The Future of Air Monitoring and Wearable Technology

With wearable technology still in its infancy, the concept itself may seem rather novel. Smart watches which read your pulse as well as your emails, interactive glasses which allow you to surf the web on the go, and sensory clothing which tracks your movements as well as your health still appear futuristic.

According to research conducted by Pew Research Centre (an independent fact tank informing the public on trends, attitudes and issues worldwide), the Internet of Things and wearable devices will be prevalent by 2015, providing an array of beneficial effects, particularly to human health and longevity. With dozens of apps already available to monitor pulse, calorie intake, daily activity, and exercise regime, could it also be possible to monitor environmental factors that may impact health through wearable technologies?

Air pollution is a persistent environmental problem, with long-term exposure contributing to a number of serious health conditions such as asthma, lung and heart disease. With a constant stream of innovative technologies released by multi-million pound tech companies and start-ups alike, this year has seen a number of wearables that can monitor air quality, temperatures and humidity, and even air pollution levels.

The Docotch by NTT Docomo

A safety-conscious children's smartwatch designed by leading Japanese mobile phone operator, NTT Docomo, the Docotch (see image) is due to be released in May 2015 and has the ability to measure air quality in the home. Equipped with humidity and temperature sensors, children will be able to keep track of the air around them, a feature the company hopes will prove useful in preventing heat-related ailments such as heatstroke.

As well as air monitoring, other key features of the Docotch include GPS tracking, 3G communications, and a panic button which sends an alert with a location tag by email to up to six stored numbers.

Wearable chemical sensor from Chemisense

California-based startup, Chemisense have developed a cost-effective chemical sensor that can detect chemicals present in the air around you in real time. The company hopes that the data collected by the sensor will have a major impact on the lives of those living with respiratory diseases, enabling them to avoid highly polluted areas.

Chemisense initially plan to release the sensor embedded in a wristband aimed at children with asthma, helping them to identify particular pollutants which can trigger attacks, as well as areas of high pollution. While their technology is not as sensitive as they would like it to be, Chemisense hope to have a working prototype within the next six months.

AirWaves pollution mask from Frog Shanghai

In 2013, global design and product innovation studio, Frog asked their designers to participate in an in-house challenge exploring wearable technologies that enhance and enrich city dwellers’ experiences. Their Shanghai-based team designed AirWaves: a pollution mask which not only filters air pollution, but also monitors the air quality, sharing the collected data with other mask users via a smartphone app.

The product was created in response to air quality concerns in major Chinese cities, and the related health problems that can arise from air pollutants.

What next?

Interested in reading more about air monitoring and wearable technology? In a recent article we looked at the BB.Suit 2.0 – it features an integrated air quality sensor and can scrutinise and map different levels of air pollution. You can read all about it at: Introducing the Polluted Air Purification Onesie.