Internet Of Things In Wearable Technologies

The Internet of Things (IoT) application in wearable technologies is more than you can imagine. The smartwatches you use for tracking your daily foot counts, or the VR headsets you use for playing games, are all outcomes of this system. And the continuous development of wearable technologies is adding new chapters on the use of IoT. So, let’s explore the world where IoT meets wearables-

What Is The IoT In Wearable Technology?

The Internet of Things (IoT) in wearable technology is known as ‘The Internet of Wearable Things’ or (IoWT). Wearable technology, commonly called “wearables,” is a class of electronic devices that can be implanted in the user’s body, worn as accessories, or even tattooed on the skin. These gadgets are autonomous, useful tech items that run on microprocessors and have the added benefit of sending and obtaining data over the Internet. Wearable technology now occupies a leading position in the Internet of Things (IoT) thanks to the quick adoption of such gadgets.

The Internet of Wearable Things (IoWT) intends to improve people’s daily lives. Sensors included in wearable devices monitor an individual’s activities, health, and other characteristics. The IoWT data can be integrated into medical infrastructure, enabling clinicians to access patient’s data remotely as they continue their regular lives. A fresh integrative framework for IoWT is being developed, building on the Internet of Things (IoT) architecture. Besides, the Internet of Wearable Things (IoT) is an innovative innovation that holds the potential to transform the healthcare sector by developing an environment for automated telehealth therapies. Apart from these, there is a wide range of industries where the Internet Of Wearable Things is being used.

History Of The IoT In Wearable Technologies

Wearable technology has been around since the 13th century when spectacles were first created. Since roughly 1500, there have been wearable timepieces. But a microprocessor and an internet connection are required for modern wearable technology.

Wearable technology was first developed in 1961 by Edward Thorp and Claude Shannon as a compact four-button computer that could be worn around the waist or in a shoe. However, the transitional period for the Internet of Things in wearable technologies was during the 2010s. IoWT bloomed when Google Glass was first introduced in 2013, and next, the debut of the Apple Watch in 2015 and the Oculus Rift headgear in 2016. This kept continuing in the 2020s; while the fashion industry is quickly bringing smart clothing into the mainstream, the gaming industry keeps adding newer AR and VR headsets.

IoWT was made possible by the expansion of mobile networks. Fitness activity trackers were the first significant wave of wearable technology, or IoWT, to gain popular acceptance. Later, a screen was added to the wristwatch, and more feature-rich mobile applications were added. Smartwatches, web-enabled eyewear, and wireless headphones with Bluetooth can all be used to access Wi-Fi networks for data. With virtual reality and augmented reality headsets, the gaming industry is expanding the use of wearables.

How Does IoWT Work?

A wide range of Internet of Things in wearable technology is available today, from smartwatches to fitness trackers like the Zumba Charge, VR headsets, programmable Jewelry, web-based spectacles, and Bluetooth headphones. IoWT functions differently depending on what group they relate to, such as fitness, health, or entertainment. Processing units, batteries, and internet access are the foundations of wearable technology, allowing the synchronization of the collected data with other technologies like desktops or smartphones.

IoWT have sensors incorporated into them that monitor physical motions, offer biometric identification, or help with location tracking. For instance, the most widely used smartwatches or fitness trackers have wristbands that fit around the user’s wrist and monitor their everyday tasks or health metrics.

Some wearables work without coming into contact with the user physically, even though the majority are either worn on the body or attached to clothing. Users can still be tracked via desktops and laptop sensors or cell phones. Other wearables use motion sensors and distant electronic sensors to track movement and speed, and some rely on optical detectors to measure blood sugar levels or heart rate. These wearable tech devices all share the ability to continuously monitor data. Example Of IoWT Devices:

Smart Jewelry (rings, watches, bands)
Body-mounted sensors
Fitness trackers
Smart clothing
Augmented reality (AR) headsets
VR headsets
AI hearing aids

Sensors Used In IoT Wearable Technology

The Internet of Things in wearable technology relies on sensors. Different types of sensors are used to detect various aspects and act accordingly. Here is the breakdown of those wearable sensors-

Accelerometer

It is the most prevalent sensor in fitness trackers that counts your steps and determines whether you are holding the device horizontally or vertically. Accelerometers are found in even basic pedometers! This sensor’s physics is quite straightforward. A typical speed change can be detected by an accelerometer at up to 1000Hz, providing 1000 data points per second. It supports different systems, and this is what makes them suitable for use in wearable technologies.

Gyroscopes

A gyroscope and an accelerometer are frequently used together to provide a 3D depiction of one’s physical movement. This combination is used by the majority of fitness trackers on marketplaces to effectively capture 3D training motions. For instance, a gyroscope on your wristwatch will alert you instantly whenever you move your hand to check your smartwatch.

Magnetometers

Magnetometers can be used with accelerometers and gyroscopes to form an inertial measurement unit (IMU). Each of these sensors has three axes and can help with balance. They are all very similar to compass sensors. Magnetometers match gyroscopes and accelerometers by filtering motion orientation.

Global positioning system (GPS)

You will find GPS in a wide range of devices, including smartphones and smartwatches. It scans and provides users with their location information. Information is transmitted to a satellite to quantify precise location and time.

Other Wearable Sensor

Besides all these above-discussed sensors, there are more technologies used in IoWT. Pressure detector is another word mentioning sensor used in wearables. These are frequently used in robotics to assist mechanical fingers in handling delicate objects, as well as in medicine to monitor vital signs. Another sensor used in wearables for physical fitness is the pedometer, which may track a user’s walking or running distance. However, the most effective and innovative sensor to talk about is the heat rate measuring sensor. These are widely used in smartphones, watches, and other gadgets.

Application of IoT In Wearable Technologies

Thanks to recent developments in the internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), wearable technology is now being used in a wide range of contexts, including athletic events, household items, medical care, GPS devices, and advanced textiles and apparel. Fitness trackers and smartwatches are examples of popular consumer electronics that make use of wearable technology. Besides, there are many other uses of IoWT, these are as follows-

IoWT In Information & Communication Sector

Some initial Internet of Things (IoT) wearables used Bluetooth technology, which is simple to sync with phones and PCs. Those headset users depended on wearable technology for voice communication without placing the device over their ears and mouths. The primary objective of these Bluetooth-connected devices is to transfer and receive data between devices to share information.

But today, the volume of data flowing to and from wearable IoT is practically infinite. A fascinating use case for IoT wearable devices is the exchange of messages. They can frequently show calls, texts, social media posts, and app notifications, but it’s clear that they will soon be able to transmit more sophisticated information. The most popular wearable device for sending and receiving messages right now is a smartwatch, although smart ornaments and clothing already have the same capabilities.

Wearable Technologies In Military

The military usage of Internet of Things in wearable technology will mesmerize you. These wearables can effortlessly integrate into soldiers’ equipment without adding any weight or thickness thanks to screen-printing technology and electrical inks. Here are some uses of wearable technologies in military-

Printed Heater In Military Uniforms: Military troops can cope with extreme temperature in tough climates by attaching a printed heater to their clothes.These heaters also provide uniform heat distribution, with no hot patches. Adding these to gloves, pants, coats, protective gear, and boots keeps them warm in any weather. With the use of silver and carbon conductive inks, printed heaters may be sewn or heat transferred into practically any sort of fabric. A printed heater is what you need if you’re seeking for a dependable source of heat for ongoing movement.

Biometric Sensors for Monitoring Health: The use of biometric sensors for military remote health monitoring is ideal. Sensors are printed on a film that may expand with garments using conductive inks. Electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram ( EEG) and other physiological information can be detected by biometric sensors without any mobility restrictions. The sensors may be added to almost any fabric and integrated into military gear, exactly as the printed heaters.

Smart Bandage For Quick Recovery: Biometric devices are not the sole tool for military healthcare. The use of a heated bandage to promote wound healing more quickly in challenging environments is an impressive innovation of IoWT. With printing technology, heaters can now be incorporated into dressings to aid in wound protection and hasten healing. Heat can also relax the muscles, allowing them to move more freely and without pain.

Performance Evaluation: Performance monitoring is another way that military personnel use IoT wearables. Biometric sensors integrated into smart clothes can track a person’s performance levels. Monitoring soldiers’ respiration and pulse is a wonderful technique to gauge their physical tiredness. It is simple to track muscle activity, muscle exhaustion, and muscle symmetry by integrating biometric devices into the military troops’ clothing.

Health Surveillance & Fitness Maintenance

Internet of Things in wearable technology is used in the health and fitness sector to monitor and receive notifications for their blood pressure and heart rate, to measure their calorie intake, and to manage their workout routines. Users of Fitbits and comparable gadgets can already comprehend their exercise and sleeping patterns, which helps them enhance their overall health.

However, the use of wearable IoT is more broadly envisioned by the medical community. The COVID-19 pandemic increased consumer awareness of the importance of personal cleanliness and taking preventative measures to stop the spread of illnesses, which in turn increased the utilization of wearable electronics. For instance, Apple recently modified its Cardiogram app and added an innovative sleeping beats-per-minute option that tracks heart rate variations in COVID-19 patients.

Use of IoWT In The Fashion Industry

Over the past few years, “smart clothing” or “intelligent fashion” has gained widespread acceptance. Wearers of smart jackets, like Levi’s jackets developed with Google’s Project Jacquard technology, may answer calls, play music, or take pictures directly from their sleeves. Popular examples of wearable technology in the fashion industry include smart jewelry, watches, wristbands, shoes, and jewelry. Some notable companies that are using wearable technology in their clothing business are as follows-

Coded Couture by IVYREVEL: IVYREVEL, a Swedish company, collaborated with Google to create the Coded Couture app. This program would monitor user behavior to produce clothing. The software will suggest adding diamonds, a trendy style, a specific hue, etc., to the dress depending on where their consumer will go, such as a fancy restaurant, well-known nightclub, or neighborhood.

ECO LOOK by Amazon: Simply put, Echo Look by Amazon is a hands-free camera and fashion consultant with Alexa that features a style check feature to gain an additional viewpoint on your attire. Among its features, ECHO LOOK enables users to see clients in the Echo Look app from every angle, watch images and videos of the clothes, choose their favorites, and group the outfits into Collections. It also enables you to discover new brands and fashions and determine the colors you wear the most frequently.

Polar Team Pro Shirt: This smart shirt has a pocket for the player tracking sensor and flawlessly integrated sensors to measure heart rate. This location allows for the best GPS reception. With the second skin suit, athletes may move freely on the field and maintain a unique body hydration system that keeps them fresh no matter the game’s challenges. This kind of smart shirt additionally shields against UV rays, which helps athletes focus and play well when the pressure is on.

Invention Of E-Skin Patch

With the improved Internet of Things in wearable technologies, scientists are developing wearable electronic skin for health monitoring. This next-generation wearable is an ultra-thin e-skin patch with a small wireless transmitter that can be affixed to the wearer’s chest with water spray. You can wear this device for up to seven days! This continuously takes up and stores electrical signals like heartbeats and muscle contractions, which can then be reported to healthcare professionals over the cloud so they can check on the user’s vital signs from a distance. This capable wearable is a first step for tracking chronic conditions like diabetes and heart failure.

Wearable Athletic Devices

The application of wearable devices in sports and games is immense. Here are some examples of highly used athletic devices-

Swim Tracking Goggles For Swimmers: Your arms continue to move while you swim, but when you stop to monitor your advancement, you are no longer moving forward. Instead, the drag from that errant limb causes you to start slowing down. However, you’ll no longer slow down with a swim tracker Goggle. So, add a swim tracker on your goggles that rests just behind your head. This wearable gadget offers real-time, customizable audio direction while swimming like a virtual coach.

Wearable Coach For Cyclists: Every enthusiastic professional cyclist would be interested in a wearable cycling coach. With this ground-breaking tool, riders can learn more about movement metrics. It includes lightweight and rechargeable Bluetooth sensors. Your legs, thighs, and hips all have sensors connected. The device will continuously track your rhythm, speed, pulse, strength balance, and other variables as you cycle, recording your motions at an extremely quick pace. This information is then automatically transmitted to the wearable clutch lever-mounted display, where you can quickly view it all.

Punching Tracker For Boxer: The boxing wearable keeps track of punch data for competitive fighters working out with a partner. It has two interconnected punching sensors you may pair and tuck inside your hand wraps. It’s time to get them fitted after a small tap activates the blue and red lights on the sensor to show which is for the left hand and which is for the right. Ensure they are secure by placing them slightly below the wrist, facing outward toward your fist. Once finished, it will record how many punches you deliver along with their type, speed, and number, and you can view the force of the achievement metric using a supporting app.

Pants For Yoga: The yoga pants respond to your body and employ haptic vibrations to rectify your moves, thanks to technologies that detect your body movement. The vibrations, for instance, will alert you to straighten up or move in a specific way if your form is incorrect around your hips or legs.

Augmented Reality Wearables

Google recently had grand ideas for a wearable augmented reality device called Google Glass. These fashionable goggles are made to assist users in maximizing their engagement with the outside world, enabling them to discover more about their surroundings and enjoy entertainment more effortlessly and beyond. Although Google Glass couldn’t draw the attention of a bigger audience, curiosity about augmented reality has remained strong.

Since augmented reality heavily relies on visual capabilities, you must wear smart glasses like Google Glass in this setting. IoT, augmented reality contact lenses, and nervous system-stimulating microchips are well-liked ideas, albeit they fall more squarely into the medical IoT category. Some significant issues need to be resolved if AR is to become popular among IoT users. But given how quickly wearable IoT is developing, there is no wonder you could soon be a user of augmented reality wearables in the next ten years!

IoWT In Virtual Reality & Entertainment Industry

The Internet of Things in wearable technology is one of the most crucial elements of Virtual Reality. VR games are gaining popularity day by day. And the devices used for playing these games are the result of IoWT. The VR headset, gears, haptic gloves, bodysuits, and other gadgets used to play the games are all wearable technology.

The VR gaming industry is expanding daily, and so is the demand for wearable IoT technologies. Meta Quest, Sony PlayStation, Valve Index, HTC Vive Pro 2, Oculus Quest, and HP are some popular VR headset brands. These are not only used for playing VR games but also for virtual traveling and watching movies.

Payment Supporting Wearable Devices

People are frequently averse to change regarding their finances because they worry that instability or inefficiency will expose their money to unnecessary dangers. This is what makes innovation in payment technology very limited. And so payment-related wearables have therefore taken a while to create, but they are already available.

NFC or QR code technology is used to operate wearable payment gadgets. By bringing your mobile close to a payment terminal that supports NFC technology, the terminal can read the payment information you have saved on your device and process your payment. Similar principles apply to QR code technology; however, you must complete the transaction by scanning a QR code.

Your smartphone, which serves as a connection point between your gadget and your bank account, is how most wearable payment devices are connected. When you make a payment, your wearable gadget sends the transaction data to your smartphone, which then sends it to your bank to be processed. This makes it possible to process payments securely and encrypt data, safeguarding your financial and personal data.

Most leading IoT companies, including Samsung, Amazon, Fitbit, and others, already offer (or soon will) wearable payment technology, primarily in wristbands but also in the shape of fashion jewelry and watches. Here is the list of the most famous wearable payment devices-

Fitbit Charge 5
Apple Watch
Samsung Gear S3
NYMI Band 3.0
McLear RingPay
Get by Deed

Users can pay online without pulling out their wallets with just a tap of the technology used in these devices. Thus this payment convenience benefits both consumers and businesses.

Advantages Of IoT In Wearable Technology

The widespread application of IoWT has brought us abundant benefits making our life easier. Here are some of those benefits-

More Effective and Productive Work Practices: Keeps you updated with fast information transfer and notification facilities. And thus, it makes your day-to-day work more productive. For example, while having a morning walk, you can get the updates of your clients on your smartwatch.

Makes Fitness Training Easier: Wearable technology can assist you in making the most of your workout by monitoring your development and providing immediate feedback. This is especially helpful for those aiming to achieve a fitness goal or training for an upcoming competition.

Enhanced safety: This is particularly valid for those who lead active lifestyles or enjoy being outside. You will find numerous wearable devices that are designed keeping your safety in mind. For instance, some smartwatches can instantly seek assistance if they discover you’ve been in a car crash. Besides, Kids or elderly people can wear GPS monitoring devices to ensure they are always aware of their location.

Improved Sleeping Habits: Numerous fitness trackers can monitor your sleeping patterns. This knowledge can be very useful for recognizing any potential problems that might influence your sleep quality. Wearable technology can further assist you in waking up more energized in the morning by vibrating gently at the appropriate time.

Immediate Access To Information: With wearable technology, you can obtain information without fumbling around with your phones or PCs. For instance, using a smartwatch makes it simple to seek a brief statistic during a conference. You may also quickly check your fitness device if you’re on a treadmill and want to track your current pace.

Disadvantages Of IoT In Wearable Technology

Despite all the above mention advantages, there are some drawbacks of IoWT; these are as follows-

Expensive: Wearable technology can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred pounds to several thousand, depending on the brand and features. So, it is not something that is affordable for all classes of people.

Frequent Charging Requirements: One of the severe issues with IoWT is its frequent charging necessities. This can be annoying, especially if you use your gadget to track your sleep habits or monitor your heart rate when exercising.

Uncomfortable & Heavy: Some wearable technology gadgets can be heavy and inconvenient to wear, especially for children and elderly people. Fitness trackers worn on your wrist or ankle or VR headsets are a few of such examples using which you may face this issue.

Question On Accuracy: Despite the majority of devices being quite reliable, there have been rare instances where users have discovered that their fitness trackers don’t show accurate ratings. This can be discouraging if you’re attempting to achieve a particular objective or raise your fitness level generally.

Creates Distractions: The fact that wearable technology can be distracting is one of the most frequent criticisms about it. This is especially valid for gadgets that let you browse the internet or get alerts. When you should be concentrating on anything else, it might be highly appealing to check your Facebook or Twitter accounts. Thus, it hampers your work and brings down your performance.

Future Of The Internet Of Things In Wearable Technology

The popularity of wearable technology is rising, and it will impact the future. Fitness monitors, smart devices, smart clothing, and VR and AR headsets have all garnered a lot of traction, but they are just the beginning. Tech experts have projected the following future goods and concepts and how they will influence wearable technology in the future:

Revolution In Medical Sector: The Internet of Things in wearable medical technology has an inclusive future. Well-known medical devices like pacemakers and insulin pumps can be connected to the IoT for improved monitoring and usefulness. New IoT hardware can also significantly enhance health data collection, giving medical professionals and patients more details for evaluation and therapy. For instance, ingestible sensors might track the function of the digestive system and transmit the information to a nearby receiver device—ioT research programs for Parkinson’s illness, depression, and arthritis. Future patients will benefit significantly from the transformation that wearable technologies and the Internet of Things bring about in the healthcare sector.

AI For The Human Brain: Developing non-invasive, AI-integrated sensors that aid in thinking functions is in progress. Facebook is developing an interface between the brain and the computer that might allow users to update their status updates on the site without typing anything. That is, you will be able to type without using your hands by using your brain activity. Neuralink, a startup run by Elon Musk, is also developing an interface that might be useful for those with severe brain injuries.

Smart Contact Lenses:Smart contact lenses that provide real-time information to the human eye will soon be accessible to consumers, making them nothing short of a sci-fi movie. Tech behemoths like Google, Sony, Samsung, and Mojo Vision are developing these soft electronic smart contact lenses. They can sync with mobile devices or additional gadgets to give real-time, hands-free information and vision correction.

Energy Capture: One of the significant drawbacks of wearable technology is its frequent recharging requirements. Researchers are looking into energy harvesting, which might increase battery life by turning body heat, motion, or solar radiation into power. The use of piezoelectric elements in wearables is going to grow in the near future. It is one kind of energy-capturing system that turns the vibrations of your body into power as you move or walk around. Epeas and other forward-thinking businesses are developing ambient energy harvesting, processing, and sensing technologies to create wireless gadgets that do not require active charging. So, the day is not so far when you will not require to charge your IoWT devices; they will get recharged automatically.

Haptic Wearables: Haptic technology, which can generate an experience by using forces, vibrations, or motions to manipulate virtual things, is one of the most significant recent advancements. Engineers are striving to implement human-computer interfaces while reproducing genuine touch experiences.

The three basic categories of haptic devices are graspable, wearable, and touchable. Professionals like doctors and engineers employ graspable devices to operate remotely or to repair space spacecraft from Earth. Vibration is another method of communication for haptic wearables. This can be incorporated into clothing to provide guidance and aid in walking, hearing, and seeing in the virtual environment. Smartphone screens have touch-sensitive interfaces that let users experience different textures from a distance. This holds particular promise for virtual travel and online purchasing.

The Bottom Line

The Internet of Things in wearable technology will undoubtedly bring a revolutionary change in the lifestyle of people. The day is not far when IoWT will be a part of our daily life. With the advancement of this technology, our lifestyle will become easier, but we can’t ignore its drawbacks. Remember, technology makes our day-to-day life convenient, but too much dependency is not something a wise man would do!