Wearable technologies to help mankind

Millennium Jet, an aerospace company based out of Silicon Valley is in the process of developing an invention that can take transportation to new levels. The SoloTrek XFV, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, can transport a person for over a duration of 2 hours. Supported by the Department of Defence Research Agency and NASA, this aircraft has made a mark for itself by producing 100% thrust power. Currently with speeds of 70 miles per hour (mph), the aircraft also promises to navigate through heavily restricted environments.

An invisibility cloak is no longer an object of fiction from works of fiction. Scientists have found that by using certain laws of physics, invisibility is actually possible. Objects, big and small can be hidden from view. It is achieved by altering the procedure of how we see objects. By manipulating the angles at which light reflects off an object, scientists help deceive the eyes to see nothing. While it is currently possible only with a certain small range wavelengths, there is more to come.

The leader in making astronaut wear, the European Space Agency (ESA) has collaborated with designers from Russia to come up with the ‘Reagent Suit’. While this suit was initially meant to protect astronauts from muscle loss, it can come of great use in the sports field. With a complete body support system this suit can protect sportspeople from injuries.

This product can be the most relevant social invention of recent times. Developed by the research Center at Kanagawa Technology Institute in Japan, this product is a wearable suit that can help both the paralyzed and elderly. Comprised of body sensors, small air pumps and electronic batteries, this invention is primarily designed to help hospital staff carry patients. It has the promise to change the way people with disabilities live. Scientists are working on reducing the weight of this 66 pound invention to make it easier to use.

Matsushita Electric Industries has come up with a wearable technology, the ‘Robot Jacket’. It helps those with disabilities of the arm or paralysis of the arm. Weighing 4 pounds, this arm jacket consists of sensors and air pumps to help move the afflicted arm.

The new iPod glasses from 22Moo definitely has managed to garner attention for being one of the cheapest video glasses or VG-SD. The glasses promise a battery life of about 5 hours while ensuring clarity that is as good as the iPod's and even surpasses its playback time. It comes priced at a mere $260

Zypad is a computing device to be worn on the wrist. The areas of defence, medicine and emergency services stand to benefit hugely from this creation.Though it is designed small in size in order to fit comfortably on the wrist, it does not compromise on performance in any way. Armed with all the features of a normal computer, it promises internet connectivity and even special tracking features for the wearer.

Now you can snap your fingers to get work done. The newly patented fingertip control glove that has been created at Engineering Fibre Structures, can help remotely manage devices that are Bluetooth enabled. Made from acrylic or nylon, this glove looks and feels like any other. But there are conductive paths running through them and contactors at the finger tips that help you activate signals.

VisualWear’s new wearable product is the Video Eyewear. This wearable display is like any other wearable device but for the additional feature that makes it stand apart. This one supports 3D video. Viewing through one of these can be a whole new experience.

Scientists from Virginia Polytechnic boast of their recent innovations with sensing fabrics. Currently in the process of creating looms that support wires and receptors, these pants can detect motion while simultaneously tracking this information on the computer. Similar to the Nike and iPod health watch, these clothes can be used to monitor patients.

Be it a robot jacket or sensing pants, wearable technology has helped develop products that can go a long way in changing our lives for the better.