Zephyr’s Smart Fabrics

Zephyr, a company in New Zealand, has some great products that combine “smart fabric sensor technology with novel algorithms”, to create some innovative medical technologies.
The first product today is the Zephyr Bioharness, which can wirelessly transmit vital signs to a central location for tracking and monitoring. Sure we’ve covered similar products before (here, here, and here), but we appreciate a little friendly competition between medical manufactures.

Using Zephyr’s wireless Smart Fabric technology, the comfortable and robust BioHarness provides comprehensive bio telemetry data of vital signs over time. Produced as part of an existing garment or offered as a stand alone device, the BioHarness enables field-based research into human performance and condition.

Next up, is the Zephyr ShoePod Diabetic insert which they claim can help detect early signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Developed in conjunction with leading diabetes foot research teams, the ShoePod Diabetic provides an early warning system for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN), a condition affecting 60 per cent of diabetics. Using specialized ShoePod sensing technology, ShoePod Diabetic detects those conditions that lead to foot ulceration and amputation.

The ShoePod Diabetic is a thin Smart Fabric shoe insole which measures temperatures, coupled with a wireless data transmitter and recorder. Graphical diagnostic tools enable accurate comparative analysis, providing early warning of foot ulceration due to DPN. Developed in conjunction with leading diabetes foot research teams, the ShoePod Diabetic is durable, small and lightweight. It is the first diagnostic product able to be used without restricting the wearer’s everyday activity.

Measures temperatures

Small and lightweight (<50g)

Wireless connectivity to mobile phones

Log up to one weeks’ data

Real time and trend analysis software

Animated play back

Records detail for comparisons and later analysis

Product Page . . .
(hat tip: Engadget)