In no special ranking system, we have found some of the coolest, most innovative wearables that exist today. Some of the products listed were released last year, while the others plan on being released by the end of 2020. With the use of printed electronics, products everywhere are becoming thinner, more flexible, and more accurate. From FSR’s to biometric sensors, printed electronics are becoming the future of innovative wearable technology. Some of these wearables are already on the market. The others were announced at the 2020 Consumer Electronics show.
Prosthetic Arm
BrainCo has developed an awesome new way of shaking hands. As a leader in both science and technology, they have developed one of the smartest prosthetic arms to date. The prosthetic arm uses sensors that receive the electrical signals from the brain to move the arm and fingers independently. It can be used to make simple gestures and complex movements like playing the piano. Launching later this year, they could be available for as low as $10,000.
Phonak Virto Black- Smart Hearing Aid
Phonak offers many kinds of hearing aids for all ages. What makes the Phonak Virto™ special is that it is the first, and currently only, hearing aid to use Biometric Calibration. By using personal biometrics, the hearing aid is made to custom fit the consumer’s anatomy and adjust the hearing needs accordingly. According to their website, there are over 1,600 biometric data points collected.
Withings Scanwatch- ECG & Sleep Apnea
Detection Smartwatch
According to their website the watch is clinically tested and is “the most advanced health wearable ever designed.” The watch also received an innovation award at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month, including medical-grade ECG & sleep apnea detection sensors. Other unique and interesting capabilities the smartwatch has includes sending alerts about irregular heartbeats, multi-sport tracking, a thirty-day battery life, and smartphone notifications. The data is collected by three electrodes and a blood oxygen levels sensor. You can easily track goals and any other data collected by utilizing the watch’s app on a modern smartphone.
Jabra Elite Active 75t- Headphones
One of the best features of the Jabra Elite Active 75t is how well it can adapt to different environments. Their website says that it is also is the most comfortable earpiece that they have developed. This model can also charge very quickly, providing nearly 60 minutes of battery life from a 15-minute fast charge. These earbuds are very popular with athletes who are constantly training. Jabra Elite Active 75t is “Waterproof. Sweatproof. Workout-proof.” They also mention that Jabra is so confident in the durability of the earbuds that they “offer a two-year warranty against dust and sweat.” Three colors are currently available for just under $200, but three additional modern colors will be available for purchase this April.
Jiobit Real-Time Location Tracker for Kids
Sales of the Jiobit kid location tracker have skyrocketed this past year. Their website currently advertises for potential customers to join the waitlist because the item is so popular that they are currently out of stock! In today’s society, this device provides peace of mind to any parents using it. Jiobit has patented its location tracking system. This system uses Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular, and GPS. Other capabilities include a live, continuous, and unlimited range of tracking. Notifications and alerts can be sent to modern smartphones through the app to track your child’s location at all times. All of the tracking sensors make this product a top wearable product to watch for the upcoming year.
Bellabeat Leaf Urban
The best tech that’s is specifically designed for women is the Bellabeat Leaf Urban. It was designed to be a woman’s wellness coach that could fit in a pocket. It easily tracks sleep, activity, mindfulness and menstruation cycles. There is also a pregnancy tracking features for the new and experienced moms. The leaf can be worn as a pin, bracelet, and necklace. Designed to keep up with busy women, the leaf is wireless, ecofriendly, hypoallergenic, water-resistant, and has a six-month battery life. Sync the leaf to a smartphone to track data and find tips for beauty, meditation, and working out.
Oculus Quest All-in-one VR Gaming
Headset
This gaming headset is filled with the latest technology. It is wireless and has audio speakers built into the headset. The controllers are designed to put the player’s hands into the game. The device also includes “Oculus Insight Tracking” that uses sensors that are built into the device to translate the player’s movements into the VR game. This tracking also measures the surrounding area of the player to enhance the player’s safety.
UPRIGHT GO 2™
Designed with multi-sensor technology, the UPRIGHT GO 2™ is the best way to stop slouching. Though the device is small and sleek, the battery lasts nearly thirty hours. The Upright GO 2™ is unlike anything before because you can use the app to train your spine not to slouch. The sensors of the device rely on the data to the app on a smartphone to be more aware of your live posture. A subtle vibration allows you to be aware of your slouching habits. Many users say that they don’t notice the vibration after a certain period of time and that their muscles automatically adjust themselves.
Nurvv Run
Another wearable to add to the amazing sports tech list is the Nurvv Run Smart Insole. They are designed with runners in mind. The app is a coach that can collect the data from the insole and show smart charts and other features through the app to easily understand personal data. You can learn how long your step distance is and how many steps you take per minute. The force sensing resistors that are a part of the insole can also measure the force and position of the runner’s feet hitting the ground. By tracking the footstrike, runners will be able to reduce the risk of injury.
VEHO Muvi HDZ Pro
This professional camcorder comes with many interesting and unique capabilities. According to the website the “new and updated Muvi Micro HDZ Pro Camcorder, capable of recording HD footage 1080p@30fps the HDZ Pro captures all the action as it happens.” It is considered to be one of the smaller cameras on the market, making it easy to mount for extreme sports footage. Because it provides thirty frames per second the camera is great for fast-paced environments.
Butler Technologies is happy to help anyone with innovative printed electronics and user interface products. Let us help you from design to commercialization. Learn more about printed electronics by clicking here.
Meet the Author
Ashley Foster is a graduate of Slippery Rock University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majored in Business Management and minored in Marketing. While Ashley was studying at SRU she found a passion for marketing. Although she is busy working, she spends her free time traveling and hiking with friends. She is also a volunteer for the American Marketing Association, Pittsburgh Chapter, and an active alumni member of FCCLA.
