Technology and fitness interconnectivity is growing. It was estimated at the end of 2020 the technology wearables market is set to experience a 12% annual growth rate across the next five years in line with the increased popularity and awareness of individual fitness.
It is anticipated into the new year, we will witness new and innovative wearable technology become widely deployed across the fitness sector.
This week the annual CES 2021 conference certainly kick-started excitement for what is to come next in the IoT fitness wearables market.
So, how has IoT become so commonly integrated within the fitness world?
The ability to track, record and progress has become essential for individuals to reach their fitness goals.
The effects of the pandemic has surged interest in fitness tracking devices with more individuals becoming aware of their health and wellbeing.
The power of having a connected fitness wearable enables us to automatically record data that can be tracked directly to an application on our phones, providing the visibility needed to oversee your own personal fitness, how you are progressing and what you can do to improve.
In essence, having all the data in one place makes it possible for individuals to become their own coach and perform better.
But these aspects are just touching the surface to what IoT wearables can actually do in the march to reshape the fitness world.
Well, what should you be watching out for in 2021?
Self- Learning AI Powered Wearables
AI is no longer something of the future, it is becoming widely used across the technology space to aid development in device self-learning.
AI is not just robots and machines; it is integrating into multiple mainstream markets- the fitness wearables is just one.
At CES 2021, Bosch Global recently announced the invention of the world’s first self-learning AI sensor for wearables and hearables, named BHI260AP. The revolutionary design will shift the focus of wearables towards a more interactive and personalized fitness experience.
Imagine being able to automatically input and track the repetition of your exercise as you carry out your training session.
The Bosch BHI260AP wearable enables this. The configuration of integrated smart motion sensors and software development deploys the wearable to track your exercise, reps and sets as you carry them out through the self-learning AI sensor.
For new activties the device is able to learn and extend the data directly on the edge.
Temperature Tracking Devices
Fitness wearables have proliferated amongst the pandemic as many of us are beginning to lens in on our fitness due to increased leisure and more focus on health.
Equally, the circumstances we find ourselves in has created a need to have this visibility in real-time- whether that be heart rate monitoring or temperature tracking.
The Amazfit GTS 2e and GTR 2e wearable models were showcased at the CES 2021 conference this week. These new models provide a universal monitoring system to track various parts of individual fitness and wellness.
Installed with a Bio-tracking optical sensor the new Amazfit models facilitate 24-hour heart rate monitoring, and temperature and sleep measurement tools.
Neatly, this data is all compacted through algorithms in to a Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) score for wearers to understand their physical state.
It will be interesting to see over the course of the year, how these new counterparts will enhance user experience.
GPS tracking Wearables
GPS has become widely used as a wireless technology across the smartphone market. It has enabled us to trace location, distance and range- all from one device.
But what if you could track your run whilst you leave your phone at home.
The introduction of GPS sensors within IoT wearables has become an exciting prospect for the fitness world.
The Fitbit Charge 4 differs from its previous counterparts, having GPS tracking sensors integrated. Now, users can leave their phone device at home and track runs in real-time from their wearable.
Going one step further, the Active Zone feature on the Fitbit Charge 4 escalates fitness monitoring to the next level, recommending exercise activity levels based on age and fitness data that can act as a form of heart rate training.
Fitness for your furry friend
Fitness wearables aren’t just benefitting humans.
The wearables market has extended to animal health tracking.
Petplus, showcased at CES 2021 the capabilities of their smart collar to track activity levels for your pets. The nifty device has the capabilities to count the number of calories burned, whilst going beyond fitness to act as a ‘voice’ for your pet by utlitising data from more than 10,000 bark samples to convert into emotional cues.
A bright future
The wearable unveils at the CES 2021 conference have highlighted the limitless possibilities IoT wearables have to transform the fitness world. The next few years will be exciting to see which direction this transformative market takes.