Program & Batch: PGDM (2014-2016)

Term: Term 4

Course Name: ETNO

Name of the faculty: Dr. Poonam Garg

Topic/ Title : Body Adaptable Wearable Electronics

Original or Revised Write-up:

Original

Group Number: Group 1

Contact No. and email of Group Coordinator:

08377853052/ft14ayansaha@imt.ac.in

Group Members: Sl. Roll No. Name1 140102035 Ayan Saha2 140103023 Ankita Rai3 140103055 Deepika Kumari4 140103028 Apalak Kashyap5 140102133 T.V. Shankaran6 140101092 Madhav Maheshwari7 140101018 Anandamayee Agarwal

Contents

Introduction..........................................................................................................................................3

Current Scenario & Application............................................................................................................4

Growing Number of Devices.................................................................................................................5

Market Segmentation...........................................................................................................................6

Future Trend.........................................................................................................................................6

Challenges.............................................................................................................................................7

Design Constraints.............................................................................................................................7

High Power Consumption..................................................................................................................7

High Initial Cost..................................................................................................................................8

Lack of Data Privacy and Security......................................................................................................8

Usage Restrictions.............................................................................................................................8

Small Scale Project - LECHAL Footwear................................................................................................9

Components......................................................................................................................................9

Overview.........................................................................................................................................10

Navigation.......................................................................................................................................10

Fitness.............................................................................................................................................11

Interaction.......................................................................................................................................11

Orientation......................................................................................................................................11

Smart Assist.....................................................................................................................................12

Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................12

References..........................................................................................................................................13

IntroductionGartner's 2014 Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies Maps the Journey to Digital Business. Gartner said that as enterprises set out on the journey to becoming digital businesses, identifying and employing the right technologies at the right time will be critical. The Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies report is the longest-running annual Hype Cycle, providing a cross-industry perspective on the technologies and trends that business strategists, chief innovation officers, R&D leaders, entrepreneurs, global market developers and emerging technology teams should consider in developing emerging-technology portfolios.

Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and devices are becoming smaller, faster and more feature heavy due to factors such as:

Increased processing speed Increased battery capacity Precision sensor technologies

Wearable electronics refers to an integrated computing device or product, which helps the person or the user wearing it to enhance day to day activities. The technological advancement in wearable electronics, help the user to avail advanced features and characteristics. Wearable computing pursues an interface ideal of a continuously worn,

intelligent assistant that augments memory, intellect, creativity, communication, and physical senses and abilities.

These virtually invisible devices include ear buds that monitor heart rate, sensors worn under clothes to track posture, a temporary tattoo that tracks health vitals, haptic shoe soles that communicate GPS directions through vibration alerts felt by the feet and the likes.

Current Scenario & ApplicationWearable TechnologyThe first form of electronic wearable electronic device was a calculator watch. Wearable devices such as wrist bands, and watches, which can record audio, video and process data on the go, were seen as something very futuristic; however, advancements made in the past decade has made it possible for users to realize the potential of these devices in the current age.

‘Wearable technology’ forayed in as a technological advancement only a decade ago, and the interest in this sector still continues to grow. The interest is mostly led by wearable fitness trackers, smart watches, and bands. Lately, such is the impact of these wearable devices that, now mobile operators are moving towards offering smart watches along with fitness trackers, or smart phones with smart watches as a part of a bundled deal to woo customers.

These are products that must be worn on the user’s body for an extended period of time, significantly enhancing the user’s experience as a result of the product being worn. Furthermore, it must contain advanced circuitry, wireless connectivity and at least a minimal level of independent processing capability.

ApplicationsThe categories of wearable technology can be defined as follows:

• Fitness and Wellness - Devices which pass the two tests of wearable technology and are used in the monitoring of activity and emotions.

• Healthcare and Medical - Devices which pass the two tests of wearable technology and require FDA or equivalent approval. They are used in monitoring of vital signs, as well as for augmenting senses.

• Industrial and Military – Devices that pass the two tests of wearable technology and receive/transmit real-time data in military and/or industrial environments.

• Infotainment - Devices that pass the two tests of wearable technology and are used to receive and transmit real-time information for entertainment or enhanced lifestyle purposes.

According to various estimates, the highest revenue generating products sold in 2012 were wrist wear (fitness and activity monitors accounting for anywhere between 60%-90% market share) and continuous glucose monitors (wearable medical devices).

Such devices have seen high consumer adoption, which is expected to pave the way for increased awareness and adoption of other wearable infotainment devices such as smart watches and glasses

The Fitness market (estimated to be $2-$3 billion) dominated by players such as Nike, Adidas, FitBit, Jawbone etc have led the charge in wearable devices and brought it to the mainstream market.

However, the entry of big-name brands such as Google, Apple and Samsung has lent credibility to the industry and increased awareness of wearable devices of the infotainment sector among mainstream consumers.

But still, the market is currently dominated by startups borne out of online crowd-funding campaigns such as kickstarter and indiegogo.

At the moment most existing devices are used to help people better understand their personal health and fitness by monitoring exercise and heart rate etc. The effect this has on the social environment is that it can empower people to take a more active role in their personal well-being.

Presently, wearable electronics are only deemed to be an important advancement in terms of luxury; however, the way this innovation is catching up the imagination of current users, the global conglomerates and businesses see this as a major opportunity to expand and increase their market.

Growing Number of DevicesThe market for wearable electronics is expected to grow at a significant rate during the period 2013-2020. The market for wearable electronics was largely dominated by North America, followed by the European Union and Asia Pacific.

Overall, the market is poised to grow at a CAGR of 26% during the forecast period. Growth of this industry is majorly driven by factors such as high adoption rate of digital devices, convergence of technologies, and penetration of wireless connectivity.

Market SegmentationWearable devices find their usage in a variety of applications. The segments are broadly classified into two segments which are:

Consumer Commercial

Future TrendThe market for consumer electronics is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 26% with increase in the number of consumers adopting digital devices, presence of internet mobility and convergence of technologies. Memory, display and sensor components have huge growing markets with applications in life style, fitness and defense. Global wearable electronics market is expected to reach 25.19 billion dollars by 2020.

Large players like Google, Apple and the likes are penetrating into the market of wearable technology, and definitely there is huge scope in the future of wearable electronics. A lot of funds are going into research and development to come up with better quality electronics.

Wearable electronics is still in its nascent stage and given this situation the future is bound to see pattern changes in consumer behavior as it was the case with smart phones. However to make it more appealing to consumers, businesses must focus on certain factors:

Form Factor – Compact, sleek and convenient to carry Battery Life – Improved battery life to give more backup and less hassles

Market Segmentation

PCBsMemoryBatterySensorConnectivityAudio & DisplayCamera

North AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificLAMEA

Wrist-WearEye-WearFoot-WearNeck-WearBody-WearOther-Wear

ConsumerLife Style Fitness and SportsHealthcareEntertainmentCommercial

Market by Geography

Market by Components

Market by Product

Applications

Market by Product Segment

With respect to functionality of these devices, they have to cater to the varying requirements of the consumers.

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 20180

2000

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5166

7140

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10920

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Global Wearable Electronics Market

Year

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ChallengesMajor challenges include lack of design features, higher power consumption of wearable devices, high initial cost and users’ concerns regarding data privacy.

Design Constraints

One of the major challenges in the Global Consumer Smart Wearable Technology market is the design constraints of wearable devices because most consumers use normal wearable accessories such as watches, jewelry, wristbands, and glasses to make a statement about their personal identity. In this case, the wearable item reflects the fashion trend of the users.Currently, most smart wearable device manufacturers are focused on technology rather than on design. For instance, most of the smart watches run on processors and components that are designed for smartphones so they are bulkier than a normal watch. Similarly, smart wearable eyewear may not reflect the fashion preferences of the user.

High Power Consumption

One of the major challenges for vendors in the market is the high power consumption of smart wearable devices. Most wearable devices use wireless networks, GPS, and other technologies that consume a lot of power.

Currently, the battery power of wearable devices lasts for one to two days. In the case of intensive usage, the battery lasts for less than a day. For instance, the Google Glass battery lasts for 4-8 hours during intensive usage.Thus, the short battery life and high power consumption of wearable devices are reducing usage and adoption, which is expected to hamper the growth prospects of the market during the forecast period.

High Initial Cost

The high cost of smart wearable devices is one of the major challenges that is expected to curtail the growth of the market during the forecast period. Most manufacturers in this market are launching their products in the premium product category.For instance, the ASP of a smart wearable device is US$350-380, depending on the application. The ASP of healthcare wearable devices is US$720-750, while the ASP of fitness and lifestyle products is US$280-350.In addition, the prices of branded products are very high. For example, Google Glass is priced at US$1,500. As a result, the mass adoption of wearable devices is very low because of a general lack of affordability.

Lack of Data Privacy and Security

Most wearable devices are small in size, but they are able to store a large amount of data. The small size of these devices means that the chance of them being lost or misplaced is high. Since they store a large amount of sensitive information, smart wearable devices can cause a disruption in work for users.In addition, wearable devices use GPS navigation systems to receive location-based information. Sometimes, users have to share their location to obtain certain information. For instance, Google Glass users have to share their location while checking-in at Foursquare, which is stored in its database. This information can be retrieved and used by advertisers as well.Moreover, the data about a subscriber's location is owned and controlled by the respective network operators, which includes mobile carriers and mobile content providers. With operators privy to such information, end-users are concerned about their privacy, despite legal frameworks to safeguard it.

Usage Restrictions

Though wearable technology hasn’t been around for long, it has been on many companies’ radars for a while. As we all know, the possibilities are endless for wearable technology. But while this is great for consumers, it isn’t the best news for businesses that require strict laws and high security to operate.So far, wearable technology has been banned in casinos, movie theatres, and even some restaurants have disallowed their patrons to adorn wearables.

Small Scale Project - LECHAL FootwearDucere Technologies announced the launch of the world’s first interactive haptic footwear under their wearable technology brand ‘LECHAL’ (pronounced lay-ch-al, meaning “take me there” in Hindi).

ComponentsShoes that connect with your smartphone and help you navigate, stay fit and interact. The Lechal App syncs with Google Maps to allow you to navigate with ease wherever you are in the world. Get route guidance, explore new places, find out more about where you live - go anywhere and everywhere!

Bluetooth enabled insoles that fit into most shoes and transform them into interactive haptic footwear. Lechal uses the technology of touch or haptics to create a truly interactive experience for the user. The footwear uses Bluetooth technology to connect to the user's smartphone. Using simple foot gestures or voice commands, the wearer can use it as a navigational tool or track their activity from a fitness perspective. The footwear communicates with the user via vibratory responses, making it a hands-free experience.This kind of unobtrusive and intuitive user interaction is what sets Lechal apart.

The World’s first interactive charger. Snap your fingers, listen for audio feedback and know your charge status. One USB charger for all your portable devices.

OverviewWhen you're out running, walking, or biking, it's inconvenient and potentially hazardous to keep your eyes glued to the map on your phone. Imagine if your shoes told you which way to go without you ever having to take your eyes off the road or sidewalk. That's the idea behind the Lechal smart shoes and insoles from Ducere Technologies.

The shoes sync over Bluetooth to an app that pulls your path from Google Maps. The shoes buzz to tell you which direction to turn. A buzzing right shoe means to hang a right. A buzzing left shoe means to go the other way. The shoes were originally designed to help people with visual impairments navigate more effectively, but the company's founders soon realized there could be a much wider market.

Potential uses for the Lechal go beyond just getting somewhere. They can also be used to send proximity alerts to phones, notifying tourists of interesting landmarks nearby. The footwear will alert you should you accidentally try to leave your phone behind so you don't get stuck out in the middle of nowhere. The shoes also aspire to work as a wearable fitness monitor, tracking steps and calories burned.

Keeping the insoles and shoes juiced up requires slipping a rechargeable battery into the very back of the insole or behind the heel of the shoes. The charger itself is kind of fancy. Dubbed "the world's first interactive charger," it's designed to give audio feedback as to its charging levels when you snap your fingers.

The shoes are expected to cost around $135/£80/AU$144 (a price that's in keeping with a high-end pair of athletic shoes). Ducere Technologies says sales to the general public will help subsidize Lechal footwear for the visually impaired.

NavigationAn app loaded on a smartphone pairs with the footwear via Bluetooth. The user interacts with the app and can set a destination. The phone’s GPS is used to calculate location data. Directions are conveyed to the user via haptics (simple vibrations) in the footwear. The footwear that vibrates is the way to go.

FitnessLECHAL footwear counts your steps, and calculates your calories burnt. Through the App the user can create custom workout sessions and much more.

Interaction‘LECHAL’ footwear allows you to tag locations, set destinations, start/stop/pause navigation and much more, all by executing simple foot gestures. Control the entire LECHAL experience with just two buttons or by voice commands.

OrientationIntuitive shoe vibrations always point you in the right direction whether in familiar or unfamiliar areas.

Smart AssistNever leave your phone behind. Lechal footwear alerts you if your phone is not in close proximity. While travelling to a new place, get automatic notifications of landmarks around you. Customize your experience with the device. Customize the vibration intensity, notification alerts, and much more.

ConclusionUsage of wearable is still at a nascent stage, the dawn of mobile wireless systems, smart phones has sparked a new era for wearable electronics globally. Gadgets which were deemed to be just used in industrial, commercial applications are now finding its way into normal consumers enhancing their quality of life through various applications such as healthcare, sports and fitness, lifestyle among a few. As per our analysis, the market will follow moderate growth within prevailing market conditions. However, even to achieve this, whole lot of the onus is for the manufacturers to do the following:

Educate customers to showcase the benefits of wearable electronics even in the presence of substitutes

Position products wherein customers feel that the there is a fair price value rationale Ease of access and wear ability. Smart watches have already gathered a lot of market

even though wearable electronics are still in its early stages.We believe the following reasons are the most important which could help the penetration for wearable electronics:

Watches are the most common form of wearable electronics worn by consumers, smart watches replace that and the watches are not only used to show time, calendar, altitude, but now these also track heart rate, pulse and gives an analysis of users’ health which can be further analyzed on their laptops or other devices. These watches also include sleep timers to monitor sleep

On a single device, convergence has helped consumers to make calls through their smart watches. In this case, from a single device, consumers achieve a lot of things and when compared to three or four different devices, a single device takes its place, which in turn has resulted in the success of this particular wearable electronic. If the same can be achieved for other wearable devices, there would be mass consumption of these devices as we have seen with smart phones

Adoption of smart phones is one bright spot which indicates that given accessibility and options, with perceived benefits, which showcases that there is a lot of potential for wearable electronics in the market.

References http://www.businessinsider.in/Here-Are-The-Top-10-Emerging-Technologies-For-

2014/1-Body-adapted-Wearable-Electronics/slideshow/31057947.cms

https://techwearables.wordpress.com/

http://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/body-adapted-wearable-electronics-market

https://itea3.org/innovation-report/improving-the-quality-of-everyday-life-through-

wearable-computers.html

http://observer.com/2014/07/new-bluetooth-enabled-smart-shoes-vibrate-to-give-

you-directions/

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/a10922/these-smart-

shoes-vibrate-to-give-turn-by-turn-directions-17033713/

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/lechal-smart-shoes-sync-with-google-maps/

http://www.cnet.com/news/bluetooth-smart-shoes-vibrate-you-in-the-right-

direction/

http://www.lechal.com/press-release/

http://www.technavio.com/blog/exploring-five-challenges-in-the-wearable-

technology-market

http://www.informationweek.com/healthcare/mobile-and-wireless/wearable-

devices-privacy-security-worries-loom-large/d/d-id/1316833