Wearable Sweat Monitor Uses Machine Learning to Protect Workers from Dehydration
A new wearable sweat and hydration monitor developed by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in collaboration with Epicore Biosystems is now available for commercial use. This innovative device, known as Connected Hydration, is designed to help protect industrial athletes from dehydration and prevent workplace accidents caused by heat exposure.
The Connected Hydration monitor is specifically tailored for individuals working in occupations that involve intense physical activity in hot and humid conditions, often while wearing personal protective equipment. These environments increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related accidents among workers.
According to AJ Aranyosi, chief digital officer and co-founder of Epicore Biosystems, a 2% fluid loss by body weight can lead to cognitive decline. Dehydration is a significant factor in workplace accidents, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Aranyosi emphasizes the importance of personalized hydration monitoring, as individual sweat rates and electrolyte compositions vary.
Connected Hydration empowers users to proactively manage their hydration levels by monitoring the volume and composition of their sweat. The device, worn on the bicep, contains microchannels and a sensing module that vibrates when sweat levels indicate the need for rehydration.
Thirst, as Aranyosi explains, is subjective, and relying solely on thirst cues may not ensure adequate hydration. By connecting to a cell phone, the Connected Hydration platform offers valuable insights into sweat electrolyte concentrations over time, allowing users to track their water intake and hydration status.
To validate and refine the Connected Hydration technology, researchers at UMass Amherst conducted a rigorous study using the university’s state-of-the-art facilities. By analyzing sweat and measuring body weight changes before and after exercise, the researchers provided data necessary for developing machine-learning algorithms to enhance the device’s accuracy.
The collaboration between UMass researchers and Epicore Biosystems also provided valuable learning opportunities for students, such as Remi Hirsh, who conducted an honors thesis on the project. Her study revealed insights into the body’s response to exercise in different humidity conditions while wearing personal protective equipment, highlighting areas for further research.
Overall, the availability of the Connected Hydration monitor represents a significant advancement in worker safety and hydration management. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and personalized data insights, this wearable device offers a proactive solution to prevent dehydration-related accidents in high-intensity work environments.
