Bengaluru's JNCASR Scientists Develop Smart Wearable System That Can Detect Stress

Scientists from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru have developed a novel wearable device that can detect stress.

The device uses a silver wire network on a stretchable material to sense strain and mimic pain perception. This technology adapts its electrical response based on the strain, much like how our bodies respond to repeated pain over time.

A stretchable device that responds to strain much like the human body reacts to pain, emulating adaptive and habituation behaviours to modulate pain responses intelligently.

When this stretchable material is stretched, small gaps appear within the silver network, temporarily breaking the electrical pathway. An electric pulse can then prompt the silver to fill these gaps, reconnecting the network and essentially "remembering" the event. Each time it is stretched and reconnected, the device gradually adjusts its response, much like how our bodies adapt to repeated pain over time. This dynamic process enables the device to mimic memory and adaptation, bringing humans closer to materials that respond intelligently to their environment.

Key Features:

Neuromorphic Device: Inspired by the human nervous system, this device mimics the functions of neurons and synapses

Adaptive Response: The device can sense strain and adjust its response, essentially "remembering" the event each time it is stretched and reconnected.

Potential Applications: This technology could lead to advanced health monitoring systems that provide real-time feedback to doctors or users. It could also improve robotic systems, making them safer and more intuitive to work with humans.

This innovation represents a significant step forward in wearable technology, offering new possibilities for health monitoring and human-machine interactions.

This innovative work is published as a research in the journal Materials Horizons, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) could lead to more advanced health monitoring systems that "feel" stress like the human body and adapt in real-time, giving feedback to doctors or users. Such technology could also improve robotic systems, helping machines become safer and more intuitive to work with humans.

Longevity-focused Healthtech Startup Bonatra launches Wearable Smart Rings

Bonatra introduces wearable technology that continuously monitors multiple health parameters, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being

Bonatra, a longevity focused health-tech company that helps people live longer, healthier lives through (Internet of Medical Things) IOMT-enabled and doctor-led lifestyle programs, has launched Wearable Smart Rings. The newly launched Smart Rings are designed to continuously monitor a range of health parameters, empowering users to live longer and healthier lives.

Bonatra's Smart Rings come equipped with advanced features that provide valuable insights into various aspects of health. The device has the capability to track key parameters such as Sleep Score and Readiness Score. The Sleep Score feature employs advanced algorithms to analyze sleep stages, duration, and quality, resulting in improvements in sleep patterns and overall well-being. The Readiness Score provides users with a comprehensive assessment of their body's preparedness for the day, enabling them to make informed decisions about their activities.

Bonatra Smart Ring

Made from aerospace-grade Titanium Alloys, the Smart Ring X1 offers durability and elegance. Weighing just 4 grams, this lightweight accessory is ideal for individuals leading active lifestyles. The hypoallergenic medical-grade resin ensures comfort during prolonged wear, while the IP68 rating makes the Smart Ring X1 suitable for various activities including swimming, deep diving, sailing, surfing, and trekking.

Rahul Kishore Singh, CEO and Co-Founder of Bonatra, said, "At Bonatra, we have always believed that technology can empower people to take a step towards healthier living. Over the last year, we have consistently focused on introducing AI -based, IoMT enabled and doctor-led initiatives to guide people towards achieving their health goals. The launch of our wearable Smart Rings is a step in that direction. This wearable technology isn't just about monitoring health parameters. It's also about empowering individuals with actionable insights for making positive lifestyle changes."

Starting at Rs 9,999/-, with EMI options available, the Smart Ring X1 Offers a comprehensive health solution where users will receive a three-month complimentary Coach Enabled Program, connecting them with certified health coaches and doctors who will guide them in understanding and improving their health based on the data collected by the ring. The Ring can be purchased on Amazon as well.

Bonatra was founded in April 2022 by Rahul Kishore Singh (CEO), Manjari Chandra (CMO), Ramanpreet Singh (COO), and Amit Acharya (CTO). The company takes a distinctive approach by merging technology and personalised care to address chronic diseases. The IoMT devices, including Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) and now the Smart Rings, provide continuous data that feeds into an AI-based algorithm, curating personalised health programs tailored to each individual.

To buy Bonatra Smart Rings, visit https://www.bonatra.com/

About Bonatra:

Bonatra is an IoMT start-up creating a convergence of medical science, data science and technology to help people manage and reverse chronic metabolic diseases and improve their lifestyles, all from the comfort of their homes. Bonatra’s approach uses personalised treatment, which is arrived at after analysing multiple data points and health parameters using various easy-to-use IOMT devices.

The company has raised 5.5 Crores in a Pre-Seed Round round led by ITI Growth Opportunities Fund with participation from marquee angel investors like Jitendra Jagadev, Founder, Nestaway and Helloworld, and Rajesh Yabaji, Founder, Blackbuck.

Healthtech Startup LifeSigns Partners with Amala Hospital, Launches Smart Ward

Hari Subramanium, Founder & CEO, LifeSigns at the inauguration of Smart Ward at Amala Hospital in Kerala

Amala Hospital partners with LifeSigns to provide revolutionary technology for the first time in the State

Amala Hospital, a leading multi-disciplinary chain of hospitals, based in Kerala, launched a new and innovative smart ward with wearable wireless technology. This smart ward, the first in Kerala, is equipped with advanced technology that provides continuous patient monitoring and aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of medical errors. The hospital chain has partnered with Chennai based health-tech startup, LifeSigns to implement their iMS technology across cardiology and medicine departments at its hospital based in Thrissur, Kerala.

Fr. Deljo Puthoor CMI, Associate Director of Amala Hospital, said, "We are thrilled to be introducing this new wearable continuous and innovative technology to our patients. Our commitment to providing top-notch care is unwavering, and this smart ward will help us to achieve that goal. At Amala Hospital, we are always looking for ways to improve patient care and provide a more efficient and effective healthcare experience”.

Hari Subramanium, Founder & CEO, LifeSigns at the inauguration of Smart Ward at Amala Hospital in Kerala

LifeSigns Products

One of the key features of the smart ward is its wireless patient monitoring system, with early warning scores which allows for real-time monitoring of vital signs and other important health indicators. This technology eliminates the need for traditional wired monitoring systems, which can be cumbersome and uncomfortable for patients, and provides a more efficient and effective way to monitor patient health.

In addition to the wireless monitoring system, the smart ward is also equipped with monitors at Nursing station, and patient information systems for the hospital, all of which work together to improve patient care and streamline the healthcare process.

“Patient monitoring at the right time and with accurate results is very important. With the deployment of wireless patient monitoring technology, the doctors and the hospitals can keep a real-time record of the patient’s vital stats which will eventually decrease the risk on the patient’s health because every patient matters. The smart ward at Amala is just one example of our commitment to deliver the best technology in the healthcare field”, says Hari Subramanian, Founder & Director, LifeSigns.

“BioSensor patch can help the patients as well as the doctors to keep a track on the patients’ health, without being attached to the multiple wires making the patient even more uncomfortable during illness. The technology of this patch is incomparable, accurate and a real-time to taken action in time”, says Thomas Varghese, Managing Director, LifeSignals.

LifeSignals is a US based company which instals LifeSigns technology in to patches.

About Amala Hospital

Amala Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) is a multi-disciplinary medical network providing top-quality medical care with a full range of primary and specialty services. With a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and state-of-the-art facilities including 25 modern operating theaters, 210 equipped ICU beds, and a fully digital radiology department, AIMS is committed to delivering exceptional patient outcomes. As a "Home for Total Healing," AIMS strives to provide the best possible medical treatment and support for all.

About LifeSigns

LifeSigns is a leading provider of innovative healthcare solutions, collaborating with LifeSignals USA to bring advanced, multi-patient, multi-parameter real-time monitoring technology to India. With a focus on improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of medical errors, LifeSigns offers a comprehensive, 24/7 monitoring solution that integrates seamlessly with existing healthcare systems. The company's custom alerts help detect and report any deterioration in patient condition, providing healthcare providers with the information they need to make informed decisions and deliver the best possible care. LifeSigns is committed to advancing healthcare technology and improving patient outcomes through innovative solutions.

IIT Madras and Inspire Institute of Sport Creating Low-Cost IoT-powered Boxing Analytics Platform 'Smartboxer'

A team from IIT-Madras has collaborated with Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), Vijayanagar in Ballari district of Karnataka, to develop a cost-effective Internet-of-Things powered boxing analytics platform ‘Smartboxer,’ to increase India’s boxing medal tally at the 2024 Olympics.

The SportsTech platform will use wearable sensors & video cameras to assess the performance. It will provide an above-par competitive edge to Indian athletes by providing feedback and performance assessments using the IoT-enabled wearable sensors and video cameras.

IoT-powered devices in Smartboxer include — sensor-embedded gloves to analyze punch force; wireless foot insole with pressure sensor to record ground reaction force; wireless sensors to record a player’s lower body movement and inertial measurement unit to record upper body movement. Boxing ring video cameras will help classify players arm movements.

SAI has shortlisted archery, boxing, shooting, badminton, wrestling, hockey, weightlifting, cycling and athletics to improve medal tally in Olympics 2024.

The team will apply for patent for Smartboxer after IIS validates it.

Ranganathan Srinivasan, head, Centre of Excellence for Sports Science and Analytics and adjunct faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Madras, said, "Smartboxer is one of the many alternatives of IIT Madras aimed towards the Indian government’s ambitious goal of winning more medals in Olympics."

John Warburton, head of Youth Development (Boxing) at IIS, said: “We will be able to highlight to the boxers their strength and areas that require development such as patterns of movement, activity levels, punch and defensive repertoires, technically and tactically.”

Babji Srinivasan, associate professor in the Department of Applied Mechanics at IIT-M, said the system would integrate data and video streams and multiple IoT devices. The information from the data would provide fight analytics that would help not only coaches but also judges quantify the key traits of boxing champions.

Next generation intelligent wearables enabled by sureCore’s ultra-low power memory

EverOn uses up to 50% less power than off-the-shelf memory

As the market for wearable electronics and earbuds grows dramatically, architects are adding more features or ‘smarts’ to create product differentiation. The additional intelligence means that designers are required to add more embedded memory to the chip resulting in increased power demands. In the case of some designs, these power demands of the memory can account for 50% of the total device power budget. For battery powered applications with a constrained form factor, this creates huge challenges for the design team to create a viable product.

“This is where our EverOn ultra-low power memories can make these product designs feasible as they need up to 50% less power than standard ‘off-the-shelf’ memories,” explained Paul Wells, CEO of sureCore, the ultra-low power, embedded memory specialist. “The power penalty for extra features is now recognised by designers as a real limitation for next generation devices and, as a result, we are signing multiple licensing deals for smart watches, fitness trackers and earbuds. Our SRAM IP is silicon proven in ‘leading foundry’ processes enabling customers to minimise power demand increases and gain fast time to market."

Low voltage design methodologies are becoming more prevalent as a route to cutting operating power. This is achieved by dynamically reducing operating voltages in line with the applications processing demands. Standard logic cells can, with careful design, operate over a wide voltage range, often close to near threshold voltages. However, off-the-shelf SRAM IP can only operate around the process nominal voltage. Integration of the two on the same chip means having two different power rails with level shifting circuitry, which consumes a lot of power, to provide the higher voltage for the memory plus extra circuitry to handle signals crossing between voltage domains. This adds to the complexity of the design and its verification as well as adding silicon real estate.

However, EverOn™ SRAM IP is specially designed for these kinds of systems where the voltage is adjusted to save power with operation from the process nominal operating voltage all the way down to the bit cell retention voltage that effectively dictates the lowest possible operating voltage. In a leading 40nm process technology, this means from 1.21V down to 0.6V without any additional circuitry or power rails. Hence the voltage of the chip can be dynamically adjusted up and down in tandem with the performance requirements for the operation in hand to save power as required. For example, this could be going from a high performance to a low performance mode or even a monitoring state awaiting a wake-up event. This makes the chip design much simpler. By contrast, adjusting the voltage in chips with traditional memory is far more complex as, while the logic part is easy to drop, the voltage to the memory needs to be maintained at the higher operational voltage.

Off-the-shelf SRAM IP has typically been optimised for either high density or high speed rather than power, and, as outlined above, this creates challenges for integration in a variable voltage, power-optimised system. EverOn achieves operating voltage flexibility by the use of sureCore’s patented SMART-Assist™ circuitry that is an integral part of the IP thereby conferring much-simplified integration and verification requirements. This methodology is thus an effective strategy for architects to deliver power savings of up to 50% compared to traditional approaches.

"Being able to easily and dynamically drop the voltage of a chip is key to saving power,” explained Tony Stansfield, sureCore’s CTO, “because power is proportional to the square of the voltage. For example, dropping from 0.9V to 0.6V roughly halves the power. In battery operated devices, low power is paramount so this amount of saving can be significant in designs that have a lot of memory. There is a constant drive to make these devices ‘smarter’ with more intelligence which means increasing amounts of memory that have to be very power designs to make the power budget and battery capacity calculations work. EverOn ultra-low power memory makes the next generation of intelligent, battery-powered devices possible."

sureCore™ -- When low power is paramount™

sureCore, the ultra-low power, embedded memory specialist, is the low-power innovator who empowers the IC design community to meet aggressive power budgets through a portfolio of ultra-low power memory design services and standard IP products. sureCore’s low-power engineering methodologies and design flows meet the most exacting memory requirements with a comprehensive product and design services portfolio that create clear market differentiation for customers. The company’s low-power product line encompasses a range of close to near-threshold, silicon proven, process-independent SRAM IP.
www.sure-core.com


sureCore, EverOn and When low power is paramount are trademarks of sureCore Limited.

5 Reasons to Use a Wearable Health Tracker

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) - medical devices and applications that are connected to the healthcare IT systems are expected to grow at a significantly higher rate, particularly between 2018-2023. Wearable health trackers, such as the smartwatches – elements of IoMT, are increasingly becoming mainstream products. Capable of tracking our health data, these devices can help us better understand our overall health and fitness.

According to a wearable tracker report published by IDC, the Indian wearables market saw a massive surge in growth by 144.3%, as compared to 2019, making India the only country in the top three that saw a three-digit growth in 2020. In fact, over the next few years, it is the healthcare industry that is expected to drive the entire wearable devices and technology market - thanks to the availability of cutting-edge products for health and fitness.

Now as the future of health-tracking wearables looks bright than ever before, we asked five Impact Creators to share why a health-tracking wearable is worth considering:

1. THEY TRACK OUR EXERCISE, BREATHING, HEART RATE AND MORE

“Wearables are helping us monitor our exercise, our breathing and our heart rates with the use of sensors embedded in their chips – software algorithms working on the software layer.

There are numerous techniques from which we are able to achieve this monitoring such as photoplethysmography for blood pressure to share breathing and heart rates, accelerometer sensing for movement, etc. More often, some technologies which come under the application of wearables are edge computing, IoT and cloud computing.”

–Ramneek Kalra, IEEE Member

2. WE CAN SELF-MONITOR OUR EXERCISE

“Fitness has gained significant mindshare, thanks to the pandemic. At the same time, social-distancing protocols have restricted access to gyms and other similar community sports centers. In these circumstances, wearables are a boon to help keep track of one’s activity.

Monitoring vital signs and changes as one exercises and providing real-time feedback would help one to keep within safe bounds of stress. For people with lifestyle, chronic or other diseases, exercises could be prescribed with greater confidence that reliable feedback mechanisms would help prevent harm.”

–Aiyappan Pillai, Senior IEEE Member

3. THEY PROVIDE A MORE COMPLETE VIEW OF OUR HEALTH

“Activity tracking helps in creating awareness among people the importance of balance in exercise, sleep and eating habits. But the wearables are not only for the healthy people, they are more importantly used for people who have some ailments like heart problems and obesity. Athletes may also get into injuries while training where the wearables can help them to be monitored through workout logs and other self-tracking methods.

The devices with self-tracking features help health-aware individuals monitor their own fitness levels through apps and messages, which the wearer can view without even bothering to take the device out of their pockets. The most important effect of these wearables is that a complete view of one’s health can be obtained all in one place thus reducing time and cost.”

–Ramalatha Marimuthu, IEEE Senior Member

4. DOCTORS CAN USE THE DATA TO HELP DIAGNOSE

“Even though the data collected by these wearables are very personal information associated with an individual, data protection and privacy standards prevail. But with proper consent, this data can be shared by an individual with their doctors which in turn are vital information for a patient’s diagnosis.

There was news where someone used a smartwatch, and after some months of data trends, helped the doctors diagnose a serious heart condition and immediately acted on it. It saved someone’s life.”

–Sukanya Mandal, Senior IEEE Member

5. THE TECHNOLOGY IS IMPROVING

“Today we see wearables’ total addressable market around 33 Billion USD, and it is expected to grow beyond 15% year-over-year. The future is promising for wearables, as it bundles the technology to change the social behaviour and acceptance of transformative use-cases.

Apart from the forms of wearables that are available today such as smartwatches, smart badges, smart glasses, smart bracelets, and smart head-mounted gadgets, I see the emergence of exoskeleton suits for lifting heavy objects and prosthetics through 3D printing for creating human organs will be used in manufacturing and healthcare industries to promote the same.”

– Bala Prasad Peddigari, Senior IEEE Member

Fitbit and JMDC Sign Agreement to Appoint JMDC as Exclusive Distributor of Fitbit Premium for Enterprise Customers in Japan

Fitbit (NYSE: FIT) today announced that JMDC (TOKYO: 4483) will be the exclusive distributor of Fitbit Premium, Fitbit’s paid membership service, for enterprise customers in Japan. 

JMDC, one of Japan’s biggest medical database providers, has offered Fitbit devices (trackers and smartwatches) to its enterprise customers (payers, companies focusing on corporate wellness, and private insurers) since 2016, and will offer Fitbit Premium to its enterprise customers in Japan starting today.

Fitbit Premium provides personalized, actionable guidance to help people move more, sleep better and eat well. Premium membership includes customized programs, advanced analytics, personal insights, workouts, new challenges, new key health metrics, health reports and more – all in one place in the Fitbit app. Fitbit Premium will also be offering localised programs in Japanese for sleep, nutrition and mind-fullness from partners like Asken, Croix and Neurospace. Fitbit Premium has already reached more than 500,000 paid subscribers in less than a year since launch.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan continues to see healthcare expenditure reach record highs, with an estimated ¥42.6 trillion (USD 385.9 billion) spent in 20181 to support a rapidly aging population. Japanese employers pay a significant portion of these healthcare costs and, in response, many companies have stepped up their efforts to improve workplace health and wellness, with strong support and recognition from the government.2

“In recent years, Japanese organisations have become increasingly dedicated to improving the health and well-being of their employees and members, and Fitbit’s innovative wearables and supportive global community make us a natural partner to help enterprise customers achieve these goals,” said Steve Morley, Vice President of International Health Solutions & General Manager Asia Pacific at Fitbit. “Through our work with a strategic partner like JMDC and our network of distributors, we have made important strides towards making health and wellness more accessible and achievable for everyone in Japan. By expanding our enterprise partnership with JMDC to include Fitbit Premium, we will be able to offer extra motivation and support to help drive positive health outcomes for even more people.”

“I am truly grateful to have been able to enter this partnership with Fitbit, a world-leading company in the field of wearable devices. With corporate wellness ‘Kenko-Keiei’ growing in Japan, we are now able to provide more sophisticated wearable solutions than ever before. We will continue to contribute to the promotion of personal health, and at the same time, we will continue to develop further solutions using the insights accumulated through wearable devices and offerings such a Fitbit Premium,” said Matsushima Yosuke, President and CEO, JMDC.

Fitbit was first introduced in Japan in 2014, and today Fitbit works with nearly 300 Japanese enterprise customers across a wide range of industries to provide health and wellness solutions that help drive meaningful engagement, better health outcomes, and positive returns for employers, health insurers, and payers.

Historically, JMDC has focused on the health promotion business for health insurance association clients, however, JMDC plans to enhance its provision of services that focus on aspects such as exercise, sleep, meditation, preventive mental health, in the corporate wellness field with Fitbit Premium. Fitbit Premium will be a core service offering for JMDC’s enterprise customers. This partnership will greatly expand its business in the field of health management for its corporate clients.

Interested organizations are invited to pre-register their interest by contacting https://fitbit.jmdc.co.jp/

About Fitbit

Fitbit helps people lead healthier, more active lives by empowering them with data, inspiration and guidance to reach their goals. Fitbit designs products and experiences that track and provide motivation for everyday health and fitness. Fitbit’s diverse line of innovative and popular products include Fitbit Sense™, the Fitbit Versa™ family of smartwatches, Fitbit Charge 4™,Fitbit Inspire 2™, and Fitbit Ace 2™ activity trackers, and Fitbit Aria Air smart scale. Fitbit products are carried in approximately 39,000 retail stores and in 100+ countries around the globe. The Fitbit platform delivers personalized experiences, insights and guidance through leading software and interactive tools, including the Fitbit app and Fitbit OS for smartwatches. Fitbit’s paid subscription service, Fitbit Premium, provides advanced analytics and actionable guidance in the Fitbit app to help you reach your health and fitness goals. Fitbit Health Solutions develops health and wellness solutions designed to help increase engagement, improve health outcomes, and drive a positive return for employers, health plans and health systems.

Fitbit and the Fitbit logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fitbit, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Additional Fitbit trademarks can be found www.fitbit.com/legal/trademark-list. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About JMDC

Established in 2002. JMDC’s mission is “Leveraging data and ICT solutions to create a sustainable national healthcare system”. JMDC is a pioneer in the field of healthcare big data with proprietary technology in data anonymization processing and data analysis and aggregation. Based on analysis of over 540 million Health Insurance (Payer’s) Claims Data and over 26 million Health Examination Data (as of March 2020), it engages in health promotion for payers, safety evaluation and health economic analysis pharmaceuticals and other information services. JMDC continue developing service of health promotion such includes Pep Up, a personal health record service aimed at promoting wellness that employs a single health indicator (health age), and in other ways strives to create a sustainable healthcare system harnessing the leveraging data and ICT ‘(information and communication technologies) solutions.

1 https://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/medias/year/18/dl/iryouhi_data.pdf
2 https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2019/0830_002.html