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New Wireless Device Tracks Hidden Stress Signals
14 May
Summary
- A new wireless device monitors physiological stress signals.
- It helps patients unable to communicate their discomfort.
- Machine learning analyzes data sent to cellphones or watches.
Northwestern University engineers have unveiled a groundbreaking wireless device that monitors physiological signals to track stress. This innovation moves beyond traditional lie detectors, focusing instead on measuring hidden stress through heart activity, breathing patterns, and sweat response.
The device is specifically engineered to aid patients who cannot express discomfort, including infants and some elderly individuals. Its applications extend to diagnosing sleep disorders without bulky equipment and monitoring mental health conditions over time.
Development began after pediatricians at Lurie Children's Hospital requested a non-invasive method to assess stress in babies. The new polygraph features minuscule sensors that capture mechanical, sound, thermal, and electrical conductivity signals associated with stress.
This data is transmitted wirelessly to a cellphone, smartwatch, or tablet for analysis via machine learning. Weighing less than 8 grams and operating continuously for over 24 hours, the device offers a lightweight, unobtrusive solution for around-the-clock stress monitoring.
