The Smart Cane
This new WT was developed by researchers at the University
of Malaga (UMA) in Spain. The smart cane is supposed to provide important
information while the individual uses their cane. The information that the
smart cane gathers is relevant to their rehabilitation process. While the
individual is walking with the cane, the cane will monitor the weight-bearing
while walking. The cane works by, “embedding pressure sensors placed at two
different depths in the tip of a regular cane so that they don’t affect cane
ergonomics” (Russey, 2019). The smart cane has a wireless charger and data can
be collected by a mobile phone via Bluetooth. The smart cane is also low cost
and promotes active ageing.
Video on Smart Cane for the Elderly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdF0nxXagZ8
Article about the Smart Cane: https://www.wearable-technologies.com/2019/03/this-smart-cane-can-double-as-an-activity-tracker-for-the-elderly/
Smart Fabric
Researchers at the University of Maryland (UMD) have
constructed a fabric made from that can release heat and trap heat. The yarn
used is from synthetic yarn and “includes a carbon nanotube coating that activates
by temperature and humidity” (Russey, 2019). If the conditions outside are warm
and/or humid, the fabric will release heat. When conditions are cool and dry,
the fabric will trap heat.
The base yarn has two different synthetic threads, one
absorbs water and the other repels water. The strands are coated with a special
type of lightweight, carbon-based, conductive metal called carbon nanotubes
(Russey, 2019). At this time the fabric is not being sold. In order for the
fabric to hit the stores, more work is needed.
Video discussing Smart Fabric: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o91f2wmpJRQ
Article about the Smart Fabric: https://www.wearable-technologies.com/2019/03/smart-fabric-automatically-cools-or-insulates-depending-on-conditions/
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