Wearable devices have gone from simple step counters to integrated platforms that can monitor health, improve safety at work and even improve logistics. This article will discuss the essence of wearable IoT equipment — how they work, what their industrial applications are and what influenced industries such as healthcare, fitness or manufacturing.
Wearable devices or ’wearables‘ are internet-connected, smart objects that are worn on the body. They work with the Internet of Things to receive data from sensors and push it to the cloud or local machines for processing and analysis in real-time. Wearables include consumer gadgets like smartwatches and fitness trackers, as well as more specialised devices used in industrial and healthcare settings.
The role of IoT in wearable devices
Wearables can be linked with other smart devices and ecosystems using the Internet of Things to connect and exchange data and insights in real-time. This connectivity is essential, as it allows for:
- Continuous data monitoring: IoT-enabled wearables monitor various metrics 24/7, ranging from heart rate and body temperature to steps and calorie burn
- Data analysis and predictive analytics: By collecting data over time, IoT wearables can identify trends and patterns, offering predictive insights. For example, a fitness tracker can predict fatigue levels or suggest activity adjustments to improve health outcomes
- Cloud and edge computing: Wearable devices utilise cloud and edge computing to process data at the source, reducing latency and enabling faster decision-making
- Enhanced communication: IoT platforms facilitate data sharing between wearables and other smart devices, forming a collaborative network that maximises functionality and enables a richer user experience
Industry applications of wearable IoT devices
IoT wearable devices are now so much more than fitness wearables, with many other industries taking advantage of monitoring and analytics in real-time:
- Healthcare
The healthcare industry has been one of the primary beneficiaries of wearable IoT technology. Smartwatches and fitness trackers have taken health monitoring into the mainstream, with devices from brands like Apple and Fitbit tracking heart rates, sleep quality and even ECGs.
- Remote patient monitoring (RPM): IoT wearables allow healthcare providers to monitor patients’ health remotely, reducing hospital visits and enabling real-time intervention. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global remote patient monitoring market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.6% between 2024 and 2030
- Disease management: For patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, wearable devices provide continuous monitoring, alerting patients and physicians to critical changes. This can improve patient outcomes and potentially reduce the burden on healthcare
- Manufacturing and industrial sector
In industrial environments, wearable IoT devices enhance worker safety, productivity and equipment maintenance.
- Worker safety: Wearables can monitor a worker’s heart rate, body temperature and environmental conditions, alerting supervisors to potential health risks
- Productivity tracking: Companies use wearables to monitor employee movements and productivity metrics, improving workflow and reducing downtime
- Retail and customer experience
The retail industry is using wearables to impact customer experiences and improve store operations.
- Customer insights: Wearables enable personalised marketing by gathering data on customer preferences and shopping patterns. For instance, beacon-enabled wearable devices can deliver customised promotions based on a shopper’s in-store location
- Inventory management: Employees equipped with wearable devices can quickly locate and restock items, improving store efficiency and enhancing the customer experience
- Logistics and supply chain management
Wearable IoT devices are making supply chains more efficient and reliable.
- Inventory and asset tracking: Workers equipped with wearable scanners or RFID-enabled devices can streamline inventory tracking, reducing errors
- Location-based automation: Wearables combined with location tracking enable automation, such as activating warehouse doors as workers approach with machinery.
- Fitness and wellness
The fitness industry was an early adopter of wearable IoT technology, with devices like smartwatches, fitness trackers and smart clothing becoming commonplace.
- Personalised fitness: Wearables track individual metrics, providing tailored workout recommendations based on the user’s performance and goals
- Market growth: The wearable fitness technology market reached US$13.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$32.6 billion by 2030 and to grow at a CAGR of 13.4% from 2023 to 2030
Challenges and considerations for wearable devices
In spite of their benefits, wearable IoT devices face several challenges:
- Data security and privacy: Wearable devices collect sensitive information, often transmitting it over the internet. Protecting this data from breaches is crucial
- Battery life: Battery efficiency remains a concern, as these devices are expected to operate continuously
- Interoperability: Compatibility between wearables and various IoT platforms or devices can be limited, often requiring complex integrations for functionality
Future trends in wearable IoT devices
The future of wearable IoT devices will come from artificial intelligence, 5G connectivity, and Augmented reality all of which is driving more functionality and integration within the industries. AI is now a greater component of wearable technologies for predictive analytics, real-time decision making and personalisation. This worldwide AI wearables market will be worth US$304.8 billion by 2033 up from US$31.2 billion in 2023, with growth at a CAGR of 25.6% from 2024 to 2033.
The rollout of 5G networks will provide wearables with high speeds and low latency data transmission for use cases such as real-time health monitoring and high-definition video streaming. Then there are augmented reality (AR) wearables including smart glasses which will help to increase the market size to US$88.4 billion by 2026 to change fields such as healthcare, logistics and retailing by overlaying digital data on the real-world environment.
From medical to industrial, and retail, wearables enable data-driven decision-making and create numerous opportunities. With advancements in AI, 5G, and interoperability standardisation, wearable IoT solutions are becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering even more comprehensive integration and value across multiple industries.
Article by Magda Dąbrowska, editor at WeKnow Media
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