Body powered smart textiles boost for remote health monitoring

The project at Loughborough University aims to overcome limitations associated with current motion detection techniques that can be hamstrung with limited range, restricted mobility (due to bulky, rigid components), high-cost, and the need of replacing/recharging batteries.

The lack of infrastructure and trained professionals in rehabilitation is a worldwide issue that has been intensified by the ongoing pandemic, which has reduced access to healthcare.

CUHK team develops water-based TENG

Telemedicine and telerehabilitation try to address these issues by providing remote and affordable access to healthcare using telecommunication devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

This shift requires new methods that can gather inexpensive and accurate data on physiological parameters – such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and hormone levels – and body movements in real-life settings.

Now, Dr Ishara Dharmasena, of Loughborough’s School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering (MEME), has been appointed a Research Fellow by the Royal Academy of Engineering and awarded funding of £500,000 to develop a new technology that overcomes these challenges.