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25.05.21 || 11TH WIEF Global Discourse on Internet of Bodies (IOB)

Our centre director, Prof Mark Findlay, and research associate, Dr Ariffin Kawaja, spoke at this webinar on 25 May, 1430H to 1550H (MYT).

Synopsis of the Event:

An extension of Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Bodies (IoB) is a connection of hardware, software, communication between a device/machine to our body. Data collected from our body, whether from an external device hooked up to our body like a smartwatch, or internally like a pacemaker and contact lenses or embedded into our body is used to primarily diagnose, monitor or treat and maintain our health.

Many of us, are already connected to IoB, through wearable smartwatches. The use of these smart watches paired with application like Strava or Fitness on Apple devices, helps us track out heart rate, sleeping pattern and we can get feedbacks from those app to further improves our workout, speed or to tell us when to stand up in order to regulate our blood flow. The market for smartwatches alone is already worth $13 billion and set to grow by 32% to $18 billion by this year.

In 2019, Kaiser Permanente and Samsung partnered on a cardiac rehab program using Samsung’s smartwatch and an mHealth platform saw an 87% completion rate and a less than 2% rehospitalization rate. The smartwatch not only helps monitor the patients progress but also limits the trip to the clinic, personalize treatment programs and give the patients a degree of self assessment.

There are also IoB that is used to track movements and/or as a payment device. Three Square Market embed microchip, the size of a grain under their employees’ skin between their thumb and index finger to allow door access to enter the building, sign into their computer, and pay for snacks, all with a wave of their hand on a sensor.

In this 11th WIEF Global Discourse, we will explore benefits, security and privacy risks, ethical implications as well as its risks and advantages. It will give space for industry leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to exchange information, expand their knowledge and stimulate innovation.

Last updated on 09 Mar 2022 .