Researchers at the University of Arizona have pioneered a wearable monitoring system capable of transmitting health data up to an impressive 15-mile range. This breakthrough addresses a critical issue faced by conventional wearables, as they often rely on signals from satellites or antennas, rendering them ineffective in remote areas with limited or no mobile phone coverage.
The newly developed system utilizes a low power wide area network (LPWAN) technology, specifically incorporating LoRa (Long Range) capabilities. Compared to traditional communication protocols such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, LoRa offers an astonishing 2,400-times the distance of Wi-Fi and 533-times that of Bluetooth. This extended range allows the wearable to transmit crucial health information over vast distances without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Phillipp Gutruf, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Arizona, highlighted the limitations of existing communication protocols, stating, “These Internet-based communication protocols are effective and well-developed, but they require cell coverage or Internet connectivity and main-line power sources. These requirements often leave individuals in remote or resource-constrained environments underserved.”
Unlike previous LoRa-enabled devices, the circuitry and antenna in this innovative wearable are seamlessly integrated into a soft, custom 3D-printed biosymbiotic design. Worn on the forearm, the device feels like a natural extension of the body, ensuring it remains securely in place even during physical activities. Remarkably, the wearable can be wirelessly recharged from a distance of up to 2 meters, allowing for continuous operation over weeks without the need for removal.
Max Farley, an undergraduate student in biomedical engineering who contributed to the project, emphasized the device’s potential impact: “Our device allows for continuous operation over weeks due to its wireless power transfer feature for interaction-free recharging – all realized within a small package that even includes onboard computation of health metrics.”
The researchers envision extending the communication range further, with plans to eventually serve hundreds of square miles and hundreds of users with only a minimal number of connection points. Gutruf emphasized that this effort is not merely a scientific endeavor but a crucial step towards making digital medicine more accessible, transcending geographical and resource constraints. The development marks a significant advancement in healthcare technology, promising improved access to vital health monitoring in previously underserved areas.
