Microsoft's Emma Watch is Helping People With Parkinson's
Ellen Smith — May 15, 2017 — Tech
References: news.microsoft & mashable
Microsoft's Emma Watch is a wearable smart technology that is making life easier for people living with Parkinson's Disease. The watch, designed by Haiyan Zhang, was inspired by graphic designer Emma Lawton, who lost her writing and drawing ability to Parkinson's.
According to Microsoft, the Emma Watch exercises "vibrating motors — similar to those found in mobile phones — to distract the brain into focusing on something other than trying to control the patient’s limbs."
The motors neutralize wearer's tremors, providing them with enough stability to effectively draw or write. The design was inspired by a spoon, which vibrates in opposition to how someone with Parkinson's hand might shake, counteracting the tremor, and successfully providing stability.
Zhang says the device is essentially "short circuiting whatever feedback loop there is between the brain and the hand that's causing the tremors."
According to Microsoft, the Emma Watch exercises "vibrating motors — similar to those found in mobile phones — to distract the brain into focusing on something other than trying to control the patient’s limbs."
The motors neutralize wearer's tremors, providing them with enough stability to effectively draw or write. The design was inspired by a spoon, which vibrates in opposition to how someone with Parkinson's hand might shake, counteracting the tremor, and successfully providing stability.
Zhang says the device is essentially "short circuiting whatever feedback loop there is between the brain and the hand that's causing the tremors."
Trend Themes
1. Smartwatch-assisted Tremor Management - Creating wearable smart technology to control tremors caused by Parkinson's disease.
2. Vibrating Motor Therapy - Designing therapy tools using vibrating motors to treat tremors in Parkinson's patients.
3. Innovative Wearable Biomedical Devices - Developing biotechnology wearables to help Parkinson's disease patients lead more comfortable lives.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - Exploring advanced medical devices such as smartwatches to improve the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
2. Wearable Technology - Designing creative wearables that aim to aid patients with medical conditions like Parkinson's and other tremor-related diseases.
3. Biomedical Engineering - Advancing biomedical engineering to create innovative wearable devices that offer health benefits to Parkinson's patients.
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