These high-tech bananas from Dole Japan are being described as the first edible wearable. Recently wearable tech has exploded, from fitness-tracking smartwatches to stylish tech-embedded jewelry and even phone-unlocking tattoos. This example takes an unusual turn by powering a banana with GPS capabilities and an LED display. Essentially, Tokyo is combining a high potassium fruit snack with the latest fitness technology.
Biodegradable organic LED tech enables the edible wearable to be attached to the wrists of two runners. The device, like similarly equipped health monitors, can trak race times and heart rate, as well as offer encouraging messages via Twitter spectators. The original gruit is replaced with a smaller banana while the skin has compact tech aspects sewn into it. At the end of the race, the runner gets to literally eat it.
Fitness-Tracking Bananas
Dole Japan's Race-Monitoring Edible Wearable Stunt is Very Unusual
Trend Themes
1. Wearable Technology - Opportunity for integrating technology into everyday objects for enhanced functionality and convenience.
2. Biodegradable Electronics - Potential for developing eco-friendly electronic devices that can be safely disposed of without harm to the environment.
3. Social Media Integration - Possibility of incorporating social media platforms into wearable tech for real-time communication and engagement.
Industry Implications
1. Fitness and Sports - Disruptive innovation opportunity for incorporating wearable tech into fitness and sports equipment to enhance training and performance.
2. Healthcare - Potential to revolutionize health monitoring by integrating biodegradable electronic wearables into medical devices for improved patient care.
3. Food and Agriculture - Opportunity for the development of edible wearables that combine technology and food, creating unique consumer experiences and marketing opportunities.