Lumus, a developer of geometric waveguide technology for augmented reality (AR) eyewear, announced the introduction of its Z-30 optical engine, which features the company's groundbreaking Z-Lens 2D waveguide architecture and a smaller field-of-view (30 degrees) to fit seamlessly within standard glasses sizes, offering major functional and aesthetic benefits.

"We're firmly committed to building optical engines for a diverse set of AR glasses designs and use cases, and the announcement of Z-30 specifically addresses what the entry-level consumer market needs," said Lumus CEO Ari Grobman. "Our solution features the same best-in-class image quality as the Z-50 but with a smaller field-of-view, which makes integration within standard glasses form factors easy. The design also extends device battery life, ultimately paving the way for broader widespread consumer adoption."

With Z-30, important performance aspects of AR glasses are optimized to improve the user experience. For example, glasses that feature an integrated Z-30 optical engine will require lower processing requirements and less powerful hardware thanks to having fewer pixels to render, which makes them more affordable to produce. Plus, devices with a mid-sized field-of-view operate more efficiently, creating a smoother visual experience and extending battery life – making them more compatible for long-term consumer use, Lumus said in a press release.

Z-30 is exceptionally lightweight, measuring in at 14.5g, offering full color, 720 x 720 pixels resolution, and a brightness of >3,000 nits/Watt. With a 50% reduction in weight and volume compared to the Z-50, it enables the creation of even smaller form factors for AR glasses, which has been a critical barrier to entry.

Related Cinematic AR Glasses with Spatial Screen Control

"Offering a mid-range field of view option for consumer glasses grants major aesthetic benefits; manufacturers can build even smaller form factors that appeal to a consumer audience, and wearers will feel like they are wearing standard glasses and not clunky devices," Grobman added.

The Z-30 optical engine integrates Lumus' Z-Lens waveguide architecture, which offers industry-leading image quality and allows for smaller projector designs. It also enables flexible positioning of the eye-box; reduced world ghost effects, and the possibility for direct bonding of Rx lenses or protective plastic elements. Additional benefits of the Z-Lens waveguide architecture include compatibility with microLED projectors, enabling even slimmer and more power efficient design options.

About Lumus

Lumus reflective (geometric) waveguides set an industry benchmark for AR image quality. Far brighter than other solutions, Lumus is the only waveguide ideally suited for outdoor usage. With up to 10X better luminance efficiency over competing waveguides and supply chain partners like Quanta Computer Inc. and SCHOTT, Lumus is the leading choice for OEMs making AR glasses. Lumus waveguide technology provides unparalleled color uniformity and a true white due to the straight-forward light path inherent in its architecture.

The company is the leading designer of geometric waveguide technology at the core of several existing AR products, including Thales' Scorpion full-color head-mounted display, Augmedics xVision system for guiding surgeons, Lenovo's ThinkReality A6 released in 2019 as well as MediThinQ's ScopeEye and MetaScope.

Splashtop recently unveiled their AR remote assistance solution, which pairs with RealWear Smart Glasses. The move could potentially revolutionize industrial maintenance. Splashtop's daring move to greatly reduce the risk of dangerous work situations was announced on January 28, 2025.

With more than 30 million users and 250,000 businesses—including 85% of Fortune 500 companies—Splashtop already has a sizable market presence, reports Luke Williams in XR Today.

Key features

A full range of remote collaboration options are provided by the integration:

• Remote specialists can draw and highlight right in the worker's range of vision with two-way AR annotations.

• Clear communication is ensured by real-time camera sharing with integrated VoIP conversation.

• A safe file transfer method for exchanging technical instructions and documents

• For better visibility in low light, use a remote flashlight control.

• Capabilities to record sessions for training, documentation, and auditing

The system's hands-free design makes it especially useful in industrial environments where workers must use both hands to do intricate operations.

Related How Augmented Reality Is Helping Workers In The Cement Industry

Repairs can be guided by remote specialists as if they were physically present with the wearer, potentially avoiding hours or even days of expensive downtime. The system guarantees smooth and rapid communication by utilizing high-performance technology that can support many monitors, operate at 60 frames per second with extremely low latency, and provide 4K HD resolution.

The efficacy of the system lies in its capacity to deliver immersive remote help while upholding safety regulations in the workplace. The platform's recording features offer useful documentation for training and compliance needs, and the combination with RealWear Smart Glasses guarantees that employees may receive professional guidance without sacrificing their capacity to operate safely and effectively.

According to Splashtop, their technology can increase safety in oil and gas environments by up to 70%, which is a noteworthy statistic for dangerous workplaces.

By addressing OSHA compliance directly, the platform makes identifying hazards as easy as looking at and chatting with the assistant.

Consider trying on these smart glasses if you are one of the 1.25 billion people who are thought to have mild to moderate hearing loss worldwide. Without the need for conventional in-ear hearing aids, these glasses use ingenious technology hidden in the frame to improve your hearing in noisy settings.

The glasses are from Nuance Audio, a recently launched brand owned by the giant eyewear company EssilorLuxottica. The company has now obtained FDA clearance and EU certificates that enable it to sell these spectacles over-the-counter in the US and Europe as early as the first quarter of this year, after showcasing the technology for more than a year, reports NewAtlas.

Here's all you need to know about the Nuance Audio glasses.

Hardware

With the help of 'beamforming' technology and microphones, these glasses record sound in the direction you're facing. You should be able to hear discussions in front of you more simply and clearly because this is sent amplified for your ears and delivered via air conduction speakers built into the frame.

Related Starkey’s New AI-Powered Hearing Aid

They can detect and enhance noises and speech up to nine feet (3 meters) away. According to Nuance Audio, the glasses are designed for audio output with "exceptionally low latency response," meaning that there is absolutely no delay when you hear speech in front of you.

Additionally, according to the company, the glasses weigh roughly the same as regular spectacles. They will come in two colors each and two styles (rounded and square).

The glasses are bundled with a wireless charging pad and a carrying case; you can also pick up a tiny remote control to quickly adjust volume and audio modes.

Because of its IPX4 rating, the wearable should withstand exposure to mild rain and vigorous exercise.

A full charge, which takes around three hours, should provide you roughly eight hours of continuous use. Your glasses can hold a charge for roughly six days when not in use.

According to Nuance Audio, the battery should last up to 1,000 cycles at 85% capacity after 500 cycles in the first year and a half before its capacity begins to decline.

App management

You may adjust the volume and sound modes of the glasses, as well as calibrate the audio output, using a companion smartphone app. To utilize the glasses, though, you don't need to carry your phone or the app with you.

It's worth noting that you don't need to take a hearing test to buy these. But if you're curious, Nuance Audio offers an online test to determine if this wearable is right for you.

Pricing and availability

These glasses would cost US$1,100, according to Eyes On, which reported on Nuance Audio during the American Academy of Optometry's 2024 annual meeting last November. However, we'll have to wait for the brand to formally confirm the price. Prescription hearing aids, for example, can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $4,000.

France, Germany, and the UK will follow after the US and Italy, where the deployment will commence in the first quarter of this year.

The SoleFlux Relax Compression Boots by Ubilives are designed to effectively relieve leg pain and discomfort. Launched in October, 2024, these boots are essentially a pair of zipped-up leg compression/massage boots that feature an assortment of programs that control the inflation and deflation of a series of airbags inside the comfortable cocoon-like 'boots,’ reports NewAtlas.

Leg pain is a common issue among adults, especially as they age. It can be caused by various factors, including long hours of standing or sitting, or due to medical conditions. For parents, this discomfort can be a significant hindrance to their daily activities and overall well-being.

Features of Ublives SoleFlux Relax Compression Boots‍

The SoleFlux Relax Air Compression Boots utilize intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) technology, which simulates manual massages to enhance blood circulation and alleviate various symptoms:

Muscle Pain and Fatigue: These air compression leg massager boots help reduce muscle soreness and tension, particularly after exercise, by improving blood flow and accelerating recovery.

Poor Circulation: They are beneficial for individuals with conditions like varicose veins, as they stimulate blood flow, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the muscles. Improved blood circulation could help your body heal faster and become revitalized.

Swelling and Edema: The gentle compression helps push excess fluid back toward the heart, effectively reducing swelling and discomfort associated with conditions like lymphedema.

Related Mind-Controlled Prosthetic Legs Enable Faster, Natural Walk

Benefits of Using Ublives SoleFlux Relax Compression Boots

Relieve Pain and Itching: Better blood flow could bring more oxygen and nutrients to your skin and tissues. This enhanced circulation is helpful in reducing muscle tension and soreness, providing relief from discomfort.

Enhanced Recovery: Users can experience a significant reduction in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and faster recovery times post-exercise.

Improved Circulation: They promote better blood flow, which can help prevent serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). People suffering from varicose veins or other blood circulatory problems can benefit greatly from the improved blood flow.

Relaxation and Comfort: The rhythmic inflation and deflation can provide a soothing experience, making it ideal for relaxation after a long day. Anyone who spends a long period of time sitting or standing will appreciate the relief these boots provide.

It is like having a professional personal leg therapist, ready to serve you and rejuvenate your legs whenever needed.

With just 20 minutes of massage a day, you can relieve leg pain and swelling with an easy routine.

Pricing and availability

The boots normally retail at US$599, but as of publishing, a sale has them at under $479 with free shipping (US). You can order them through the company’s website.

Eight years after Pebble shut down its beloved smartwatch business, the company has decided to bring back its beloved E-paper smartwatch.

When Pebble first shipped its watches in 2013, it predated the Apple Watch and Google's WearOS, and garnered hardcore fans with its thoughtfully designed user interface, novel screen technology, and the extensible capabilities afforded by its app store, reports NewAtlas.

Unfortunately, Pebble failed after shipping two million units and earning US$230 million. It was unable to adequately manage its funds and meet subsequent sales projections. Founder and CEO Eric Migicovsky, who founded the firm in 2008 with a group of friends, filed for bankruptcy in 2016 and sold Fitbit the Pebble brand and intellectual property, which Google ultimately purchased.

The Pebble owners kept the company afloat while Migicovsky closed it down by creating unique web services to power its numerous cloud-connected applications and features, which together make up the Rebble project. Therefore, the devices have remained in the possession of devoted devotees for many years after Pebble's official demise.

Related Zepp Health Integrates ChatGPT into Its Smartwatches

This leads us to the most recent development. A year ago, Migicovsky politely requested that the owners of the Pebble IP to open source the operating system. They did as of today!

This means that everyone, including Migicovsky and the Rebble project volunteers, can now access the OS's code base, with the exception of some parts that have been deleted and others that require updating.

Additionally, it means that someone may use PebbleOS to create a new watch. And that someone is Migicovsky. He wrote in a blog post yesterday that no wearable currently on the market has all the characteristics he wants, including tactile buttons, long battery life, an always-on e-paper display (like a Kindle), an easy-to-use interface, and the option to hack it and install your own programs.

"Manufacturing hardware for a product like Pebble is infinitely easier now than 10 years ago," he wrote. "There are plenty of capable factories and Bluetooth chips are cheaper, more powerful and energy efficient."

Migicovsky also said that he will not be able to provide a release date for the new Pebble for some time. The PebbleOS code base is available on GitHub, and on the rePebble website, you can register to receive project updates via email.

Samsung has unveiled its first extended reality (XR) headset, “Project Moohan,” during the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event on January 22 in San Jose, California.

The XR market, which had a slump last year because of Apple's Vision Pro's poor performance, is reaching a turning point with this announcement. There was a need for innovation in the industry because of the Vision Pro's shortcomings, which included uncomfortable wearability and a lack of available content.

Samsung is entering the XR market with the "Project Moohan" headset, which will be the first to use the Android XR platform. The gadget, which was created in partnership with Google and Qualcomm, integrates state-of-the-art technologies from the three tech behemoths.

XR technology has advanced with Project Moohan. Android XR, a platform created especially for XR devices by Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm, is featured in this headset for the first time. The goal of this partnership is to resolve previous problems with XR devices, namely wearability and content restrictions. Project Moohan will also use Google's Gemini generative AI service, which is anticipated to improve user experience by providing more dynamic and tailored interactions.

Google's "Find My Device" service is one of the new capabilities available on the headset that will assist customers in finding their XR headset in the event that it is lost. Google will also launch "Home Space" and "Full Space," two new app modes for the smartphone. While the Full Space option gives one program full-screen access, allowing users to concentrate on a single job at a time, the Home Space mode allows users to multitask by running applications side by side.

Related The AI Multidisciplinary XR Therapeutic Platform

Companies like TCL and Xreal displayed their smart glasses solutions at CES 2025, demonstrating the growing interest in XR technology. This demonstrates how the XR market is becoming more innovative and competitive. Later this year, Meta, which has previously collaborated with Ray-Ban on smart glasses, is anticipated to launch a new product featuring a display.

Cutting-edge technologies will be used by Samsung's Project Moohan headsets, which will provide a thorough, immersive experience at a competitive price. Samsung is working with Google and Qualcomm to provide a more accessible and reasonably priced substitute for Apple's XR gadgets, emphasizing wearability, simplicity, and high-quality content. Samsung's product might revolutionize the XR market as it develops, putting the business in a position to profit from the rising demand for next-generation smart glasses and headsets.

Researchers from the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have successfully developed the world’s smallest multifunctional biomedical robot, which is 60% smaller than current models. Capable of imaging, high-precision motion, and multifunctional operations like sampling, drug delivery, and laser ablation, the robot offers competitive imaging performance and a tenfold improvement in obstacle detection, paving the way for robotic applications in narrow and challenging channels of the human body, such as the lung’s end bronchi and the oviducts.

With a slim profile of just 0.95 mm—60% smaller than current endoscopic robots—this robot has accomplished an “impossible trinity” by simultaneously integrating all three significant specifications in one robot. It offers competitive imaging performance and extends obstacle detection distance up to ~9.4 mm, a tenfold improvement from theoretical limits. It also achieves remarkable motion precision (less than 30 μm) and substantially widens the imaging region by ~25 times the inherent view, reports HKUST.

Developed by Prof. SHEN Yajing, Associate Professor at the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering (ECE) and his team, the robot’s tiny size is made possible with four major components. These include an optical fiber array for capturing images inside the body, a custom tool for delivering treatments precisely where needed, a hollow skeleton to hold the fibers and tools in place, and a functionalized skin that enables precise control of the robot's movements. The hollow skeleton is created by a microscale 3D printer, while the functionalized skin is produced through a magnetic spray technique, which helps keep the robot small and allows it to glide easily during surgery. It also features a gel-like outer layer that reduces friction. The team has tested this robot within in vitro bronchial models and ex-vivo porcine lungs, demonstrating smooth navigation in tight spaces while successfully capturing clear images and performing treatments on difficult areas.

Related Grain Sized Robot Delivers Multiple Medications

Prof. Shen said that this groundbreaking robot holds tremendous potential for clinical applications. “Small-scale continuum robots hold promise for interventional diagnosis and treatment, yet existing models often struggle with compactness, precise navigation, and visualized functional treatment all in one. Our study provides a significant solution for developing a surgical robot aimed at achieving early diagnosis and therapeutic goals in hard-to-reach areas of the body. With ongoing technological advancements, we believe that the fiberscopic robot will make greater contributions to human health in the foreseeable future,” he said.

Thanks to their ability to navigate narrow cavities while enabling quick recovery and low infection risk, small continuum robots have been employed in the treatment of several diseases, including heart disease—through the deployment of stents and electrophysiology catheters—as well as the repair of perforations in gastric and duodenal ulcers using single-port laparoscopy, among other applications. Building on this successful invention, the research team plans to further refine the robot’s features to fit them into practical settings.

“We aim to further optimize the design and control of the fiberscopic robot, prioritizing safety and reliability during interventional surgery. We look forward to implementing in vivo trials to demonstrate its performance in clinical scenarios,” said Dr. ZHANG Tieshan, a postdoctoral fellow at HKUST. He is one of the two co-first authors of the study, along with Dr. LI Gen. Other co-authors from HKUST include Research Assistant Professor Dr. YANG Xiong and PhD student ZHAO Haoxiang, also from the ECE Department. Their findings have been recently published in Nature Communications.

We are thrilled to spotlight Nettle™, a groundbreaking wearable device that is transforming women’s health. Developed by Samphire Neuroscience, Nettle™ uses transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to alleviate common menstrual symptoms such as pain, mood swings, and fatigue.

Clinically proven to improve well-being, Nettle™ offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to traditional treatments. By gently modulating brain activity, Nettle™ helps women manage their menstrual health more effectively and comfortably. Now available on the market, this innovative device is empowering women to take control of their health with ease.

With its successful launch, Nettle™ is setting a new standard in menstrual health solutions. Experience the future of women’s health today!

About Samphire Neuroscience

Samphire Neuroscience is a pioneering medtech company focused on advancing women’s health through innovative, non-invasive technologies. The company is dedicated to addressing critical health challenges by developing cutting-edge solutions that improve well-being and quality of life. With a strong emphasis on scientific research and technological innovation, Samphire Neuroscience is committed to providing women with safe, effective, and accessible healthcare solutions.

XRHealth has acquired NeuroReality, including its flagship product "Koji's Quest" to further establish its position as a leading XR therapeutic platform. This acquisition follows XRHealth's purchase of Amelia Virtual Care and enhances its suite of therapeutic offerings for physical, emotional, and cognitive rehabilitation through immersive XR experiences. CEO Eran Orr described the acquisition as a step towards providing a more comprehensive XR platform for patients and clinicians.
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XRHealth's mission is to revolutionize healthcare by combining AI-powered XR technology with clinical expertise, supporting a range of therapies and expanding accessibility to digital health solutions worldwide, says a press release.
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"Koji's Quest" offers users unique interactive experiences designed to aid in physical, emotional, and cognitive rehabilitation, making it a valuable addition to XRHealth's platform. By integrating "Koji's Quest" into its suite of offerings, XRHealth is expanding the ways healthcare providers can engage patients in their therapeutic journeys, using VR and XR to support better health outcomes across a broad range of conditions.
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"The acquisition of NeuroReality and its flagship product, Koji's Quest, represents another leap forward in our mission to provide the most comprehensive XR therapeutic platform available." – Eran Orr, CEO of XRHealth.
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Related The AI Multidisciplinary XR Therapeutic Platform
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Eran Orr, CEO of XRHealth, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: "The acquisition of NeuroReality and its flagship product, Koji's Quest, represents another leap forward in our mission to provide the most comprehensive XR therapeutic platform available. We are focused on creating a transformative experience for patients and clinicians alike, and Koji's Quest will allow us to offer an even richer, more engaging set of tools for therapy and rehabilitation."
The addition of "Koji's Quest" underscores XRHealth's commitment to advancing the accessibility and effectiveness of XR therapies, setting the stage for even more impactful innovations in digital healthcare.
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About XRHealth
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XRHealth is a leading provider of AI-powered, immersive healthcare solutions, leveraging extended reality (XR) technology to transform patient care and rehabilitation. With a mission to enhance medical treatments and improve patient outcomes, XRHealth offers an advanced platform supporting various applications, including physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, pain management, and mental health. In addition to developing cutting-edge technology, XRHealth operates its own clinics and collaborates with healthcare organizations worldwide, enabling seamless integration of XR therapies into diverse clinical settings. Following the acquisition of Amelia Virtual Care, XRHealth has expanded its mental health expertise, further advancing the accessibility and effectiveness of digital healthcare solutions. With a unique blend of AI-driven insights and clinical expertise, XRHealth is at the forefront of the digital health revolution, empowering patients and healthcare providers globally.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Human-Computer Interaction Institute developed a tool that uses AI to control AR/VR interfaces by touching your skin with a finger.
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The team wanted to ultimately design a control that would provide tactile feedback using only the sensors that come with a standard AR/VR headset. OmniTouch, a previous method developed by Chris Harrison, an associate professor in the HCII and director of the Future Interfaces Group, got close. But that method required a special, clunky, depth-sensing camera. Vimal Mollyn, a Ph.D. student advised by Harrison, had the idea to use a machine learning algorithm to train normal cameras to recognize touching, reports Charlotte Hu at Carnegie Mello University.
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"Try taking your finger and see what happens when you touch your skin with it. You'll notice that there are these shadows and local skin deformations that only occur when you're touching the skin," Mollyn said. "If we can see these, then we can train a machine learning model to do the same, and that's essentially what we did."
Mollyn used a special touch sensor that went along the palm and underneath of the index finger to gather data for EgoTouch. While remaining undetectable to the camera, the sensor gathered information on various touch kinds at various forces. Without human annotation, the model then learned to associate skin abnormalities and shadows to touch and force. The team collected hours of data in a variety of scenarios, activities, and lighting settings, expanding its training data collection to include 15 individuals with varying skin tones and hair densities.
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Related Wearable Ring Turns Any Surface into Touchpad
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EgoTouch can detect touch with more than 96% accuracy and has a false positive rate of around 5%. It recognizes pressing down, lifting up and dragging. The model can also classify whether a touch was light or hard with 98% accuracy.
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"That can be really useful for having a right-click functionality on the skin," Mollyn said.
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Developers may be able to imitate touchscreen gestures on our skin by detecting changes in touch. For instance, your smartphone can detect when you tap and hold an icon, zoom in, swipe right, or scroll up or down a page. The camera must be able to distinguish the minute variations between touch type and force in order to convert this into a skin-based interface.
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Across a range of skin tones and hair densities, as well as at various locations on the hand and forearm, such as the palm, back, and front of the arm, the accuracy was roughly the same. Bony regions such as the knuckles were not effectively served by the system.
"It's probably because there wasn't as much skin deformation in those areas," Mollyn said. "As a user interface designer, what you can do is avoid placing elements on those regions."
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Mollyn is exploring ways to use night vision cameras and nighttime illumination to enable the EgoTouch system to work in the dark. He's also collaborating with researchers to extend this touch-detection method to surfaces other than the skin.
"For the first time, we have a system that just uses a camera that is already in all the headsets. Our models are calibration free, and they work right out of the box," said Mollyn. "Now we can build off prior work on on-skin interfaces and actually make them real."

Kubota’s latest innovation in robotics, the KATR, is an all-terrain robot. It has made the papers in both the industrial and agricultural sectors. This robot can seamlessly operate in uneven and challenging terrains. For this, it has been recognized at the CES 2025 Innovation Awards.
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The KATR has a unique design where its wheels are attached to hydraulic legs. These hydraulic legs are coupled with an intelligent stability control system, which ensures a level cargo platform even on rough or rugged surfaces. Thanks to its advanced sensor, it can adapt to different terrains and maintain balance. This enables the KATR to run flawlessly in environments like agricultural fields and construction sites, reports NewAtlas.
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A feature that makes it standout is its dual power system. It allows the KATR to operate on either an electric motor or a diesel engine, depending on the choice of the user. The electric motor is eco-friendly but produces less power. The diesel engine produces high power which allows it to do more heavy-duty tasks.
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Related Optimus Robots Could Make Tesla a $25 Trillion Company
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It has a load capacity of 284 pounds (129 kg), which makes it practical for transporting heavy materials in remote or difficult to access locations. The KATR can work in hazardous zones reducing the risk of human lives, also its compact design helps it to operate efficiently even in tight spaces.
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The Kubota KATR’s revolutionary approach to terrain navigation earned it the “Best of Innovation” title at CES 2025. Their commitment to integrating robotics in our everyday life is evident in this design.
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Kubota says that it has plans to start leasing the KATR in Japanese markets next year, for a cost of 1,980 yen (about $13) an hour. They are still not sure when they will enter the Global market.
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In the world of Robotics, the KATR is more than just a technological marvel; it represents an autonomous solution for industries needing heavy-duty machineries in challenging terrains. This robot is set to redefine safety and efficiency through its innovative design, adaptability, and durability. It offers a future where robots can increase productivity while reducing the strain on human labor.

Medical device innovator, PhotoniCare has achieved a major milestone by signing a manufacturing partnership with Gentex Corporation and raising $4.6 million in a Series B funding round. PhotoniCare’s flagship product, OtoSight Middle Ear Scope is the center of this collaboration. It is an advanced diagnostic tool used for middle ear infection.
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The OtoSight Middle Ear Scope uses the latest technologies to diagnose middle ear infections. It features OCT for high-resolution images, enabling the detection and characterization of fluid in the ear with up to 90.6% accuracy. It is the first FDA-cleared device of its kind and has benefited more than 26,000 patients. It created unique revenue opportunities for providers through dedicated CPT codes.
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Gentex expects a capital raise of almost $9 million. It will manufacture OtoSight devices in Zeeland & Michigan, which will support PhotoniCare’s plans to scale operations, expand sales, & complete ongoing clinical trials. This partnership also reflects Gentex’s strategy to get into medical technology alongside its traditional expertise in automotive systems.
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Related Solar Panels in Your Eyeballs to Restore Vision
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PhotoniCare has planned to relocate its headquarters from Champaign, Illinois to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to work closely with Gentex. This will help them get support from local investors like the Michigan Capital Network, which will help PhotoniCare to get into the state’s growing medical technology ecosystem.
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In 9 years, PhotoniCare has raised over $17 million in private capital and over $6 million in federal grants. Having created strong credibility in the healthcare market, after partnering with Gentex, PhotoniCare is expected to pave the way for new generations of diagnostic devices.
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With a proven track record and promising future, PhotoniCare continues to lead innovation in health diagnostics and set a benchmark in pediatric and general healthcare.

One of the most potential markets for printed and flexible electronics is healthcare. For instance, a bandage is naturally flexible, but because it has been demonstrated that an electric field can aid in the healing of chronic wounds, it would be a major advancement if it were possible to generate an electric current to encourage the healing process.
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Getting the science down is crucial for healthcare approvals, so that's one of the challenges. At the top of the list is creating a product that is affordable, reports David Savastano in Printed Electronics.
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Researchers from all over the world are trying to find potential solutions because this might be a big advancement in the treatment of wounds. North Carolina State University is leading one such research team that is making strides in this technology in collaboration with Beth Israel Deaconess Center, Columbia University, and researchers from other institutions and institutes. North Carolina State University and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) provided funding for the study.
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The high expense of treating chronic wounds is a significant problem, according to Amay Bandodkar, co-corresponding author of the study and an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at North Carolina State University.
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“Chronic wounds are a major health problem that affects millions of individuals each year,” said Bandodkar, who along with Rajaram Kaveti, co-first author of the study and a post-doctoral researcher at NC State, are inventors on a patent application related to this work. “The cost for treating chronic wounds is exorbitantly high. It costs several thousands of dollars to treat one chronic wound in the US. We wanted to explore if our prior experience in wearables and biocompatible batteries could be adapted to develop low-cost treatments.”
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Related This Smart Bandage Provides Wound Report in Real-Time
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One side of these water-powered, electronics-free dressings (WPEDs) is printed with electrodes, and the other side is printed with a tiny, biocompatible battery. The patient is dressed in a way that allows the electrodes to touch the wound. The battery is then activated by applying a drop of water to it. The disposable bandage creates an electric field for a few hours after it is activated.
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“That electric field is critical, because it’s well established that electric fields accelerate healing in chronic wounds,” said Kaveti.
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Each of the partners is bringing their expertise to the project. The Beth Israel Deaconess Center contributed clinical information, Columbia University carried out the animal studies, and North Carolina State created the bandages. Experts from Korea University, Georgia Tech, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, and the combined biomedical engineering department at NC State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are also part of the research team. They helped with computer simulations.
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Bandodkar reported that the recent findings have been promising. The researchers tested the dressings on diabetic mice, finding that the wounds healed approximately 30% faster than wounds that were treated with only occlusive dressings (same as the ones you find in your local store).
“We were excited to see that our hypothesis that electronics-free, low-cost dressings could provide accelerated healing comparable to treatments that rely on expensive biological agents,” said Bandodkar.
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“This collaborative project shows that these lightweight bandages, which can provide electrical stimulation simply by adding water, healed wounds faster than the control, at a similar rate as bulkier and more expensive wound treatment,” said Sam Sia, co-corresponding author of the work and professor of biomedical engineering at Columbia University, when the initial paper was published.
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Ultimately, this system will need to advance to clinical trials. However, the next step is to test the bandages on pigs.

Elon Musk's Neuralink said it has received approval to launch a new feasibility study using its brain implant and an experimental robotic arm.
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Neuralink is conducting its PRIME study, aimed at evaluating the safety of its wireless brain-computer interface and surgical robot. It is assessing the initial effect of the implant in patients with quadriplegia, a form of paralysis, to control external devices with their thoughts.
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"This is an important first step towards restoring not only digital freedom, but also physical freedom. More info to come, but the CONVOY Study will enable cross-enrolling participants from the ongoing PRIME Study," Neuralink said in a post.
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The PRIME study (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) involves the placement of a small, cosmetically invisible implant in the area of a person's brain that plans movements. The N1 implant is designed to interpret one's neural activity to assist them in operating a computer or smartphone by simply intending to move, reports MobiHealthNews.
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The company is still looking for people to contribute to the ongoing medical device clinical trial, which aims to enable people with quadriplegia to utilize digital gadgets with their thoughts.
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In February, 29-year-old quadriplegic Noland Arbaugh received the first implant of Neurolink's BCI device, which allowed him to play video games and chess hands-free.

Related Neuralink's "Blindsight" Gets FDA Nod to Restore Vision
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Health Canada, the company's regulator, gave the company permission last week to begin a device trial in Canada. The firm and Canadian neurosurgeons have received regulatory approval to enlist six paralyzed individuals in the research.
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Neuralink has already implanted the device in two people in the United States. The first patient has been able to use it to move a cursor on his laptop, play video games, access the internet, and post on social media.
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The company said the second trial patient has been using the device to play video games and learn how to construct 3D items, and it is functioning effectively.

Movano Health, a pioneer in health technology, today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for the pulse oximeter in its EvieMED Ring. The clearance enables Movano Health to pursue multi-billion-dollar business opportunities for health monitoring solutions needed for applications such as clinical trials, post-clinical trial management, and remote patient monitoring for both healthcare providers and payors.
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"We launched the Evie Ring in the consumer wearable market, but our broader goal has always been to provide a clinical-grade device for B2B channels," said John Mastrototaro, President and CEO of Movano Health. "This FDA 510(k) clearance marks a major milestone for the Company and expands our reach to pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers and payors looking for a more accurate, consistent and comfortable health monitoring solution that would help improve compliance by fitting easily into patient lifestyles."
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In anticipation of an expected 510(k) clearance, Movano Health has been collaborating with a number of potential partners operating across the entire healthcare industry spectrum and expects its partner pipeline to expand further following the news of a clearance. The Company is currently in the agreement phase with a large payor for a pilot study with the EvieMED Ring planned for early 2025 related to the health management of high-risk populations and is also in discussions with a global pharmaceutical company and leading clinical research organization (CRO) to use the EvieMED Ring in upcoming clinical trials. In addition, the EvieMED Ring was recently selected for a groundbreaking MIT study on long COVID and chronic Lyme disease, the company said in a press release.
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"This milestone marks the beginning of our plans to accelerate distribution of EvieMED. With the significant foundational work in achieving our first clearance now behind us, we are eager to continue to collaborate with the FDA on securing additional clearances including respiration rate and other critical analytes and diagnoses," continued Mastrototaro. "We also remain excited about the opportunities to leverage our proprietary radio frequency (RF) technology to address cuffless blood pressure and noninvasive glucose monitoring."
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Related FDA Clearance for a New Smart Ring
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Pulse oximeters measure blood oxygen (SpO2) levels and heart rate, but conventional solutions have significant shortcomings and can be uncomfortable, discouraging compliance that is needed to ensure reliable information for evaluating a patient's health. The EvieMED Ring eliminates those limitations by combining the accuracy of a medical device with the comfort of a wearable that can be worn continuously, thanks in part to an award-winning design with a small gap in the ring surface and slight flex that accommodates finger swelling. A pivotal study also found that the EvieMED Ring produces accurate readings among users with darker skin tones as measured by the Fitzpatrick scale of skin color classification.
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In addition, the EvieMED Ring collects wellness metrics including sleep, activity, temperature variability, calories burned and respiration rate that can give both patients and healthcare providers a broader picture of the user's overall wellness.
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The EvieMED Ring will be available in eight sizes ranging from 5 to 12 to accommodate the widest selection of patients.
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About Movano Health
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Founded in 2018, Movano Health is developing a suite of purpose-driven healthcare solutions to bring medical-grade data to the forefront of wearables. Featuring modern and flexible form factors, Movano Health's devices offer an innovative approach to delivering trusted data to both customers and enterprises, capturing a comprehensive picture of an individual's health data and uniquely translating it into personalized and intelligent insights.

Imagine wearing a sunglass and being able to adjust the tint level according to one’s own liking, adjusting for the right tint that brings perfect visibility in any lighting condition. Lombell’s Adjustable-Tint Sunglasses allows you to do exactly that. Their innovative design and functionality have made these sunglasses quite popular.
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Combining both, advanced technology and stylish aesthetics, these sunglasses are equipped with built-in Neutral Density (ND) filters, that will enable the users to adjust the tint level across nine different settings, simply by twisting the lens frame. This was inspired by professional photography equipment, reports New Atlas.
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Key Features

• These sunglasses provide nine levels of tint. It allows users to seamlessly transition between different tint levels through a one-hand rotary adjustment system.
• They feature premium Polaroid lenses with UV400 protection, ensuring clear vision while also blocking harmful UV rays. This reduces eye strain and make them suitable for prolonged use.
• Made from titanium alloy, the frame is both lightweight and robust. It ensures all day comfort without compromising durability.
• Being very stylish & versatile, they complement a variety of outfits. Some even describe them as the “Swiss Army Knife of shades” for their adaptability & unique looks.

Related World’s First Emotion-Sensing Smart Glasses
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Lombell’s sunglasses were made to fulfill a variety of needs. From outdoor enthusiasts & travelers, to everyday users, all have praised these glasses. It’s ability to reduce eye strain & enhance comfort during activities like driving or hiking made it a favorite among all. However, some users said that minor design improvements could enhance their usability, like better nose grip or ear hooks.
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Currently, Lombell’s Adjustable-Tint Sunglasses are available on sale for $89.99, down from their regular price of $129.99. It includes free express shipping and a 30-day return policy. It also provides a one-year warranty for peace of mind of the buyers. These make Lombell’s sunglasses a competitive choice in the premium eyewear market.
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Lombell’s Adjustable-Tint Sunglasses are a major leap forward in eyewear innovation. It blends practicality, protection, & fashion, all into one single accessory. These sunglasses ensure that you see the world in perfect light.

Clim8 is a company pioneering a new approach to heated apparel with its innovative Clim8® technology. This smart heating system goes beyond simple on/off functionality, offering a personalized and efficient heating experience controlled via a dedicated app.

Clim8® technology utilizes multiple sensors embedded within the garment itself. These sensors continuously monitor the wearer's profile (likely including factors like age, gender, and typical activity levels), current activity (e.g., sitting, walking, skiing), and ambient temperature. This real-time data is then processed by a sophisticated algorithm that dynamically adjusts the heating output to maintain optimal comfort.

Key features and benefits of Clim8® technology include:

• ‍Smart Heating: The system intelligently regulates heat in real-time, adapting to changes in the wearer's environment and activity level. This ensures consistent comfort without manual adjustments.‍
• Automatic Power On/Off: Clim8® automatically activates and deactivates the heating elements based on usage, preventing unnecessary battery drain and maximizing efficiency.‍
• Smart Battery Usage: The technology is designed for optimal energy consumption, extending battery life and allowing for longer periods of use.‍
• Lab and Field Tested: Clim8® products undergo rigorous testing in both laboratory and real-world field trials to ensure thermal performance, durability, and reliability. This commitment to testing underscores the company's focus on delivering a high-quality product.‍
• App Control and Personalization: The Clim8® app is central to the user experience. It allows users to control temperature settings, personalize their heating preferences, and provide feedback to the company. This feedback loop contributes to the system's ongoing learning and improvement, further refining the personalized heating experience.

Clim8® aims to provide a truly tailored heating experience, moving away from traditional, static heating solutions. By combining sensor technology, intelligent algorithms, and user-friendly app control, Clim8 SAS is positioning itself as a leader in the next generation of heated apparel.

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About Clim8

Clim8 was founded in 2016 by three entrepreneurs who shared a vision of creating the best thermo-regulating clothing. In addition to winning multiple awards, Clim8 has collaborated with leading brands to bring its products to market and continues to develop new product lines and expand its global reach.

South Korean researchers have developed an AI-based tool that can predict episodes of mood disorder in patients using only sleep-wake data recorded by wearable devices such as smartwatches. People suffering from mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, experience long periods of sadness, depression, joy or mania. Mood disorders are closely linked with sleep-wake rhythms with disturbances potentially triggering a mood episode.
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The team comprised researchers from the Institute for Basic Sciences (IBS), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and Korea University College of Medicine.
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First, 168 Korean patients with mood disorders, including major depression and bipolar disorder, had their Fitbit sleep-wake data gathered and analyzed for 429 days. It is said that irregular sleep and circadian rhythms are intimately linked to mood problems, reports MobiHealthNews.
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In order to train models based on the machine learning package XGBoost to predict mood episodes, scientists took 36 sleep and circadian rhythm parameters out of this dataset.
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According to the results, the predictive models were able to predict depressive, manic, and hypomanic episodes with 80%, 98%, and 95% accuracy, respectively.
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Related Researchers Deploy Machine Learning to Improve Mental Health
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Findings also suggested that daily changes in circadian rhythm may be a key predictor of mood episodes; delayed circadian rhythms can potentially lead to depressive episodes while advanced circadian rhythms can raise the possibility of manic episodes.

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Although AI models for forecasting the emotional states of individuals with mood disorders already exist, they usually require a variety of data, such as GPS, sleep, heart rate, light exposure, and phone usage, all of which can be expensive to gather. The research team emphasized that it might also provide storage issues as well as security and privacy problems.
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"By developing a model that predicts mood episodes based solely on sleep-wake pattern data, we have reduced the cost of data collection and significantly improved clinical applicability," claimed Kim Jae Kyoung, KAIST associate professor and IBS chief investigator.
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The research team also highlights the possibility of using digital treatments in conjunction with mood state prediction to assess the daily risk of relapsing mood episodes and encourage healthy circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles by sending out reminders.
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The study was published in Nature's npj Digital Medicine journal.

Epicore Biosystems, a digital health solutions company developing advanced sweat-sensing wearables, announced that it has inked a 3-year master services agreement (MSA) with Chevron Technical Center, a division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc. to equip Chevron's industrial frontline workers with its Connected Hydration solution. The first deployments are expected to begin in the US in the summer of 2024.
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This milestone MSA marks a pivotal moment for Epicore on the heels of several field deployments with Chevron and other enterprises. The Chevron health and safety teams have deployed Epicore's Connected Hydration solution across multiple work sites and conditions over the past two years, leading to its commercial launch in April 2024. Chevron Technology Ventures also invested in Epicore to support the development and commercialization of Connected Hydration, the company said in a press release.
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Connected Hydration is a sweat-sensing wearable biosensor and cloud analytics solution that measures sweat loss, sodium loss, skin temperature, and movement to provide actionable rehydration strategies in real time to industrial workers ahead of adverse dehydration events. The technology enables workers to quantify hydration biomarkers and create actionable routes to rehydration and recovery for industrial workers. Epicore's Connected Hydration solution is a proven sweat-sensing technology that provides individualized rehydration strategies and real-time haptic vibration alarms felt by the workers to proactively inform them to stay safe and hydrate.
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Related How Augmented Reality Is Helping Workers In The Cement Industry
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"We have spent years developing, validating and deploying Connected Hydration. A master service agreement with a large enterprise like Chevron is a testament to how Epicore Biosystems is bridging the global gap in worker safety when it comes to proper hydration and heat stress solutions," said Dr. Roozbeh Ghaffari, CEO and co-founder of Epicore Biosystems. "We are honored to work with Chevron as one of our first customers and to deploy Connected Hydration, enabling tailored and preventative hydration practices for their frontline workers. The reality is that a conventional, one-size-fits-all approach to heat index tracking falls short in meeting workers' hydration and recovery needs."
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Chevron compiled datasets from over a thousand sweat sessions in total across multiple work sites in the U.S. to explore how behavioral changes take shape when workers utilize Connected Hydration compared to conventional approaches. Health and safety experts along with industrial hygienists observed that Connected Hydration informed and improved hydration habits significantly by increasing worker fluid and electrolyte intake over a one-month time window, via real-time awareness of fluid and electrolyte losses. This sustained change in behavior in response to rehydration feedback was rapid and took place within a few weeks of Connected Hydration use.
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"The entrepreneurial ecosystem's speed, together with the know-how of incumbents - that's a very powerful combination," said Jim Gable, VP of Innovation and President of Technology Ventures for Chevron. "In this case, Chevron and Epicore were able to leverage thousands of work session datasets across multiple sites to enhance the impact of the Connected Hydration technology to keep our employees safe."
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Since its launch in 2017, Epicore has lined up several global collaborators and customers. These enterprises include Chevron, PepsiCo, Denka, Gatorade, Fluor, Nitto, the U.S. Air Force, Office of Naval Research, Army and more.
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About Epicore Biosystems
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Founded in 2017, Epicore Biosystems is a digital health company developing advanced sweat-sensing wearables that provide real-time personalized health insights for hydration, stress and wellness. Their clinically validated biowearable products and cloud analytics are deployed globally and licensed by leading Fortune 500 companies, the Department of Defense and the National Institute of Health.

In a market increasingly saturated with wearables, Noise's Luna Ring stands out with its slim, minimalist design and an intriguing blend of fitness tracking features. While smart rings have been around for a few years, Noise’s entry into this space is particularly notable for its development right in India.

Let’s dive into what makes the Luna Ring an interesting choice for those looking to upgrade their tech accessories without sacrificing style or comfort.

A tailored approach to sizing and fit

Unlike most fitness bands and smartwatches, the Luna Ring requires a precise fit, as resizing is not a DIY task. To make this process easier, Noise offers a sizing kit to help users select the perfect ring size. Though Noise suggests wearing the ring on the index finger, users frequently switch it between index and middle finger, depending on comfort.

A design to admire‍

Measuring just 2.8 mm in thickness, the Luna Ring’s slim design gives it a sleek, unobtrusive appearance that’s both functional and stylish. Available in Stardust Silver, Lunar Black, and Midnight Black, it caters to a variety of tastes while maintaining a high-end, understated aesthetic. Beneath its elegant exterior lies a range of sensors integrated into a flexible circuit board, all housed in a waterproof casing. While the idea of a smart ring isn’t entirely new, the Luna Ring brings a refreshing, locally designed alternative to the table.

Seamless setup and interface

Getting started with the Luna Ring is simple. Upon placing it on its charging dock, the ring quickly pairs with the companion app on your smartphone. The setup process is straightforward, with the app requesting basic details such as your weight, height, and gender to personalize your health metrics. Once paired, the app offers an easy-to-navigate interface, with key information like activity levels, sleep scores, and readiness all clearly displayed.

Health and fitness tracking is smart yet subtle

The Luna Ring's key selling point is its ability to monitor your health without being intrusive. As someone who typically avoids wearing a fitness tracker to bed, the Luna Ring’s sleep tracking feature was a revelation. It effortlessly detects sleep patterns, breaking down nightly rest into various stages, including deep sleep, REM, and light sleep. It also gives insights into sleep efficiency and latency, which allows users to understand how restful their sleep truly was.In addition to sleep, the ring tracks your daily activity and provides a Readiness Score to gauge how prepared you are for the day. This score takes into account both your activity levels and sleep quality over the past few days, offering an at-a-glance measure of your overall readiness.

Tracking activity step counts and more‍

While the Luna Ring automatically tracks steps and heart rate, it doesn't automatically detect specific activities like running or cycling. For these, users have to manually enter workout details into the app, such as the duration, intensity, and type of activity.

When it comes to battery life, the ring is longevity on your finger‍

The Luna Ring even after three full days of use, still has about 14% of its charge left. The charging dock is simple to use, though it doesn’t come with a power adapter—any standard USB adapter will work. The ring takes roughly an hour to charge completely, making it a low-maintenance device in terms of power.

Noise’s debut in the smart ring market with the Luna Ring is an impressive one. Its minimalistic design and intuitive tracking features make it an appealing option for those looking for a smart wearable that doesn’t compromise on style or comfort. Whether it’s accurate sleep tracking, the convenience of a readiness score, or the solid battery life, the Luna Ring proves itself to be a functional, stylish choice for health-conscious individuals.