 Smart technology to be developed in the Northwest
Thursday 25th October, 2007
Since 2004 the company has developed a garment that incorporates sensors allowing the monitoring of vital health signs and this technology is likely to allow the continuous monitoring of a persons vital signs and wellbeing. The HealthVest is expected to be made available to a wide range of sectors including medical, sports, the emergency services and professional drivers.
The garment uses sensors which can monitor electrocardiogram (ECG), respiration and temperature and is worn next to the skin as an undergarment. The garment then transfers raw signals to electronics carried by the subject for processing, presentation or forwarding to a remote monitoring centre.
The primary market for patient monitoring globally has been estimated at $14.5bn, according to business research firm Frost and Sullivan and the HealthVest is likely to find a ready market in the professional sports arena. Other markets will include healthcare where the technology will create the option for elderly relatives to be monitored. Additionally first responders such as the emergency services who are entering fire or stress related situations will be able to be monitored with the aim of reducing the risks that they face.
The data is transmitted from the HealthVest, using wireless technology to devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, computers or to a hospital or clinicians equipment. The HealthVest also retains the option of data being stored on the wearer for later analysis or for on-body status monitoring.
The Grant for Research and Development (GRAND) scheme is a Department for Innovation Universities & Skills (DIUS) business support solution, run in the Northwest by the NWDA. The GRAND scheme provides grants to help individuals and small to medium sized businesses research and develop technologically innovative products and processes. The Agencys GRAND team assess and fully appraise the elements of the scheme, and continue to monitor the project as it progresses.
Mark Hughes, Executive Director for Enterprise and Skills at the NWDA, said: A project of this nature is likely to generate much wider economic benefits for the company but also for the economy of the Northwest. As the project progresses it is likely to enable the company and the workforce to grow and develop, putting it at the forefront of a thriving technology sector in the Northwest.
For more information on available grants under the GRAND scheme, call Business Link Northwest on 0845 00 66 888.
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