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Enter the implantable sensor.
Enter the implantable sensor.
As with most disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, self driving cars, and VR, the science and time frames for widespread adoption of implantable sensors remains highly speculative. A scientific breakthrough or killer application can result in a product going from obscure to ubiquitous. The direction of innovation in the fitness tracker marketplace certainly looks as though it is headed towards the implantable sensor. Smaller processors, nano-technology, wireless communication protocols, as well as lower power requirement sensors and a better understanding of bio-mechanical processes point to a future when all of these sensors can be fully unobtrusive and invisible to the user through implantables.
The science of the implantable sensor
The science of the implantable sensor
Currently wearable sensors must infer health information based on external sensor readings. Calories burned, steps taken, are estimations based on bio-mechanical calculations from algorithms from sports scientists. Smartphone pedometers calculate steps taken and calories burned based on patterns from its built in accelerometer. Yet not everyone runs the same or has the same metabolism or body chemistry. Estimated readings can vary significantly depending on the wearable device used and the person using it. Heart rate monitors on smart watches have been known to be notoriously inaccurate on users with darker pigment skin.
A set of sensors within the body can do a much more accurate job of measuring fitness metrics because they are unobtrusive, always present, and always on.
For example:
- An implanted GPS tracker can measured a person’s distance travelled more accurately as it won’t depend on the user remembering to put on, or turn on, the tracker on everytime they go for a run.
- Heart rate and heart health information can be measured directly by implanting a sensor to measure blood flow and pressure within the body.
- Nutrition and glucose levels can be detected directly from the blood. From this athletes will be gain insight into optimum glucose levels before a race.
- Sleep quality and duration can be measured directly through brain activity rather than being inferred by smart watch sensors which have been known to be inaccurate.
- Other in-vivo sensors (in body sensors) can include sensors to more accurately measure hydration levels, VO2 max, body temperature, as well as nervous system activity which can be used to measure pain.
The current science behind implantable sensors
The current science behind implantable sensors
Currently there are no implantable sensors targeted specifically towards the consumer fitness market. The implantable devices that do currently exist often serve medical purposes such as birth control, defibrillation, and pain management. Most implantable sensors gather data by measuring chemical reaction rates, changes in electrical conductivity in the body , or sensing physical forces. They must be small in size and not interfere with tissue or normal bodily processes. Additionally, they must be able to transmit data to a central computer where the data can be analyzed and processed.
Barriers affecting adoption
Barriers affecting adoption
Privacy. An ongoing technology concern with data collection devices will be privacy. However, provided that the benefits outweigh the risks and there are the rudimentary checks in place, it seems that a large percentage of people will trade a portion of their privacy for additional conveniences. Facebook has shown that people will post personal details online in order to connect with others, Smart speaker systems have shown that people will welcome microphones into their homes in exchange for not having to get up to turn off lights or find a remote, 23 and me and ancestry.com allowed people to send in their DNA in exchange for knowing which kings or queens they might be descended from.
The implantable sensor will allow those who use them to monitor their health and perhaps be alerted to potential risks and conditions based on biometric changes. An added benefit will be the inevitable reduction in medical insurance premiums in exchange for better risk management by the insurance companies.
Health risks: Currently the technology is still not quite there. Introducing any foreign element to the body carries with it some risk. Patients with orthopedic implants commonly suffer from adverse immune response reactions. It will be the pioneer - perhaps it may be the the elite athlete who will seek a competitive edge who will first use these fitness sensors. Already some athletes are demonstrating the lengths they will go to by using steroids or illegal intravenous procedures. These athletes will probably have few qualms with implantable sensor solutions.
Cost: A business wire publication notes that while the cost of implantable sensors is low compared to other medical sensors, it is not yet at the price for mass consumption. However, the cost of implantable sensors must be weighed against their benefits. Preventative, rather than reactive, health care is a rapidly growing sector of medicine. Imagine being able to diagnose potential heart attacks, diabetes, or other medication risks before they happen - reducing the need for expensive surgeries or long term care .
Power: Implantable devices require power to collect and send information. While gradual improvements in battery technology have been consistent throughout the years, it continues to be one of the limiting factors in implantable technology. Several new innovations have been proposed to power these sensors including:
- Ambient energy harvesters such biofuel cells and biological supercapacitors. These devices utilize chemicals and electrolytes in the human body to generate energy.
- External power sources which can power internal devices wirelessly. Already there is preliminary testing in pigs which can power sensors embedded up to 10 cm under the skin.
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