The 'FaceBit' is an advanced piece of healthcare equipment for frontline workers that would enable them to continuously monitor their vital signs throughout the day and/or their shift to ensure they are staying healthy.
The device works by being positioned into a face mask and would monitor vital signs as well as detecting for leaks in the seal of the mask to ensure proper filtration. About the size of a quarter, the device would be capable of being attached onto any kind of mask via a small magnetic and would draw energy from the wearer's breathing throughout the day.
The 'FaceBit' is currently being develop at Northwestern University and was commented on by lead scientist Assistant Professor Josiah Hester who said, "FaceBit provides a first step toward practical on-face sensing and inference, and provides a sustainable, convenient, comfortable option for general health monitoring for COVID-19 frontline workers and beyond. I’m really excited to hand this off to the research community to see what they can do with it."
Breath-Tracking Face Mask Devices
The 'FaceBit' Monitors the Vital Signs of Frontline Workers
Trend Themes
1. Continuous Vital Signs Monitoring - A trend towards wearable devices that continuously monitor vital signs throughout the day for a more proactive approach to healthcare.
2. Health Monitoring Wearables - Wearable devices that track health data are becoming more popular as people prioritize their health and well-being, creating opportunities for innovation in this market.
3. Medical Wearables Innovation - Advances in wearable technology are driving innovation in healthcare by providing new ways to monitor and manage health conditions, creating new possibilities for medical wearables.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can benefit from the development of wearable devices that monitor vital signs and health data, which can assist in remote monitoring and proactive care.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - The PPE industry can incorporate health monitoring capabilities into their products, such as the FaceBit, to improve safety and performance of frontline workers.
3. Research and Development - The FaceBit and other similar wearable devices offer opportunities for R&D into new on-face sensing and inference technologies for general health monitoring and medical wearables.