IBM newly introduced "a first-of-a-kind 'fingernail sensor' prototype to help monitor human health" that takes the form of a small wearable.
While there are plenty of discreet wearable devices that are designed to detect vital signs, this prototype sets itself apart by continuously measuring the way a person's fingernail bends and moves, which indicates the strength of their grip. This project by IBM initially began to monitor people with Parkinson's disease. Some methods of measuring disease progression rely on skin-based sensors but these can cause complications like infections in elderly patients.
IBM's fingerprint sensor system works with AI to help clinicians to comfortably monitor individuals in their natural environments and potentially even spot some of the signs of a condition becoming better or worse. According to IBM, the team is working on making the lightweight, wireless and unobtrusive sensor even smaller.
What's Driving This Trend
- Continuous Health Monitoring
- IBM's prototype fingernail sensor provides continuous health monitoring through measuring grip strength.
- Wearable Health Sensors
- Development of non-invasive wearable health sensors for real-time monitoring of diseases and conditions.
- AI-assisted Monitoring
- IBM's fingerprint sensor system works with AI to help clinicians monitor individuals in their natural environments.
Who This Affects Most
- Healthcare
- The healthcare industry can benefit from the development of non-invasive wearable health sensors for real-time monitoring of diseases and conditions.
- Wearable Technology
- The wearable technology industry can capitalize on the development of new innovative designs such as IBM's prototype fingernail sensor.
- Artificial Intelligence
- The artificial intelligence industry can assist in the development of AI-assisted monitoring systems for real-time health tracking.
