Wearable AI: What Does the Implementation Mean for the Digital World

Wearables have significantly influenced digital transformation for decades. From the advent of digital hearing aids in the 1980s to today’s AI-enhanced fitness wearables, these devices have evolved to play a crucial role in our daily lives. AI in the fitness industry now enables smarter, personalized workouts without traditional gym equipment, revolutionizing how we achieve fitness goals.

In 2004, often referred to as the year wearable technology took off, the industry saw a significant boost with the introduction of the Apple Watch. This launch marked a period of rapid innovation in activity trackers and the broader wearable sector, leading to transformative changes in how these technologies are developed and used.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the wearable devices market. While initially popular for features like activity tracking and smart notifications, consumer interest began to wander as these functions became common. This led to a growing conversation about the need to enhance wearables with more advanced and intelligent capabilities, sparking a new wave of innovation in the industry.

In fact, the fitness industry is witnessing a tremendous shift due to the widespread adoption of IoT and AI wearables, resulting in more personalized and effective fitness experiences. These advancements are redefining user interaction with health metrics, enabling real-time insights and more proactive health management.

As per a report by Apple Insider, Apple is reportedly exploring the idea of launching a smart ring, which could offer biometric sensing for health tracking, gesture recognition, and control of other Apple devices. Like the Apple Watch, the “Apple Ring” would pack sensors and computing power into a sleek, wearable ring form. This potential future wearable could expand Apple’s ecosystem of devices, providing users with new ways to interact with their technology and track their health and wellness.

Also, Meta is emerging as a leader in the AI wearable race with its Ray-Ban smart glasses, showcasing one of the best implementations of wearable AI available. Other than that, Humane launched the AI Pin last year, a wearable powered by OpenAI that features ChatGPT access as a core feature, contrary to initial reports of GPT-4 usage.

These examples illustrate the growing diversity and sophistication of AI wearables, highlighting the industry’s dynamic evolution and the expanding ways users can interact with technology.

In this blog, we will discuss how the implementation of artificial intelligence in wearables has revolutionized different industries, the key examples of AI-powered wearables, their real-life use cases, and the challenges associated with their implementation. Before delving into those details, let’s quickly explore insights from the global AI wearable market. Here’s a brief walkthrough.

AI-Based Wearable Market Overview

As per a report by Grand View Research, the global wearable AI market size is expected to reach $166.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 30.4% from 2023 to 2030. The market growth of wearable AI is fueled by technological advancements in wearable AI devices, rising demand for health and fitness tracking, and the integration of AI and machine learning algorithms. Additionally, the increasing adoption of smartwatches and fitness trackers, AI wearables in healthcare, and growing awareness and affordability contribute to market expansion.

The rise in the adoption of AI assistants, wireless technology integration, and IoT development has driven the growth of wearable AI in the market. For instance, smartwatches have already earned their place in the wearable AI market years back, and the computing power of AI to a tiny watch has truly unlocked a world full of possibilities. The rapid utilization of natural language interfaces has already made wearables more powerful, and they currently hold the potential to rival PCs and smartphones in functionality.

Thus, for businesses, the evolution of AI wearables represents a significant opportunity to tap into new markets and enhance customer experiences. By leveraging the latest in wearable AI technology, companies can offer more intuitive, personalized products and services that meet the evolving needs of consumers.

With that sorted, let’s see some of the top examples of wearable AI devices and how they are utilized.

A Closer Look at the Key Examples of Wearable AI Devices

From fitness trackers and smartwatches to augmented reality glasses and virtual reality headsets, these AI-powered wearable devices are reshaping industries and everyday experiences. Let’s have a detailed look at some of those:

Fitness Trackers

Fitness trackers are devices that can be worn to monitor various fitness-related parameters, including heart rate, steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, and sleep patterns. These are usually bands or clip-on gadgets that collect data using accelerometers and heart rate monitors, among other sensors. With AI algorithms, they provide personalized insights to help users achieve their fitness goals.

[Also Read: How to Build a Fitness and Nutrition App Like MyFitnessPal?]

Smartwatches

Integrated with AI technology, smartwatches are like wearable computers with extra functions. Smartwatches can do much more than just tell time; they can also play music, track health metrics, process payments (using NFC technology), get smartphone notifications, and run different apps. They can be personalized with various watch faces and bands and frequently come with touchscreens.

Intelligent Assistants

Intelligent Assistants powered by AI, like smart glasses and earbuds, utilize natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to user commands. For instance, Google Glass employs AI for hands-free access to information, while smart earbuds offer real-time language translation, enhancing user convenience and accessibility.

VR Headsets

VR headsets give users a sensation of presence by immersing them in an immersive environment and allowing them to interact with the virtual world. These headsets, such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, are utilized for training simulations, virtual tours, and gaming.

Additionally, there is also a lot of excitement surrounding Apple Vision Pro, the company’s VR headset debut, because of its supposed cutting-edge features and easy connection with Apple’s ecosystem.

They typically feature high-resolution displays, motion-tracking sensors, and handheld controllers for interaction. AI in VR headsets enables features like eye tracking, facial recognition, and personalized content recommendations.

Smart Clothing

Smart clothing integrates sensors and electronic components into clothing to monitor and track biometric data. Sensor-enabled shirts can monitor respiration and heart rates, while smart socks can assess movement and identify possible foot issues. Applications for smart clothing include general well-being, healthcare, and sports performance tracking.

Health Monitoring Devices

These devices, leveraging wearable AI, track health parameters such as blood sugar levels, heart rate, and activity levels. Examples include blood sugar levels, heart rate, and temperature; they also track vital signs like activity level and heart rate. These smart health monitoring devices can help people manage chronic diseases and offer insightful health information.

Smart Jewelry

By fusing fashion and technology, smart jewelry offers functions like activity tracking, notifications, and mobile payments. Examples include smart rings that track activity and sleep, smart bracelets that provide notifications for calls and messages, and smart earrings that act as Bluetooth earpieces for hands-free calling. AI in smart jewelry enhances user interaction and personalization, adapting to user preferences and behaviors.

How is Wearable AI Technology Utilized in Different Industries?

Wearable AI technology is not limited to healthcare and fitness but has already been incorporated into different types of scenarios. The following are the most popular wearable technology applications in various industries.

Healthcare

Digital transformation has significantly improved the healthcare sector by enhancing functionalities. AI analytics in wearable devices now provide accurate statistics on patient health, offering real-time insights, inferences, diagnoses, and reports.

Medical applications and devices are now integrated into the AI-driven healthcare IT system known as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). With AI and wearable technology in healthcare, patients can now take precautionary healthcare measures at home by keeping track of their health details.

AI wearable intricately connects all the data with real-time health monitoring sensors, furnishing timely reports and displaying different health parameters that help patients make quick decisions and take necessary measures to keep themselves fit.

Also Read: How is Artificial Intelligence Transforming the Healthcare Industry

Gaming

Mobile gaming is a popular industry that will remain in vogue for the next few decades. This could be mainly because it has introduced artificial intelligence wearables in its industry. From making AI-enabled real-time audio and visual trackers to AR and VR-enabled games, the industry is moving towards a hedonist user experience. With AI-enhancing wearables, gaming devices have garnered more user engagement.

With the release of various VR devices, more and more people have started showing interest in AI-backed gaming. Therefore, wearable devices and gaming are often in a symbiotic linear rate with a common goal of giving the target audience an interrupted AI-driven experience.

Fitness and Sports

The fitness and sports industries have recently entered into the tech cosmos. The AI-enabled Bluetooth devices coming in the form of fitness trackers are now featured with biosensors. These biosensors detect elevation, heart rate, proximity, motion, and touch.

The application of AI in the sports and fitness industry can also be seen with the introduction of smart headphones with an AI-based personal trainer that guides the workout process by providing real-time tracking details of cycling, running, and other exercises. Therefore, body-mounted AI wearable devices can provide complete fitness information to their users with voice assistants and real-time insights.

Also, our experts at Appinventiv worked with Innovative Eyewear, launching a social media application Vyrb, that enables users to send and receive audio messages through Bluetooth wearable devices.

The application was incorporated with audio command features like Siri and Google voice assistant. To make this feature even more engaging, our development team incorporated a unique autoplay functionality and a voice-focused inbox feature.

Retail

Artificial intelligence wearable monitoring devices have also found their evolution in the retail industry. Consumer retail, especially the clothing sector, is now designing back with the advanced performance of wearable technology. Mobile apps are now synced with AI-driven wearable apparel like hand gloves, jackets, etc., specifically made to ensure the user’s or wearer’s safety.

Also known as smart clothing, this breakthrough in the fashion world has gained wide popularity these days. For example, a few years ago, Levi’s and Google collaborated on the Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket with Jacquard by Google, which garnered significant attention. Priced at $350, this denim jacket featured threads made of electrical fibers, allowing wearers to control music, answer calls, and even take photos directly from their sleeves.

Manufacturing

Wearable AI technology is increasing manufacturing productivity and safety. By using smart glasses to access real-time information, instructions, and alerts, employees can be more productive and reduce the chances of manual errors.

Furthermore, hands-free operation made possible by wearable AI technology in manufacturing allows employees to concentrate on their work uninterrupted. These devices can also help with remote collaboration, allowing professionals to provide advice and assistance anywhere in the world. Overall, wearable AI technology integration in manufacturing spurs innovation and streamlines operational procedures.

Education

By offering individualized learning experiences, AI wearables are revolutionizing the education industry. To improve learning outcomes, devices can monitor students’ progress, modify course materials, and offer real-time feedback.

Furthermore, wearable AI technology in education can raise student engagement by providing interactive learning opportunities. It also allows teachers to monitor student involvement and attendance more effectively. With the inclusion of AI wearables, the education sector is evolving toward a more effective and adaptable learning environment.

Transportation

Wearable AI technology is utilized in transportation to improve driver safety and monitoring. Road safety improves, and accidents decrease when drivers take breaks, as these devices can detect distractions and signs of exhaustion.

Moreover, wearable AI transportation devices can provide real-time traffic updates and navigation support, assisting drivers in selecting the safest and most effective routes. These devices can also monitor vehicle performance and health, warning drivers of possible problems before they get worse. Overall, transportation efficiency is increasing, and driver safety is improving with the incorporation of wearable AI technology.

Use Cases of Wearable AI Technology: Practical Implementation

Wearable AI technology finds practical implementation across various industries, streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and revolutionizing user experiences. Let’s have a look at some of those:

Nike’s Fitness Revolution with Wearable AI

Wearable AI has completely changed the fitness and sports performance industries. Users can now get real-time feedback on their workout methods and performance metrics from these devices, which can now evaluate a wide range of physiological data, including heart rate, calories burned, and even oxygen levels. After a workout, AI algorithms on devices like Fitbit continue to evaluate data and provide insights into sleep habits and general health. This means that the feedback doesn’t stop there.

AI wearables can track fitness metrics and customize training plans according to user preferences and goals. This level of individualized suggestions and feedback has changed the way people approach their fitness and health goals, making them more approachable and realistic for everyone.

For instance, the Nike FuelBand and Nike+ apps track various fitness metrics and provide personalized coaching and motivation to users. These wearable devices and apps leverage AI to help users improve their fitness and reach their performance goals.

Also Read: Fitness App Development in 2024 – A Complete Guide

Samsung’s Smartwatch for Mastering Gesture Recognition

The development of gesture recognition technologies has revolutionized how we engage with wearable electronics. Wearables can now read various hand gestures via AI algorithms, providing users with a hands-free experience that is especially useful in scenarios when manual input is difficult or impossible.

For instance, Samsung’s smartwatches incorporate AI for gesture detection, allowing consumers to operate their devices with straightforward taps and swipes. In addition to improving convenience, this technology creates new opportunities for use in various sectors, including healthcare, where hands-free operation is essential.

Emotiv’s EED Headsets for Emotion Recognition

Emotion recognition is another groundbreaking use case in wearable technology that has the potential to revolutionize mental health management. Wearables can identify emotions and offer important information about an individual’s emotional health by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to evaluate physiological signals or facial expressions. For example, Emotiv’s EEG headsets are at the forefront of this technology since they use AI to read brain waves and identify emotions. This feature makes numerous uses possible, from improving cognitive training programs to monitoring mental health concerns.

Also, Apple’s Vision Pro headsets also incorporate Emotion Recognition technology, allowing users to interact with their devices more intuitively. The ability of this technology to recognize gestures and facial expressions makes for a more immersive and natural user experience. Enhancing how users interact with their devices, this feature has applications in virtual reality, gaming, and communication.

As this technology develops, we may anticipate seeing more innovative applications, assisting people in better understanding and controlling their emotions for enhanced general well-being.

Microsoft’s Seeing AI for Assistive Technologies

AI-powered assistive technologies are revolutionizing the lives of people with disabilities by providing them with increased accessibility and independence. Wearables with AI capabilities can convert speech to text in real-time, allowing deaf people to participate in conversations more actively.

Furthermore, functionalities such as object identification can aid visually impaired people in navigating their environment more efficiently, and navigation support can offer detailed instructions in new locations. One of the best examples of how AI might help visually impaired people is Microsoft’s Seeing AI software, intended to be used with smart glasses. It can read text aloud and recognize faces, improving how visually impaired people interact and experience everyday life.

BMW’s Smart Glasses for Navigation and Location Services

Navigation and location-based services in wearable technology are undergoing a significant transformation with the integration of AI. These developments aim to give users a smooth, customized experience that caters to their requirements and tastes rather than just taking them from point A to point B. AI can analyze massive volumes of data and provide optimum routes that consider customer preferences and traffic circumstances.

Wearables can also send location-based alerts, like notifications for potential dangers or nearby points of interest. BMW’s smart glasses for manufacturing workers are one of the best examples of this. They use AI to deliver task-related information and real-time navigation instructions, increasing productivity and safety at work. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect navigation in wearables to become even more intuitive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall user experience.

Bonus Read- 8 Tips For Wearable App Development (Part1) – Appinventiv

Navigating AI Integration in Wearables: Challenges and Solutions

The advent of AI might have solved several problems and streamlined operations, but it also has a few associated challenges. Let’s analyze the challenges and solutions to overcome those:

Battery Life

During the development and evaluation of wearable fitness devices, managing battery life was one of the key challenge areas in a particular AI project management cycle. Since the computational power of AI wearables is a lot less compared to smartphones, the batteries tend to run out much sooner than ideal. Two approaches can be followed to counter this in your wearable app development process:

• Process only the data that you need through edge computing
• Optimize your code to support minimal usage

To address the challenge of battery life in AI wearables, power consumption can be optimized by processing only essential data through edge computing and optimizing code for minimal usage. These strategies help reduce the computational load and prolong battery life, ensuring a better user experience.

Data Privacy

Extensive data collection is necessary to implement artificial intelligence wearables successfully. These devices rely on vast amounts of data to train their AI algorithms, understand user behavior, and provide personalized experiences. However, this data often includes sensitive information such as health metrics, location data, and personal habits.

To address this challenge, companies can implement data anonymization techniques and ensure compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR or CCPA. Additionally, providing users with transparent information about data collection and allowing them to control their data can enhance trust and privacy.

Security

Some AI applications, such as those using wearable cameras for facial recognition, are highly sensitive to security concerns. It is crucial to prioritize on-device data processing to ensure security in AI wearables, particularly those using sensitive features like facial recognition. This strategy, backed by edge computing, improves privacy by eliminating the need to send data through public or private cloud services. Also, encryption techniques protect user information and ensure data integrity and secrecy when data transmission is required.

Ethical Concerns

Wearable AI algorithms raise significant ethical issues, including the possibility of misuse or prejudice in decision-making. Companies can go beyond enforcing ethical norms by routinely reviewing AI algorithms for bias and transparency to address ethical concerns linked to wearable AI.

Businesses can also ensure that the data utilized to train these algorithms is representative and diverse to reduce the possibility of biased decision-making. They can also include stakeholders and ethicists in the development process to guarantee that the technology is used ethically and responsibly.

[Also Read: Responsible AI – Addressing Adoption Challenges With Guiding Principles and Strategies]

Interoperability

Due to compatibility challenges, AI wearables frequently need to communicate with other systems or devices. Standardizing communication protocols and ensuring they work with existing systems can solve this problem.

Additionally, businesses can invest in creating SDKs and APIs that simplify the development of interoperable solutions by facilitating integration with various platforms and devices. Furthermore, encouraging industry collaboration and knowledge sharing can help identify and resolve interoperability problems early in development, guaranteeing more seamless integration and improved user experiences.

Kickstart Your Wearable App Development Journey Today With Appinventiv

Wearable AI apps boost productivity, stimulate innovation, and improve user experiences. These apps utilize artificial intelligence to deliver tailored insights, predictive analytics, and seamless integration with wearable devices, revolutionizing the way people engage with technology.

In short, wearable devices powered by artificial intelligence technology are helping businesses tap new arenas of digitalization and improve lifestyles. Industries across the globe and domains have already started diving deeper into innovation with AI.

Partnering with an artificial intelligence development company like ours can significantly benefit businesses looking to capitalize on this trend. Our AI developers possess the expertise and skills to develop wearable apps with AI capabilities that are customized to meet certain business requirements. We help businesses harness the latest trends in wearable technology, streamline processes, and gain a competitive edge.

Over the years, we have collaborated with renowned brands and global partners such as KFC, IKEA, Adidas, Domino’s, and more, assisting them in their digital transformation journey. Our exceptional efforts have also supported startups like EdFundo, JobGet, Vyrb, and others in securing funding, amounting to a total of $950 million.

If you have a brilliant idea in mind, it’s time to partner with an experienced wearable app development company like Appinventiv. Our experts can assist you in estimating the costs involved and guide you through every step of the development journey, ensuring your vision becomes a reality. Kickstart your wearable app development today and join the innovative wave sweeping across industries!

FAQs

Q. How is AI used in wearables?

A. AI is used in wearables to enhance functionality and user experience. It enables features like health monitoring, activity tracking, and personalized recommendations. AI algorithms analyze sensor data to provide insights and alerts, improving wearable devices’ fitness tracking, health monitoring, and overall user convenience.

Q. How long does it take to build a wearable app?

A. The time taken to build a wearable app depends on the project’s structure and complexity. Factors such as feature integration, user interface design, and testing phases significantly influence the duration. A simple app might be developed in three to four month, while a complex one with advanced functionalities requires around 9 to 12 months for thorough development and optimization.

Q. How have AI wearable devices revolutionized the healthcare industry?

A. Here are some of the ways in which artificial intelligence in wearable medical devices and fitness trackers has transformed the healthcare industry:

• Remote monitoring of patients
• Monitoring chronic conditions
• Early diagnosis
• Enhancing healthcare and lifestyle patterns
• Seamless handling of emergency situations

Q. What is the future of wearable technology?

A. Wearable technology is poised for a promising future, extending beyond smartwatches to various other domains exploring wearable AI technology. The future holds exciting advancements, including:

Energy Harvesting: To address the issue of limited battery life, future wearable devices may incorporate energy-harvesting features. These could convert body movement, heat, or solar energy into power, ensuring longer-lasting and more sustainable usage.

Authentication and Identification: Many apps currently require complex multi-factor authentication processes. However, future wearable devices equipped with machine-learning capabilities may simplify this. Users could access apps with simple biometric authentication or other streamlined features. Innovators are also exploring smart tattoo technology, which could transfer identification information when scanned, revolutionizing how we authenticate our identities.

Q. What are the benefits of using AI in wearables?

A. Wearable AI integration has several advantages:

Enhanced User Interfaces: AI can improve user interfaces by enabling voice commands, gesture recognition, and other intuitive interactions, making wearables easier and more natural.

Effective Data Processing: Wearables can deliver real-time feedback and insights because AI can process massive amounts of data quickly and accurately.

Personalized Experiences: Artificial intelligence can assess user data and offer tailored advice, such as exercise plans or health advice, to improve the user experience.

Better Health Monitoring: AI algorithms could process wearable data to reveal information about various health issues, allowing for early detection and intervention.

Predictive Analytics: AI can forecast patterns or user behavior by utilizing data from wearables. For example, it might determine when users need to take a break based on their activity level.

Energy Efficiency: Artificial intelligence algorithms can optimize wearable power consumption, prolonging battery life and minimizing charging frequency.

Q. What is the cost of building a wearable application?

A. The wearable app development services cost ranges between $30,000 to $250,000 or more depending on the complexity of the app, the features required, the platform(s) it will be developed for, and other contributing factors. Connect with our wearable app developers to get the complete cost estimation.

THE AUTHOR

Peeyush Singh

DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER