Wearable artificial intelligence (WAI), the next big thing in health and wellness?

October 25, 2023

Wearable artificial intelligence (WAI) may be the next big thing in health and wellness. Artificial intelligence (AI) is computerized human-like intelligence. Examples include chatbots like Open AI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard. Wearable technology refers to electronic devices humans can wear on their bodies typically to track physical activity and health metrics. Examples include fitness bands like the fitbit and smart watches like the Apple Watch. 

The combination of wearables and AI is what we call WAI. It may very well become a big trend in technology in the near future. Below is a brief look into wearable health trackers and how they may be integrated with or enhanced with AI.

Wearable Health Trackers

Wearables for health tracking purposes (health trackers) are electronic devices loaded with sensors that detect changes in the human body. Computer chips within the trackers convert the sensed data into digits (1s and 0s). The digital data is transmitted to wirelessly connected computer device (typically a smartphone). Software applications instruct the smartphone to "play" with the data to create valuable health information. These apps "have fun" directing the mobile computer (smartphone) to apply computational functions that turn the data input into useful information output. By the way, that is what all computers do. Computers are electronic devices that turn data input into output via the application of computational functions in sequential order (i.e. algorithms). The information produced by computers can be used for multiple purposes including education, problem-solving, and entertainment. 

Common sensors found in health trackers include the following: 

• Accelerometers. Measure changes in velocity to track movement and orientation. They can counts steps, measure distance traveled, and monitor sleep patterns by detecting body movement.
• Gyroscopes. Measure rotational motion and changes in orientation. Can provides additional data to improve the accuracy of step counting and activity recognition.
• Heart rate monitors. Measure the user's heart rate using either light (optical) sensors or electrical sensors.
• They can monitor heart rate during rest and physical activity to comparatively assess statistical cardiovascular health and fitness levels.
• Global Positioning Systems. Using satellite signals, can determine tracker's location and movement. Can track outdoor  activities such as running and cycling, providing data on distance, pace, and route.
• Oxygen sensors. Using light sensors can measure the oxygen saturation level in the user's blood. Can monitor respiratory functions, compare them to statistical health parameters. Can also detect signs of sleep apnea.
• Skin Temperature Sensors. Measure the temperature of the user's skin or changes in temperature. Can detect signs of fever and other health conditions.
• Bioimpedance sensors. Measure the resistance of biological tissue to electrical current. Can be used to estimate body composition metrics such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, and hydration levels.

Each sensor gathers specific types of data that are then processed and analyzed by the health tracker's software to provide useful health insights and feedback to the user. The combination of various sensors allows health trackers to offer a comprehensive view of the user's physical activity, health status, and overall well-being.

Repetition (key to learning). Wearable health trackers are electronic devices designed to monitor various metrics of human health and fitness. Wearable trackers are worn on the body (commonly on the wrist). As stated above, they use sensors to gather data related to physical activity, vital signs, and other health-related metrics.

• Physical activity. Track steps, distance traveled, and calories burned. Monitor specific types of physical activities such as walking, running, cycling, and swimming. Some trackers use global positioning system (GPS) technology to track location and movement during outdoor activities. Some also use GPS for mapping applications (e.g. new Fitbit Charge 6 released today).
• Heart Rate. Measure and track heart rate continuously or during specific activities. Analyze heart rate data to assess overall cardiovascular health and fitness levels. Advanced models can perform electrocardiograms (ECG) to assess heart rhythm.
• Sleep. Monitor sleep patterns, including duration and quality of sleep. Provide insights into sleep behavior and offer recommendations for improvement.
• Stress. Monitor and analyze physiological data to assess stress levels and provide feedback for stress management.
• Blood Oxygen. Measure blood oxygen saturation levels, which can be useful in assessing respiratory health.

Computer chips within trackers package digital data that is sent to smartphones typically via bluetooth technology or wifi. Software applications organize the data to provide detailed analyses and personalized insights. Some trackers are mainly fitness bands such as Fitbit, Xiaomi Mi Band, and Garmin Vivosmart. Other trackers are embedded within smartwatches such as the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Garmin Forerunner. There are also specialized wearables such as chest strap heart rate monitors, smart rings, and medical-grade wearables for specific health conditions.

Wearable health trackers have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, accessibility, and potential benefits in promoting health and wellness. Trackers can promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits. They can monitor specific health conditions and track progress over time. They can also provide valuable data to help individuals and healthcare providers make informed decisions about health and wellness. They offer a wide range of features that cater to various needs and preferences, and ongoing advancements in technology continue to expand their capabilities. 

Wearable Artificial Intelligence (WAI) 

Future wearable health trackers are expected to become more advanced and integrated, providing a broader range of measurements and more accurate data. Some potential developments in future wearable health trackers include continuous, non-invasive monitoring of real-time data regarding blood pressure for management of hypertension; blood glucose for diabetes management without the need for finger-pricking; cholesterol monitoring; hydration monitoring; and mood analysis for managing stress, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Future wearables will most likely be integrated with AI. The data captured by wearables can be processed with computerized human-like intelligence for virtual assistance and counseling on real time, all the time. 

In the near future, AI chat bots will be able to provide human-like company and assistance to humans. WAI may become an essential component of real-time AI counseling to humans. By integrating wearables with other internet of things (IoT) devices, AI can facilitate a holistic health ecosystem for humans. For example, AI can automatically adjust room temperature and lighting for optimal sleep; monitor refrigerator and pantry food supplies; detect harmful chemical exposure; facilitate health testing at home from toilet water urine and stool testing, saliva oral health analysis, blood sampling, and more. Wearable AI can provide predictive health support in the form of early detection of illness by analyzing patterns in health metrics. WAI can provide personalized health counseling with recommendations tailored based on individual needs and preferences.

AI will provide improved user experience, interaction, and data interpretation for everyday humans. This will not only be the case with wearables, but with most other electronic devices and computers. AI will have the capability to understand human language (oral, written, and body language). AI will be able to communicate information back to humans in personalized and customized ways. AI will be able to provide personalized alerts and notifications based wearable data, preferences, goals. In this sounds like AI is the best invention ever, it is because it is. 

The future of wearable health trackers lies in harnessing cutting-edge AI technology to provide more comprehensive, personalized, and predictive insights into human health and wellness. By integrating with other devices, utilizing artificial intelligence, and offering a more user-friendly experience, these trackers will play a pivotal role in preventive healthcare and personalized medicine.

AI can significantly enhance health tracking by analyzing large datasets, identifying patterns, and providing personalized insights and recommendations. Here are additional ways AI can assist in health monitoring and maintenance:

• Personalized Nutritional Recommendations. Analyze dietary habits and nutritional intake to provide tailored meal plans and suggestions for a balanced diet.
• Physical Activity. Monitor exercise routines and suggest optimal workouts based on fitness goals, health status, and personal preferences.
• Sleep Quality. Assess sleep patterns and provide recommendations to improve sleep quality based on individual needs.
• Health Protection. Use data from wearables and other health monitoring devices to predict the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. Identify early signs of illness by analyzing symptoms, vital signs, and other health metrics. Facilitate remote consultations and continuous monitoring of patients with chronic conditions, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits. Monitor medication intake and provide reminders to ensure adherence to prescribed treatments.
• Mental Health Support. Stress Management:Analyze data related to stress levels and provide strategies for relaxation and stress reduction. Monitor indicators of mental health and provide support for managing anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
• Enhanced Data Analysis. Integration of multiple data sources, aggregating data from wearables with data from electronic health records, and patient-reported information, for comprehensive health analysis. Analyze large datasets to identify health trends, common symptoms, and potential risk factors within specific populations.
• Virtual Health Assistance. Real-time health advice, answering all sort of imaginable health questions a human may have at any time, offering expert-level guidance for achieving optimal health.

By leveraging AI, health tracking can become more accurate, personalized, and proactive. This should contribute to better health outcomes and enhanced well-being. The combination of AI with wearable technology and other health monitoring devices offers tremendous potential for preventive healthcare and personalized medicine.

AI will play a vital role (pun intended) role in human health and wellness. WAI promises to be humanity's best friend helping humans accumulate and safeguard the most important wealth, which is health. 

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