The most brilliant minds in Asia have been inventing some of the world’s best medical wearables.
In recent years, startups in Asia have been working on technology-enabled products to produce medical wearables, with a focus on developing digital therapeutics for treating sleep disorders. The market has seen a surge in innovation with new devices that can track and detect sleep disorders. Here are some of the latest developments from the region.
SOMNUM
South Korean startup HoneyNaps has launched SOMNUM, its AI-based software that provides automatic and accurate polysomnography readings for the diagnosis of sleep disorders. In conjunction, the company has launched SOMNUM Scanning Service. This is a coaching program that provides a deep-sleep solution and guide based on the analysis of an individual’s sleep pattern and environment. The goal of the scanning service is to provide the individual with a healthier lifestyle. A variety of programs that address various individuals ranging from students, office workers, children, and the elderly is provided. The data acquired in the service is analyzed using the SOMNUM algorithm, which is Korea’s first data-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) diagnostic software developed by HoneyNaps.Â
BUZUD
Singapore-based medical device brand BUZUD has launched a line of smartwatches that track health metrics, including blood oxygen saturation oximeter sensors, to monitor sleep quality and blood pressure. Additionally, it also tracks heart rate, body temperature, steps, distance, and burned calories and has 24 sports modes. Its latest smartwatches have been studied and tested in a clinical trial involving about 3,000 people. They will target consumers who have been actively seeking to manage their health during the ongoing pandemic. The company aims to introduce products that “empower people to take proactive steps to be healthy both physically and mentally.Â
Frenz Brainband by Earable NeuroscienceÂ
Earable Neuroscience, a US and Vietnam-based startup has created an AI-powered headband called Frenz Brainband. It is said to track and stimulate brain activity, leading to better sleep, focus, and relaxation. Consequently, the device is capable of stimulating and tracking brain activity to promote improved sleep and focus. After testing the invention on 1,000 people, nearly 90% reported having better sleep, with 86% falling asleep up to an hour faster than usual. This year, the startup is looking to raise US$35 million to US$40 million for its series A.Â
RestOnÂ
China company Sleepace’s device, called RestOn, is a smart sleep tracker that can be attached to a mattress, similar to Finland-based Beddit’s device. Additionally, it tracks sleep time, heart rate, respiratory rate, body movement, and sleep cycles. Furthermore, it provides performance analysis reports to the companion app, which helps users understand their sleep. Moreover, multiple accounts can be added to the app to manage different family members’ sleep habits.
Wearable medical devices enhance patients’ quality of life and productivity. Accurate data helps doctors provide early care and prevent complications. In addition, these devices are cost-effective and allow many to access necessary medical care. The Asian wearable medical devices market is expected to expand, creating more innovation opportunities.
