Smart socks and Geak Rings are among the latest wearable tech to be announced and both may have implications for healthcare. US-based Heapsylon says it is developing sensor-equipped socks that help their owners monitor their balance while walking or running. Meanwhile, Chinese company Shanda has unveiled the Geak Ring – a finger-worn device that can unlock a user’s smartphone or pass data to others.
Sensoria socks have sensors built into their fabric to measure pressure readings in order to provide data about how their owner walks or runs. The socks attach to an ankle band that then communicates the gathered data via Bluetooth to a smartphone or computer running the firm’s software. The developers say the washable product could provide real-time feedback to runners, allowing them to adjust their strides to reduce the risk of injury. In addition they say the product could be used to help monitor diabetic foot ulcers or warn of elderly patients losing their balance to alert carers they are at risk of falling.