While we typically focus on how various technologies can be used in business applications as a way to boost a small or medium-sized organization’s capabilities, we occasionally come across a topic that is just undeniably cool (and that we can bring back around to business concerns, to boot). We recently heard about the development of a flexible new wearable that uses AI to monitor the health of the wearer that we wanted to discuss with you.
Let’s examine this developing technology and consider a few ways that the same concepts could eventually make their way into modern businesses.
Researchers at the University of Chicago are Developing a Health Monitor Housed in an Adhesive Patch
Under the leadership of Assistant Professor Sihong Wang—who, incidentally, was named one of MIT’s 35 Innovators Under 35 in 2020 for precisely this work—the team at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering has been generating a chip that uses machine learning to process data collected from various biosensors. By creating this chip using flexible polymers, it effectively becomes a sticker, capable of utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning to draw conclusions about the wearer’s health.
As Wang puts it, “With this work we’ve bridged wearable technology with artificial intelligence and machine learning to create a powerful device which can analyze health data right on our own bodies.”
Should their work pan out (as it seems to be), this will mean that wearable biosensors will one day be available to assist us in managing our health, helping us to keep track of various health indicators like blood sugar, oxygen levels, and other metabolites. So far, they’ve shown that this technology can accurately track electrocardiogram data, and the potential for these devices is considerable.
It is important to recognize, however, that this data is inherently sensitive in nature. This means that it will be important to focus on how this data is to be secured.
There’s a Lot Here That Could Play into Business Operations
While a flexible diagnostic chip may have limited functionality in the office space, it demonstrates how capable technology can potentially be—largely independent of human interaction in many cases. Instead of a neuromorphic computing chip meant to collect and analyze health data, businesses now have access to tools that can independently track data, kicking off workflows based on certain inputs and automating many processes.
In short, while the team at the Pritzker School is focused on proactively monitoring human health, your business has the opportunity to use IT to proactively monitor your technology infrastructure.
We’re here to help you embrace this opportunity, ensuring that you do so securely and effectively. Learn more by giving us a call at 619-776-3032.
