7 Standout Wearable Health Devices That Stole the Spotlight at CES
By Jason Xu, VCBeat’s U.S. Correspondent
The CES exhibition in Las Vegas was bustling with activity, featuring a significant number of Chinese manufacturers, including 652 exhibitors from Shenzhen alone. In the health and medical sector, both multinational giants and startups showcased their core competencies, presenting an overwhelming array of new products.
Now, let’s join Jason Xu, VCBeat’s U.S. correspondent, to take a look at some of the more unique wearable health products showcased at this year’s CES.
1. LOOXID Mind-Control Device
This masterpiece comes from a South Korean startup team. Unlike domestic mind-control devices that rely solely on brainwave input, this device integrates head motion recognition, EEG signal analysis, and eye tracking into its platform algorithms, thereby more accurately conveying user intent to other smart devices. Supported devices include computers, smartphones, tablets, and even drones.
On-site demonstrations showed staff using the device for keyboard input and playing iPad games. It is conceivable that integrating this device with mechanical bionic arms or prosthetic limbs could help restore mobility for individuals with disabilities. Even without additional hardware, individuals without hands can operate computers.
2. SharkStream Motion Capture System
SharkStream motion capture system from the University of Southampton. By placing SharkStream sensor nodes (up to 17) on various parts of the body, human movements can be accurately input into a computer. On-site screens demonstrate that the movements of the demonstrator’s body, arms, and wrists are precisely mirrored by the 3D avatar displayed on the screen.
SharkStream is so compact that it can be easily sewn into clothing, and its built-in battery provides a full day of operation. The device enables wireless data transmission via antennas operating on two completely independent frequency bands, with a range of up to 250 meters. Thus, physicians can leverage this technology to monitor the daily, real-time physical activity of patients undergoing rehabilitation, thereby facilitating more targeted treatment and guided mobility interventions.
3. Cool Wearable Air Detectors and Purifiers
Shenzhen-based startup Quaility Air showcased its self-developed wearable air quality monitor and head-mounted air purifier, both built on proprietary technology. The company states that its mission is to enable everyone to monitor air quality and breathe the cleanest air anytime, anywhere.
They have designed an app-based user data map for wearable air quality monitors (which measure PM2.5, formaldehyde, temperature, and humidity), aiming to aggregate all user data into a comprehensive big data network for air quality. This network provides genuine air quality guidance for daily travel, while the app generates personalized health reports and recommendations based on individual historical air quality exposure data. Furthermore, their R&D employs a highly efficient, consumable-free, and low-cost air purification technology, making this head-mounted air purifier both truly effective and affordable for everyone.
4. Oura Smart Ring
This product, which won the Best Innovation Award at CES 2016, was also highly popular on Kickstarter. Despite its compact size, it can measure pulse, heart rate, body temperature, and activity levels—essentially encompassing all the functions of current smart bands, yet in a smaller and more stylish form factor.
5. Withings Go E-ink Smart Band
Like most fitness bands, this product’s basic functions include step counting and sleep monitoring, with automatic tracking for running and swimming. However, its most eye-catching feature is the adoption of Elink e-ink display technology, which enables real-time display of data and activity status without relying on a smartphone, while achieving an impressive battery life of eight months on a single button cell.
6. Pavlok Shock Wristband
This is a wristband that can help you break bad habits, such as smoking, nail-biting, nose-picking, overeating, and oversleeping. If you stick with it, you will definitely see rapid improvement. Once the wristband is activated (with just a light press), it delivers a mild electric shock to remind you whenever you engage in these undesirable behaviors. It’s incredibly simple and direct! Additionally, you can use the accompanying app to inform your friends about the specific bad habits you wish to quit (such as certain habits common among men), allowing them to remotely trigger the shock to help stop you.
7. ADAMM Asthma Monitoring and Management Device
ADAMM monitors the physical condition of asthma patients by measuring heart rate, respiratory rate, cough sounds, and breath sounds, and transmits the data to a mobile app. The app can remind wearers to take their medication, alert them to potential asthma attacks, or, if the wearer is a child, notify parents or guardians via text message.
Judging from CES, wearables have entered a boom phase; conservatively, there are no fewer than 100 companies focusing solely on smart bands. We look forward to the emergence of more groundbreaking products. Chinese wearable products still need to keep up the momentum!