What Is Wearable Technology?Wearable technologies, also referred to as wearable devices or wearables, are electronic devices or mini computers that are incorporated into clothing and accessories that are worn on the body (STEAM America). One of the major features of wearable technology is its ability to connect to the Internet, enabling data to be exchanged between a network and the device (Tehrani & Michael, 2014). The increasing popularity of mobile networks and devices has been one of the most significant factors in the development of wearable technology. Smart watches, web-enabled glasses, health monitors, and blue-tooth headsets all allow people to access data hands-free from Wi-Fi networks (Radcliffe, 2014).
Wearable Technology is one aspect of the Internet of Things (IoT) in which devices, objects, clothing and even micro sensors can be connected to the internet. From a recent by poll of wearable users, by Ericsson Consumer Labs, "74 percent believe multiple wearables and sensors will help them interact with other devices and physical things around them, whilst 1 in 3 smartphone users believes they will wear at least 5 wearables beyond 2020." (2016) Purpose of Wearable TechnologyThe purpose of wearable technology is to create a continuous, convenient, seamless, portable, and mostly hands-free access to electronics and computers. It is also used as a means of communication, to monitor health concerns and promote healthy living, among other things. The goal of wearable technologies is to smoothly incorporate functional, portable electronic devices into individuals daily lives (Tehrani & Michael, 2014).
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Wearable Technology: function and fashion
Many forms of clothing and bags are currently being transformed into wearable technology. Some of the upgrades are artistic expressions of fashion (i.e. LED lit dresses or shoes) yet others use smart technology to add functional value to the object (i.e. solar powered backpacks). The slideshow below offers a few interesting developments for wearable technology. Many of the ideas can provide inspiration for STEAM initiatives and projects in maker classrooms or design labs.
A Brief Look into the History of Wearable Technology
Radcliffe, B. (2014). Wearable Technology Definition | Investopedia. Investopedia. Retrieved 9 August 2016, from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/wearable-technology.asp
Tehrani, K., & Michael, A. (2014, March). Wearable Technology and Wearable Devices Everything You Need to Know. Retrieved from Wearable Devices: http://www.wearabledevices.com/what-is-a-wearable-device/
Wearable Technology | STEAM America. (2016). Steam-america.org. Retrieved 9 August 2016, from http://www.steam-america.org/wearable-technology/
Video courtesy of:
Toe, C. (2016). CES 2014: Wearable Technology From Head to Toe. Wsj.com. Retrieved 9 August 2016, from http://www.wsj.com/video/ces-2014-wearable-technology-from-head-to-toe/2A2B2B96-A01E-431A-AFDC-8693F30F0821.html
Tehrani, K., & Michael, A. (2014, March). Wearable Technology and Wearable Devices Everything You Need to Know. Retrieved from Wearable Devices: http://www.wearabledevices.com/what-is-a-wearable-device/
Wearable Technology | STEAM America. (2016). Steam-america.org. Retrieved 9 August 2016, from http://www.steam-america.org/wearable-technology/
Video courtesy of:
Toe, C. (2016). CES 2014: Wearable Technology From Head to Toe. Wsj.com. Retrieved 9 August 2016, from http://www.wsj.com/video/ces-2014-wearable-technology-from-head-to-toe/2A2B2B96-A01E-431A-AFDC-8693F30F0821.html