IoT & IoMT; Emerging Technologies

How Wearable Technologies Will Shape the Future

Earlier this month, Co-Founder Justin Grammens was the panel moderator at the Minnesota Entrepreneur Conference. The topic: emerging technologies. When talking about emerging technology, it’s super cool to talk about AI, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. But even cooler, in my opinion, is IoMT (internet of medical things) and its potential to change our everyday lives for the better. When we talk IoT here at Lab651, there are 4 important goals we believe IoT should accomplish. One goal is to increase the quality of life.

Here are some wearable IoMT applications that could increase the quality of life.

1. Our everyday wearables are becoming more advanced, and some even considered class two medical devices, such as the newest Apple Watch, due to its heart rate monitoring and fall detection. Devices such as an Apple Watch or Fitbit, that track, monitor, and report daily activity could assist in the early detection of diseases, such as diabetes or atrial fibrillation, and incentivizes the wearer to be more active and monitor their activity. For more advanced heart rate tracking, there is KardiaMobile by AliveCor, an FDA-approved Medical EKG tracker.
2. I also see wearable technology being the next level of elderly care (think LifeAlert 2.0). Imagine valuable health data being sent to and from a caregiver and doctor, but also allowing independence for your elderly loved ones. A way to track and monitor the elderly without being invasive is tracking their ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). ADLs include: feeding yourself, using the restroom, getting out of bed, walking, and getting dressed. CarePredict uses machine learning, insights, and GPS tracking to provide better senior care. 
3. Post-Op recovery after major surgeries such as hip replacements is crucial for full recovery and mobility. By using wearable sensors that assist with exercise and compliance there is accountability, independence, and valuable data being collected for more efficient doctor visits. Also, remote monitoring for issues, that if dealt with in a timely matter, means less downtime, less cost, and more effective care.  MIO Therapy is the future of physical therapy with wearable sensors giving a range of motion data and exercise feedback.

Wearable technology in the world of IoT and IoMT is barely scratching the surface of possibilities, but for these advancements to be accepted by the population, major security features will need to be in place before people trust their bodies to be connected to smart things and to trust their data is being used and monitored appropriately, as IoT security and privacy are still top of mind for consumers.

Speaking of IoMT and elderly care, check out this cool MN startup: Reemo Health.

Interested in IoMT? The 2019 MedFuse Conference, here in Minneapolis at the Convention Center, is a conference focused on the intersection of connected devices and data within the broad spectrum of medical practice from healthcare to medical devices. One of the speakers at MedFuse will be the CTO of Minnesota’s Virtuwell, a 24/7, online clinic looking to make urgent care visits more convenient.