|website=www.shiftwear.com|access-date=2018-02-19|archive-date=2002-09-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020923131127/https://www.shiftwear.com/}}</ref> The shoe is designed using normal fabric but utilizes a display along the midsection and back that shows a design of your choice. The application was up by 2016 and a prototype for the shoes was created in 2017.<ref name=":0" />

Another example of this can be seen with Atari's headphone speakers. Atari and Audiowear are developing a face cap with built in speakers. The cap will feature speakers built into the underside of the brim, and will have Bluetooth capabilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://audiowear.com/|title=Audiowear|website=audiowear.com|access-date=2018-02-19}}</ref> [[Jabra (headset)|Jabra]] has released earbuds,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/jabra-elite-65t-true-wireless-earbuds|title=Jabra Elite 65t True Wireless Earbuds review|last=Leong 2019-11-20T23:25:39Z|first=Lewis|website=TechRadar|date=20 November 2019|language=en|access-date=2019-12-13}}</ref> in 2018, that cancel the noise around the user and can toggle a setting called "hearthrough." This setting takes the sound around the user through the microphone and sends it to the user. This gives the user an augmented sound while they commute so they will be able to hear their surroundings while listening to their favorite music.  Many other devices can be considered entertainment wearables and need only be devices worn by the user to experience media.

=== Gaming ===
The gaming industry has always incorporated new technology. The first technology used for electronic gaming was a controller for [[Pong]]. The way users game has continuously evolved through each decade. Currently, the two most common forms of gaming is either using a controller for video game [[Video game console|consoles]] or a mouse and keyboard for [[PC game]]s.

In 2012, virtual reality headphones were reintroduced to the public. VR headsets were first conceptualized in the 1950s and officially created in the 1960s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/history-of-virtual-reality/|website=www.digitaltrends.com|access-date=2019-12-13|title=8 Major Milestones in the Brief History of Virtual Reality|date=2017-11-13}}</ref> The creation of the first virtual reality headset can be credited to Cinematographer Morton Heilig. He created a device known as the Sensorama in 1962.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://launchforth.io/blog/post/engineer-spotlight-morton-heilig/2363/|title=Engineer Spotlight: Morton Heilig {{!}} Launch Forth|date=2017-07-17|work=Launch Forth|access-date=2018-03-06|language=en-us|archive-date=2018-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306083425/https://launchforth.io/blog/post/engineer-spotlight-morton-heilig/2363/}}</ref> The Sensorama was a videogame like device that was so heavy that it needed to be held up by a suspension device.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.medienkunstnetz.de/works/sensorama/|title=Media Art Net {{!}} Heilig, Morton: Sensorama|last=Net|first=Media Art|date=2019-12-13|website=www.medienkunstnetz.de|language=en|access-date=2019-12-13}}</ref> There has been numerous different wearable technology within the gaming industry from gloves to foot boards. The gaming space has offbeat inventions. In 2016, Sony debuted its first portable, connectable virtual reality headset codenamed Project Morpheus.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wareable.com/vr/best-vr-headsets-2017|title=Best VR headsets 2018: HTC Vive, Oculus, PlayStation VR compared|work=Wareable|access-date=2018-03-06|language=en}}</ref> The device was rebranded for PlayStation in 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/sony-project-morpheus-now-playstation-vr|title=Sony's Project Morpheus now officially called 'PlayStation VR'|last=Collins|first=Katie|access-date=2018-03-06}}</ref> In early 2019, Microsoft debuts their [[HoloLens 2]] that goes beyond just virtual reality into mixed reality headset. Their main focus is to be use mainly by the working class to help with difficult tasks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/24/18235460/microsoft-hololens-2-price-specs-mixed-reality-ar-vr-business-work-features-mwc-2019|title=Microsoft's HoloLens 2: a $3,500 mixed reality headset for the factory, not the living room|last=Bohn|first=Dieter|date=2019-02-24|website=The Verge|access-date=2019-02-24}}</ref> These headsets are used by educators, scientists, engineers, military personnel, surgeons, and many more. Headsets such as the HoloLens 2 allows the user to see a projected image at multiple angles and interact with the image. This helps gives a ''hands on'' experience to the user, which otherwise, they would not be able to get.

== Military ==
Wearable technology within the military ranges from educational purposes, training exercises and sustainability technology.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Shi|first=Han|date=June 2019|title=Systematic Analysis of a Military Wearable Device based on a Multi-Level Fusion Framework: Research Directions|journal=Sensors |volume=19|issue=12|page=2651 |doi=10.3390/s19122651|pmid=31212742|pmc=6631929|bibcode=2019Senso..19.2651S|doi-access=free}}</ref>

The technology used for educational purposes within the military are mainly wearables that tracks a soldier's vitals. By tracking a soldier's heart rate, blood pressure, emotional status, etc. helps the research and development team best help the soldiers. According to chemist, Matt Coppock, he has started to enhance a soldier's lethality by collecting different biorecognition receptors. By doing so it will eliminate emerging environmental threats to the soldiers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/221184/|title=Wearable sensors could leverage biotechnology to monitor personal, environmental data|last=CCDC Army Research Laboratory|first=Public Affairs|date=May 2019|website=army.mil}}</ref>

With the emergence of virtual reality it is only natural to start creating simulations using VR. This will better prepare the user for whatever situation they are training for. In the military there are combat simulations that soldiers will train on. The reason the military will use VR to train its soldiers is because it is the most interactive/immersive experience the user will feels without being put in a real situation.<ref name=":02">{{Cite journal|last=Office of Technology Assessment|first=Congress of the United States|date=September 1994|title=Virtual Reality|url=https://govinfo.library.unt.edu/ota/Ota_1/DATA/1994/9444.PDF|journal=Ota-Bp-Iss-136|volume=136|pages=14–22}}</ref> Recent simulations include a soldier wearing a shock belt during a combat simulation. Each time they are shot the belt will release a certain amount of electricity directly to the user's skin. This is to simulate a shot wound in the most humane way possible.<ref name=":02" />

There are many sustainability technologies that military personnel wear in the field. One of which is a boot insert. This insert gauges how soldiers are carrying the weight of their equipment and how daily terrain factors impact their mission panning optimization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/1192220/new-wearable-technology-designed-to-lighten-load-for-marines/|title=New Wearable Technology Designed to Lighten Load for Marines|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-13}}</ref> These sensors will not only help the military plan the best timeline but will help keep the soldiers at best physical/mental health.

== Fashion ==
Fashionable wearables are "designed garments and accessories that combines aesthetics and style with functional technology."<ref>{{cite book|last1=Seymour|first1=Sabine|title=Fashionable Technology: The intersection of design, fashion, science and technology|date=2008|publisher=Springer Wien New York|isbn=978-3-211-74498-7}}</ref> Garments are the interface to the exterior mediated through digital technology. It allows endless possibilities for the dynamic customization of apparel. All clothes have social, psychological and physical functions. However, with the use of technology these functions can be amplified. There are some wearables that are called E-textiles. These are the combination of textiles(fabric) and electronic components to create wearable technology within clothing.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/e-textiles-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players/671|title=E-Textiles 2019-2029: Technologies, Markets and Players: IDTechEx|date=2019-05-21|website=IDTechEx |language=en|access-date=2019-12-13}}</ref> They are also known as smart textile and digital textile.

Wearables are made from a functionality perspective or from an aesthetic perspective. When made from a functionality perspective, designers and engineers create wearables to provide convenience to the user. [[Clothing]] and [[Fashion accessory|accessories]] are used as a tool to provide assistance to the user. Designers and engineers are working together to incorporate technology in the manufacturing of garments in order to provide functionalities that can simplify the lives of the user. For example, through [[smartwatch]]es people have the ability to communicate on the go and track their health. Moreover, smart fabrics have a direct interaction with the user, as it allows sensing the customers' moves. This helps to address concerns such as [[privacy]], communication and well-being. Years ago, fashionable wearables were functional but not very aesthetic. As of 2018, wearables are quickly growing to meet fashion standards through the production of garments that are stylish and comfortable. Furthermore, when wearables are made from an aesthetic perspective, designers explore with their work by using technology and collaborating with engineers. These designers explore the different techniques and methods available for incorporating electronics in their designs. They are not constrained by one set of materials or colors, as these can change in response to the embedded sensors in the apparel. They can decide how their designs adapt and responds to the user.<ref name="crafting">{{cite book|last1=Guler|first1=Sibel Deren|title=Crafting wearables: blending technology with fashion|date=2016|publisher=New York: Apress}}</ref>

In 1967, French fashion designer Pierre Cardin, known for his futuristic designs created a collection of garments entitled "robe electronique" that featured a geometric embroidered pattern with LEDs (light emitting diodes). Pierre Cardin unique designs were featured in an episode of the Jetsons animated show where one of the main characters demonstrates how her luminous "Pierre Martian"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/pierre-cardin-future-fashion/index.html |access-date=2020-05-14 |website=CNN |title=Pierre Cardin: The 97-year-old fashion designer with visions for 2069 |date=20 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102110902/https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/pierre-cardin-future-fashion/index.html |archive-date=2020-01-02 |url-status=live}}</ref> dress works by plugging it into the mains. An exhibition about the work of Pierre Cardin was recently on display at the Brooklyn Museum in New York<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/pierre-cardin-exhibition-brooklyn-museum-of-art |access-date=2020-05-14 |website=Vogue |title=There's a Pierre Cardin Exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum—Here Are 5 Things You Didn't Know About the French Design Legend |date=19 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719172117/https://www.vogue.com/article/pierre-cardin-exhibition-brooklyn-museum-of-art |archive-date=2019-07-19 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1968, the [[Museum of Contemporary Craft]] in New York City held an exhibition named Body Covering which presented the infusion of technological wearables with fashion. Some of the projects presented were clothing that changed temperature, and party dresses that light up and produce noises, among others. The designers from this exhibition creatively embedded electronics into the clothes and accessories to create these projects. As of 2018, fashion designers continue to explore this method in the manufacturing of their designs by pushing the limits of fashion and technology.<ref name="crafting"/>

=== House of Holland and NFC Ring ===
McLear, also known as NFC Ring, in partnership with the House of Henry Holland and Visa Europe Collab, showcased an event entitled "Cashless on the Catwalk" at the Collins Music Hall in Islington. Celebrities walking through the event could make purchases for the first time in history from a wearable device using McLear's NFC Rings by tapping the ring on a purchase terminal.<ref>{{cite web |title=The inside story of House of Holland's NFC rings and shoppable LFW catwalk show |url=https://www.wareable.com/fashion/house-of-hollands-lfw-ss16-nfc-rings-shoppable-catwalk-1713 |website=www.wareable.com |date=19 September 2015 |access-date=30 July 2021}}</ref>

=== CuteCircuit ===
CuteCircuit pioneered the concept of interactive and app-controlled fashion with the creation in 2008 of the Galaxy Dress (part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, US) and in 2012 of the tshirtOS (now infinitshirt). CuteCircuit fashion designs can interact and change colour providing the wearer a new way of communicating and expressing their personality and style. CuteCircuit's designs have been worn on the red carpet by celebrities such as Katy Perry<ref name="auto"/> and [[Nicole Scherzinger]].<ref name="Krupnick"/> and are part of the permanent collections of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

=== Project Jacquard ===
Project Jacquard, a [[Google]] project led by Ivan Poupyrev, has been combining clothing with technology.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3046864/meet-project-jacquard-googles-plan-to-turn-all-your-clothes-into-a-touchscreen|title=Meet Project Jacquard, Google's Plan To Turn Your Clothes Into A Touch Screen|last=Brownlee|first=John|date=2015-06-01|work=Fast Company|access-date=2018-09-27|language=en-US}}</ref>  Google collaborated with [[Levi Strauss & Co.|Levi Strauss]] to create a jacket that has touch-sensitive areas that can control a smartphone. The cuff-links are removable and charge in a USB port.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/25/16354712/google-project-jacquard-levis-commuter-trucker-jacket-price-release-date|title=This Levi's jacket with a smart sleeve is finally going on sale for $350|last=Bohn|first=Dieter|date=25 September 2017|work=The Verge|access-date=2018-09-27}}</ref>

=== Intel and Chromat ===

[[Intel]] partnered with the brand Chromat to create a sports bra that responds to changes in the body of the user, as well as a 3D printed carbon fiber dress that changes color based on the user's adrenaline levels.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/03/16/intel-fashion-wearables-interview/|title=Intel wants to be a tech 'enabler' for the fashion industry|work=Engadget|access-date=2018-09-26|language=en-US}}</ref> Intel also partnered with Google and TAG Heuer to make a smart watch.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/03/14/tag-heuer-connected-modular-45/|title=TAG Heuer made a modular $1,650 smartwatch|work=Engadget|access-date=2018-09-26|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Iris van Herpen ===
[[File:Iris Van Herpen.jpg|thumb|Iris Van Herpen's water dress]]
Smart fabrics and 3D printing have been incorporated in high fashion by the designer [[Iris van Herpen]].  Van Herpen was the first designer to incorporate [[3D printing]] technology of [[rapid prototyping]] into the fashion industry.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Amed|first1=Imran|title=The future of wearables is smart fabrics, says Business of Fashion founder|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/smart-fabrics-beat-smart-devices|magazine=Wired UK|access-date=20 January 2018|date=2016-01-12}}</ref> The Belgian company Materialise NV collaborates with her in the printing of her designs.

=== Manufacturing process of e-textiles ===
There are several methods which companies manufacture e-textiles from fiber to garment and the insertion of electronics to the process. One of the methods being developed is when stretchable circuits are printed right into a fabric using conductive ink.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engineering.com/ElectronicsDesign/ElectronicsDesignArticles/ArticleID/9699/Embedding-Smart-Fabric-Sensors-in-Your-Next-Product.aspx|title=Embedding Smart Fabric Sensors in Your Next Product|last1=Solboda|first1=Laura|website=www.engineering.com|publisher=engineering.com|access-date=10 February 2019}}</ref> The conductive ink uses metal fragments in the ink to become electrically conductive. Another method would be using [https://www.swicofil.com/consult/innovations/conductivity conductive thread or yarn]. This development includes the coating of non-conductive fiber (like [[polyester]] PET) with conductive material such as metal like gold or silver to produce coated yarns or in order to produce an e-textile.<ref name="Wearable E-Textile Technologies: A">{{cite journal|last1=Gonçalves|first1=Carlos|last2=Ferreira da Silva|first2=Alexandre|last3=Gomes|first3=João|last4=Simoes|first4=Ricardo|year=2018|title=Wearable E-Textile Technologies: A Review on Sensors, Actuators and Control Elements Carlos Gonçalves 1,2,* ID, Alexandre Ferreira da Silva 3 ID, João Gomes 2 and|journal=Inventions|volume=3|page=14|doi=10.3390/inventions3010014|doi-access=free|hdl=1822/60081|hdl-access=free}}</ref>

Common fabrication techniques for e-textiles include the following traditional methods:
{{div col}}
* Embroidery
* Sewing
* Weaving
* Non-woven
* Knitting
* Spinning
* Breading
* Coating
* Printing
* Laying<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wearable-solutions.de/|title=Production methods Wearable Technology|website=Wearable Solutions GmbH|language=de-DE|access-date=2020-01-28}}</ref>
{{div col end}}

== Issues and concerns ==
{{Cleanup|date=August 2021|reason=This article needs grammatical and content corrections.}}
{{See also|#Use in surveillance}}
The [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]] drafted a guidance for low risk devices advises that personal health wearables are general wellness products if they only collect data on weight management, physical fitness, relaxation or stress management, mental acuity, self-esteem, sleep management, or sexual function.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.fda.gov/ucm/groups/fdagov-public/@fdagov-meddev-gen/documents/document/ucm429674.pdf|title = General Wellness: Policy for Low Risk Devices – Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff|date = January 2015|website = U.S. Food and Drug Administration|publisher = FDA}}</ref> This was due to the privacy risks that were surrounding the devices. As more and more of the devices were being used as well as improved soon enough these devices would be able to tell if a person is showing certain health issues and give a course of action. With the rise of these devices being consumed so to the FDA drafted this guidance in order to decrease risk of a patient in case the app does not function properly.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Theirer|first=Adam|date=2014|title=The internet of things and wearable technology: Addressing privacy and security concerns without derailing innovation.|url=http://www.heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/jolt21&div=8&g_sent=1&casa_token=&collection=journals|journal=Law and Technology|volume=21|pages=1–118}}</ref> It is argued the ethics of it as well because although they help track health and promote independence there is still an invasion of privacy that ensues to gain information. This is due to the huge amounts of data that has to be transferred which could raise issues for both the user and the companies if a third partied gets access to this data. There was an issue with [[Google Glass]] that was used by surgeons in order to track vital signs of a patient where it had privacy issues relating to third party use of non-consented information. The issue is consent as well when it comes to wearable technology because it gives the ability to record and that is an issue when permission is not asked when a person is being recorded.<ref>{{Cite journal|vauthors=Segura Anaya LH, Alsadoon A, Costadopoulos N, Prasad PW |title=Ethical Implications of User Perceptions of Wearable Devices |journal=Science and Engineering Ethics|volume=24|issue=1|pages=1–28|doi=10.1007/s11948-017-9872-8|pmid=28155094|year=2018|s2cid=46748322}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/1426579/dod-studying-implications-of-wearable-devices-giving-too-much-info/|title=DoD Studying Implications of Wearable Devices Giving Too Much Info|website=U.S. Department of Defense|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-13}}</ref>

Compared to smartphones, wearable devices pose several new reliability challenges to device manufacturers and software developers. Limited display area, limited computing power, limited volatile and non-volatile memory, non-conventional shape of the devices, abundance of sensor data, complex communication patterns of the apps, and limited battery size—all these factors can contribute to salient [[software bug]]s and failure modes, such as, resource starvation or device hangs.<ref name=":1" /> Moreover, since many of the wearable devices are used for health purposes<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /> (either monitoring or treatment), their accuracy and robustness issues can give rise to safety concerns. Some tools have been developed to evaluate the reliability and the security properties of these wearable devices.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Gu|first1=Tianxiao|last2=Sun|first2=Chengnian|last3=Ma|first3=Xiaoxing|last4=Cao|first4=Chun|last5=Xu|first5=Chang|last6=Yao|first6=Yuan|last7=Zhang|first7=Qirun|last8=Lu|first8=Jian|last9=Su|first9=Zhendong|title=2019 IEEE/ACM 41st International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE) |chapter=Practical GUI Testing of Android Applications Via Model Abstraction and Refinement |date=May 2019|location=Montreal, QC, Canada|publisher=IEEE|pages=269–280|doi=10.1109/ICSE.2019.00042|isbn=978-1-7281-0869-8|s2cid=89608086}}</ref> The early results point to a weak spot of wearable software whereby overloading of the devices, such as through high UI activity, can cause failures.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Yi|first1=Edgardo Barsallo|last2=Zhang|first2=Heng|last3=Maji|first3=Amiya K.|last4=Xu|first4=Kefan|last5=Bagchi|first5=Saurabh|title=Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Mobile Systems, Applications, and Services |chapter=Vulcan |date=2020-06-15|chapter-url=https://doi.org/10.1145/3386901.3388916|series=MobiSys '20|location=Toronto, Ontario, Canada|publisher=Association for Computing Machinery|pages=391–403|doi=10.1145/3386901.3388916|isbn=978-1-4503-7954-0|s2cid=219398382}}</ref>

==See also==
{{div col}}
* [[Assistive technology]]
* [[Ai Pin]]
* [[Clothing technology]]
* [[Computer-mediated reality]]
* [[Cyborg]]
* [[Flexible electronics]]
* [[GPS watch]]
* [[Mixed reality]]
* [[Smart, connected products]]
* [[Wearable computer]]
* [[Internet of Musical Things]]

{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.physics.org/featuredetail.asp?id=28 "Wear your heart on your sleeve"] - physics.org
* [http://video.pbs.org/video/2365039733/ "The Future of Wearable Technology"] - video by ''[[Off Book (web series)|Off Book]]''

[[Category:Wearable devices| ]]
[[Category:Internet of things]]
[[Category:Fashion accessories]]
[[Category:Ambient intelligence]]
[[Category:Human–computer interaction]]
[[Category:Ubiquitous computing]]
[[Category:Wearable computers]]