Wearable technology is rapidly evolving, shaping how we interface with our environments and enhancing our daily lives. A pivotal new facility, WearTech Labs, has been established at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Burnaby, British Columbia, aimed at advancing this field by bridging the gap between technology and human physiology.
About WearTech Labs
Launched with a budget of $17 million, WearTech Labs represents a collaborative effort between federal and provincial grants and SFU funds. The facility opened officially earlier this month and is designed to accelerate the development of wearable technologies through rigorous testing with human subjects.
Facilities and Equipment
WearTech Labs boasts an impressive array of equipment:
- Industrial sewing machines
- Electronics printing machines
- Specialized treadmills for measuring foot impact
- Motion-capture camera systems
- Wind tunnel for performance testing
This diverse equipment allows companies to conduct rapid prototyping, integrating scientific research with technological development. The unique approach combines human sciences with engineering to promote innovative wearable devices.
Industry Collaboration
Dr. Max Donelan, a biomedical physiology and kinesiology professor at SFU, and his colleague Ed Park, a professor of mechatronics, have emphasized the need for collaboration between academia and industry. Their goal is to foster breakthroughs in wearable devices that can be utilized in clinics, workplaces, and homes.
Driving Innovation in Wearable Technology
The demand for wearables is on the rise, partly due to advancements in materials and artificial intelligence. Additionally, an aging population’s health and mobility concerns fuel this demand. Companies, such as Hettas, are already experiencing the benefits of collaboration with WearTech Labs.
Case Study: Hettas
Founded by Lindsay Housman in 2023, Hettas is a Vancouver-based startup specializing in high-performance women’s running shoes. Housman aimed to create footwear tailored specifically for women’s needs, inspired by her own experiences. Collaborating with experts at WearTech Labs, her team conducted research that led to insights on female biomechanics, resulting in a literature review recently published in BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine.
Research Potential
WearTech Labs is not only focused on footwear but also on broader healthcare applications. The labs are well-equipped to develop wearable health-monitoring devices that can track vital signs accurately. This capability is crucial for enhancing personalized medicine and improving patient care strategies.
Future Outlook
According to experts like Dr. Daniel Ferris from the University of Florida, WearTech Labs offers unparalleled research capabilities that can validate metrics against established medical devices. This is vital for fostering innovation in wearable technology.
Dr. Donelan believes that successful wearable technology development requires thorough validation and real-world testing. WearTech Labs is committed to helping startups and established companies navigate this complex landscape, ensuring they can effectively create products that meet market demands.
As the need for innovative solutions in health and performance grows, WearTech Labs stands at the forefront of driving the future of wearable technology.
