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Wearable Technology Worldwide Aiding Mobility & Better Dining Experiences
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Thursday, 11 April, 2019, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Jane Potter
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Along with the recent development of beverage technology for accommodating people on the move, new advances are emerging in the world of wearable technology that can help people who struggle to move independently. Currently, restaurant technology startup Presto are trialling wearable technology in restaurants to enhance the customer experience and service efficiency. If this proves successful for customers and businesses alike, wearable technology has the potential to make the dining experience more enjoyable for all; and this is particularly true for people with physical impairments. There is a range of wearable technology that aims to give them the independence to cook for themselves and make life easier at restaurants and other eateries.
Feeding devices
These days, wearable technology is used to monitor health - from fitness trackers to sophisticated devices measuring people’s vital statistics. People who are physically impaired may have difficulty preparing their own meals or eating independently. This is where feeding aids such as Liftware can offer some support. Aimed particularly at people living with Parkinson’s, or with a tremor in their wrists, these stabilising handles stays still while the person holds them, even if their hands move, enabling them to feed themselves.
The wearable robot
LG have taken the more conventional exoskeleton suits one step further with their wearable robot CLOi Suitbot. This is specifically designed for people with mobility issues and enables people to wear it standing up, while also giving them the chance to sit in it and travel using the attached wheels. This cross-functionality therefore provides users with the chance to move about independently with others while also being able to take the strain off their lower limbs when needed. This can be helpful when it comes to eating out or going to bars, for example; users of the robot don’t necessarily need to feel restricted by their mobility issues.
Wearable tech for the blind
New wearables are emerging that can aid mobility and independence for the visually impaired. For example, the ongoing development of augmented reality ‘smartglasses’ means that people who struggle with sight should hopefully be able to read key text, such as menus, recipes or food labels. This would give the person the ability to cook for themselves and make eating a more inclusive experience for them.
Assistive wearable footwear
Another piece of technology that can help the blind is the wearable ‘smart’ insole Lechal. Launched by Indian firm Ducere Technologies, the footwear works via its app, which links to Google Maps and helps the wearer navigate themselves around unfamiliar places. This can help give independence and confidence to the visually impaired when it comes to socialising, or even going grocery shopping.
The EvoWalk
When it comes to rehabilitative wearables, a particularly pioneering form of technology is the EvoWalk. This is essentially a leg ‘sleeve’, which supports people with partial leg paralysis. The technology aims to restore mobility in the leg by working with the muscles appropriately and improving the user’s gait. The sleeve is relatively small, making it a discreet way of helping people build up muscle strength and confidence.
Chronic pain relievers
For people who live with chronic pain, mobility can be a significant issue. This can impact one’s ability and desire to prepare meals in the kitchen or socialise at restaurants or other venues. The development of Quell 2.0 by Neurometrix aims to provide a natural, non-invasive way of treating the pain and boosting morale as a result. It works by sending pulses to the brain and inhibiting pain signals, thereby easing the sensation of pain and enabling the person to be more mobile in the process.
Wearable technology: Taking strides forward
Whatever one’s views on the increasingly popular world of wearable technology, its potential when it comes to helping people with impairments is worth noting. Whether it be helping to alleviate pain, enabling people to cook and feed themselves or simply get from A to B independently, the impact wearable technology could have on people’s lives is extremely positive. Here is to hoping that the technology continues to take big steps in the right direction.
(The author is a freelance writer)
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