WearTec

Sensatex has developed a shirt that allows to monitor vital signs and to wirelessly transmit the monitored data. Whilst this wearable technology can prove very useful and potentially life saving, issues such as protection of privacy and personal information can arise, for example if the person wearing the shirt is unaware that data is collected.

From the Sensatex press release:
“[…] The SmartShirt System makes it possible to remotely monitor a wearer’s movement, heart rate, and respiration rate in real-time through a patented nanotechnology conductive fiber grid that is seamlessly knit into the material of the fully washable shirt. […]
The light, breathable, cotton fabric has fully integrated conductive fibers that create connectivity to acquire and transfer analog physiological signals to a small personal controller. The controller digitizes the data signals and wirelessly transmits them to a remote location where the data is received for monitoring. […]

Possible uses for the system include home health monitoring for the elderly, observing outpatients in post-operative and chronic illness situations, training support for athletes, remote monitoring for first responders, hazard materials workers, and soldiers in the field, and watching professional truck drivers’ vital signs to alert them of fatigue.”

[via Mobile Crunch]