Francesca Sette: Innovations in Wearable Sports Technology Developers and inventors are creating new and innovative devices that are changing the way in which users, including a wide range of wearable gadgets and devices that are enriching and transforming the way we exercise and play sports.
Just a few years ago, it was inconceivable that someone could wear a bracelet that effectively keeps track of how many steps they've taken throughout the day. But today, these step counting bracelets are just the tip of the iceberg.
Here's a look at a few very clever wearable bits of sports technology!
Swing Improvement Wristbands Improve your tennis swing or golf swing with a clever gadget that's worn as a bracelet. The bracelet works with an app that collects data as the bracelet moves through space.
Based on the movements, the app can detect problems, while enabling the user to visualize and analyze their swing. The Smash tennis swing bracelet is currently in development. There are literally dozens of different golf swing analyzers available on the market today, like GolfSense 3D and the Tempo Golf Bracelet. GPS manufacturer TomTom has also made a new smartwatch designed to help golfers improve their game. It's called the TomTom Golfer and it's now available for pre-order.
Weight Lifting Exoskeletons Exoskeletons allow weight lifters to work out without help from a spotter. These stateof-the-art exoskeletons can be programmed to allow the user to do the heavy lifting, but when the exoskeleton detects a sudden movement as though the user is about to drop the weight, it kicks into gear, taking over for the user's muscles and preventing potentially deadly crushing injuries.
There's also the Push Band, which can be worn during a workout to track velocity and muscle power during a workout, training session or game.
HUD Ski Goggles Skiing just got high tech with the new Recon Snow2 heads up display (HUD) ski goggles. Reviewers have likened the Recon Snow2 ski goggles to a sporty version of Google Glass. The goggles connect directly to the user's smartphone via Bluetooth. It's certain to add an entirely new element to the ski slopes.
Fun Wearable Gadgets There are also lots of fun (but not so functional) gadgets that can be worn during your next workout or game, from a wearable sensor that connects to a one-of-a-kind app which creates paintings from a dancer's movements using electronic tracing technology, to a sensor and app that allows for interactive gaming while on a treadmill, to the jmpLite, which is a runner-powered safety light.
The Future of Wearable Sports Technology
The future of wearable sports technology and gadgets is certain to be bright, as a number of clever devices are currently in development. One example is the MindRider bicycle helmet, which was showcased and subjected to testing on a recent episode of The Science Channel show, All-American Makers.
The MindRider is a bike helmet that's equipped with transmitters that monitor brainwaves and send that data to the user's smartphone. The MindRider monitors the amount of mental concentration, which correlates to the difficulty of a particular route or bike path. With GPS integration, the MindRider app generates a map of the route in real time, with the biker's concentration data overlay. This makes it easy for other riders see which areas of the course are easy, moderate and difficult.
The product development experts on All-American Makers also brainstormed additional applications, such as integration into football or hockey players' helmets. This would give coaches a real-time view of what's happening in their players' minds, thereby allowing for a more effective game strategy.
For those who prefer to swim, there are now underwater jet packs to propel you through the water. The X2 Underwater Jet Pack is now in development.
When it comes to wearable technology, one thing is certain: innovation is happening now and it seems your imagination is the only limitation.
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