Wearables Terms Glossary: Wearables Terms in 2024
A
Activity Recognition
Activity recognition is the process of automatically identifying and classifying physical activities, such as walking, running, or sleeping, based on data from wearable sensors.
Activity Tracker
An activity tracker is a wearable device that monitors and records various physical activities, such as steps taken, distance traveled, and active minutes.
Air Quality Monitor
An air quality monitor is a wearable device or sensor that measures and assesses the quality of the surrounding air, monitoring parameters such as particulate matter, pollution levels, or indoor air quality.
Augmented Reality (Ar)
Augmented Reality (AR) refers to the integration of digital information, such as images, videos, or 3D models, into the real-world environment, typically through a wearable device like smart glasses.
Augmented Reality Glasses
Augmented reality (AR) glasses are wearable devices that overlay digital information, such as images, videos, and text, onto the user's real-world view, enhancing their perception and providing interactive experiences.
B
Battery Life
Battery life refers to the duration or capacity of a wearable device's battery to power its functions and operations without requiring recharging, often a critical factor in the usability and practicality of wearables.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback involves the use of wearable devices or sensors to monitor and provide real-time feedback on physiological signals or processes, such as heart rate variability, skin conductance, or breathing patterns, for stress reduction or self-regulation purposes.
Biometric Authentication
Biometric authentication is a security process that uses unique physiological or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints or voice patterns, to verify the identity of an individual.
Biometric Sensor
A biometric sensor is a device that measures and analyzes physiological or behavioral characteristics, such as heart rate, body temperature, or fingerprints, to authenticate or identify individuals.
Biometric Sensors
Biometric sensors are sensors that measure and analyze physiological and behavioral characteristics of the human body, such as heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables short-range communication and data exchange between wearable devices, smartphones, or other devices, typically used for connectivity, audio streaming, or control.
Body Temperature Monitor
A body temperature monitor is a wearable device or sensor that tracks an individual's body temperature, helping identify fever, monitor health conditions, or track fertility.
Breathalyzer
A breathalyzer is a wearable device or sensor designed to measure a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) by analyzing their breath, helping individuals monitor their alcohol consumption or assess sobriety.
D
Drowsiness Detection
Drowsiness detection involves the use of wearable devices or sensors to detect and alert individuals to signs of drowsiness or fatigue, typically monitoring physiological signals or behavior changes associated with fatigue.
E
E-Paper Display
E-paper display, also known as electronic paper or e-ink display, is a display technology that mimics the appearance of ink on paper, commonly used in e-readers or smartwatches.
E-Textile
E-textiles, also known as electronic textiles or smart fabrics, are fabrics or textiles that incorporate electronic components for the purpose of creating wearable technology.
E-Textiles
E-textiles, also known as electronic textiles or smart fabrics, are fabrics that have electronic components embedded within them, enabling them to sense and react to their environment.
Ekg Monitor
An EKG (electrocardiogram) monitor is a wearable device or sensor that measures and records the electrical activity of the heart, providing insights into heart health, rhythm irregularities, or potential cardiac conditions.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation involves the use of wearable devices or electrodes to deliver electrical impulses or currents to specific parts of the body, often used for pain relief, muscle stimulation, or physical rehabilitation purposes.
Electrocardiogram (Ecg)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart to detect abnormalities or diagnose cardiac conditions, often performed using wearable ECG monitors.
Electroencephalography (Eeg)
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a technology that measures and records the electrical activity of the brain through sensors or electrodes placed on the scalp, enabling applications in brain-computer interfaces or neurofeedback.
Emg Sensor
An EMG (electromyography) sensor is a wearable device or electrode that measures and records the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, often used for applications such as movement analysis, rehabilitation, or prosthetics.
Emotion Recognition
Emotion recognition is the ability of a device or software to identify and interpret human emotions based on facial expressions, vocal cues, or other physiological signals.
F
Fall Detection
Fall detection is a feature or capability of wearable devices that can identify and alert caregivers or emergency services in the event of a fall, helping ensure timely assistance and medical attention.
Fall Monitoring
Fall monitoring involves the continuous monitoring and analysis of an individual's movements or behavior patterns, typically through wearable devices or sensors, to detect potential falls, identify risks, or provide assistance.
Fall Prevention
Fall prevention comprises wearable technologies or devices that aim to reduce the risk of falls and injuries in individuals, often through real-time monitoring, alerts, or interventions for balance, gait, or posture correction.
Fitness App
A fitness app is a software application designed to assist users in tracking and managing their physical fitness and health goals, often connecting to wearable devices to gather data.
Fitness Coaching
Fitness coaching refers to the provision of personalized guidance, advice, and training plans by a wearable device or application to help individuals achieve their fitness goals.
Fitness Tracker
A fitness tracker is a wearable device specifically designed to monitor and track physical activity, including steps taken, calories burned, and heart rate.
Footwear Sensors
Footwear sensors are sensors or technologies integrated into shoes or footwear to measure various parameters during walking or running, such as step count, gait analysis, or pressure distribution, often used for sports or fitness applications.
G
Gait Analysis
Gait analysis is the study and measurement of an individual's walking or running pattern, often performed through wearable devices or sensors to assess biomechanics, detect abnormalities, or aid in rehabilitation.
Gesture Recognition
Gesture recognition is the ability of a wearable device or technology to interpret and understand human gestures, such as hand movements or body motions, to control or interact with digital content.
Gps
GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based navigation system that provides precise location information to wearable devices for applications such as tracking, mapping, and navigation.
Gps Tracking
GPS tracking involves the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to determine the precise location of a person or object, often used in wearable devices for tracking and navigation purposes.
H
Haptic Feedback
Haptic feedback refers to the use of tactile sensations, such as vibrations or pressure, to provide feedback or alerts to the wearer of a wearable device.
Head-Mounted Display
A head-mounted display (HMD) is a wearable device that presents a visual display in front of the user's eyes, creating an immersive viewing experience.
Head-Mounted Display (Hmd)
A head-mounted display (HMD) is a wearable device, usually in the form of goggles or a helmet, that presents visual information directly in front of the user's eyes.
Head-Up Display
A head-up display (HUD) is a transparent display that presents information directly in the user's field of view, typically used in automotive applications or augmented reality glasses.
Headphones
Headphones are wearable audio devices that are worn over or in the ears, allowing the user to listen to audio content privately.
Health Monitoring
Health monitoring refers to the continuous monitoring and tracking of an individual's health-related parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, or sleep patterns, through wearable devices.
Hearable
A hearable is a wearable device that combines the functionalities of a traditional headphone or earphone with additional features such as biometric monitoring, voice assistance, or audio augmentation.
Heart Rate Monitor
A heart rate monitor is a wearable device or sensor that measures and tracks an individual's heart rate during rest or physical activity.
Hybrid Wearables
Hybrid wearables combine multiple functionalities or technologies in a single wearable device, such as a device that integrates fitness tracking, smartwatch features, and contactless payment capabilities.
Hydration Monitor
A hydration monitor is a wearable device or sensor that measures and tracks an individual's hydration levels, often using technologies like impedance spectroscopy or sweat analysis, providing insights or reminders for proper hydration.
I
Inertial Measurement Unit
An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is a sensor device that measures and reports acceleration, orientation, and angular velocity, often used in wearable devices for motion tracking and gesture recognition.
M
Medical Wearables
Medical wearables or medical-grade wearables are specialized wearable devices designed for healthcare purposes, such as monitoring vital signs, managing chronic conditions, or providing remote patient monitoring.
Microdisplay
A microdisplay is a small-sized display, often used in wearable devices such as smart glasses or AR/VR headsets to provide visual information to the user.
Microphone Array
A microphone array is a group of microphones that work together to capture sound from multiple directions, often used in wearable devices for noise cancellation or voice recognition.
Motion Tracking
Motion tracking is the process of capturing and recording the movements of objects or individuals, often used in wearable devices for fitness tracking, virtual reality, or sports analysis.
O
Occupational Wearables
Occupational wearables are wearable devices or technologies designed for specific workplace environments or industries, such as protective gear with embedded sensors for monitoring environmental conditions, movement patterns, or worker safety measures.
Optical Sensor
An optical sensor is a device or sensor that uses light or optical signals to measure or detect physical or chemical properties, such as heart rate, blood oxygenation, or glucose levels, often employed in wearable health monitoring or fitness tracking.
P
Pedometer
A pedometer is a wearable device or sensor that tracks and records the number of steps an individual takes, often used for fitness tracking, walking goals, or motivating physical activity.
Posture Correction
Posture correction refers to the use of wearable devices or technologies to monitor and correct an individual's posture, providing real-time feedback or reminders to maintain proper alignment.
Power Management
Power management refers to the strategies and technologies used to optimize the energy consumption and battery life of wearable devices, ensuring efficient power usage.
R
Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) involves the use of wearable devices and sensors to collect and transmit health data from patients in their own homes, allowing healthcare providers to monitor and manage their conditions remotely.
S
Skin Conductance Sensor
A skin conductance sensor, also known as a galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor, measures the electrical conductance of the skin, often used to indicate emotional arousal or stress levels.
Skin Patch
A skin patch is a wearable device or adhesive patch that can be affixed to the skin to deliver medication, monitor physiological parameters, or collect data, often used in medical or cosmetic applications.
Sleep Tracker
A sleep tracker is a wearable device that monitors and analyzes an individual's sleep patterns, including sleep duration, sleep quality, and stages of sleep.
Smart Band
A smart band is a wrist-worn wearable device that typically offers similar functions and features as a smartwatch but with a more minimalist design and focus on activity tracking, notifications, or health monitoring.
Smart Clothing
Smart clothing, also known as e-textile clothing or smart textiles, refers to garments or apparel that integrate electronic components, sensors, or connectivity for the purpose of providing added functionality.
Smart Contact Lenses
Smart contact lenses are wearable devices that are worn directly on the eye, incorporating functionalities such as augmented reality, health monitoring, or vision correction.
Smart Fabrics
Smart fabrics are textiles or materials that can sense and react to external stimuli, such as changes in temperature, pressure, or moisture, enabling applications in wearable technology for monitoring or control purposes.
Smart Glasses
Smart glasses, also known as augmented reality glasses or mixed reality glasses, are wearable devices that overlay digital information or visuals onto the user's field of view, enhancing the perception and interaction with the surrounding environment.
Smart Gloves
Smart gloves are wearable devices designed to be worn on the hands, often equipped with sensors, haptic feedback, or gesture recognition capabilities for applications in areas such as virtual reality, rehabilitation, or remote control.
Smart Jewelry
Smart jewelry refers to wearable accessories, such as rings, bracelets, or necklaces, that incorporate technology or electronic components for various functionalities, such as notifications, fitness tracking, or personal safety.
Smart Ring
A smart ring is a small wearable device worn on a finger that incorporates various features and functionalities, such as notifications, activity tracking, or contactless payments.
Smart Textiles
Smart textiles are fabrics or textiles that incorporate electronic components, sensors, or connectivity to enable various functionalities, such as biometric monitoring, temperature regulation, or communication, in wearable technology.
Smartwatch
A smartwatch is a wearable device that typically resembles a traditional wristwatch but incorporates additional features such as fitness tracking, notifications, and smartphone integration.
Speech Recognition
Speech recognition is the technology that enables devices to recognize and interpret spoken words or commands, often used in wearable devices for hands-free interaction.
Stress Monitoring
Stress monitoring involves the use of wearable devices or sensors to track and analyze an individual's stress levels, providing insights or recommendations for stress management techniques or interventions.
Sun Exposure Monitoring
Sun exposure monitoring involves the use of sensors or technologies to measure and track an individual's exposure to sunlight and UV radiation, providing warnings or recommendations to prevent skin damage or sunburn.
Sweat Monitoring
Sweat monitoring involves the use of sensors or technologies to analyze and measure the composition or characteristics of sweat, providing insights into hydration levels, electrolyte balance, or metabolic information.
T
Temperature Sensor
A temperature sensor is a device that measures and detects changes in temperature, often used in wearable devices to monitor body temperature or environmental conditions.
Textile-Based Sensors
Textile-based sensors are sensors that are integrated directly into fabrics or textiles, enabling the monitoring of various physiological signals or environmental factors.
Thermoelectric Generator
A thermoelectric generator (TEG) is a device that converts heat into electricity, often used in wearable devices to generate power from body heat.
Thermometer
A thermometer is a wearable device or sensor that measures and displays body temperature, used for monitoring health conditions, fever detection, or fertility tracking.
U
Uv Exposure Monitoring
UV exposure monitoring involves the use of wearable devices or sensors to measure and track an individual's exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, providing warnings, recommendations, or reminders to protect against sunburn or skin damage.
V
Virtual Reality (Vr)
Virtual Reality (VR) refers to a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world, typically created through a wearable device like a VR headset.
Virtual Reality Headset
A virtual reality (VR) headset is a wearable device that immerses the user in a simulated virtual environment, typically through a combination of vision, sound, and motion tracking.
W
Wearable Air Quality Monitor
A wearable air quality monitor is a device that measures and monitors the quality of the air, often worn on the body to provide real-time data on air pollution levels or exposure.
Wearable Biosensors
Wearable biosensors are devices or sensors designed to capture and analyze physiological data from the wearer, such as heart rate, blood glucose levels, or sweat composition, often used in healthcare, fitness, or research applications.
Wearable Blood Pressure Monitor
A wearable blood pressure monitor is a device worn on the body that measures and tracks an individual's blood pressure, providing continuous or on-demand monitoring for hypertension management or cardiovascular health assessment.
Wearable Camera
A wearable camera is a device that can be worn on the body to capture photos, videos, or audio recordings from the wearer's perspective, typically used for documentation, lifelogging, or action recording.
Wearable Display
A wearable display is a screen or visual output device integrated into a wearable device, such as a smartwatch, smart glasses, or head-up display, enabling the presentation of information, images, or video directly to the wearer.
Wearable Ecg
A wearable ECG (electrocardiogram) device is a portable and wearable device that measures and records the electrical activity of the heart over a period, aiding in the diagnosis or monitoring of cardiac conditions or abnormalities.
Wearable Exoskeletons
Wearable exoskeletons are powered suits or structures that are worn on the body to provide support, enhance mobility, or assist in physical tasks for individuals with limited mobility or strength.
Wearable Fashion Accessories
Wearable fashion accessories encompass a wide range of fashionable items or adornments that incorporate technology or serve a functional purpose, such as smart jewelry or smart hats.
Wearable Fashion Technology
Wearable fashion technology combines technology and fashion, creating wearable devices or accessories that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and fashionable.
Wearable Gaming
Wearable gaming refers to the integration of wearable devices into the gaming experience, allowing for immersive gameplay, motion tracking, or biometric feedback.
Wearable Gesture Control
Wearable gesture control refers to the ability to control or interact with wearable devices or other digital interfaces using hand gestures or body movements, often facilitated by sensors, motion tracking, or computer vision technology.
Wearable Healthcare
Wearable healthcare refers to wearable devices and technologies that are designed specifically for monitoring and managing health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or sleep disorders.
Wearable Healthcare Monitoring
Wearable healthcare monitoring refers to the use of wearable devices for continuous tracking and monitoring of health-related data, such as heart rate, blood pressure, or glucose levels.
Wearable Hearing Aids
Wearable hearing aids are small electronic devices worn in or behind the ear to amplify sound and improve hearing for individuals with hearing loss.
Wearable Keyboard
A wearable keyboard is a portable input device that can be worn on the body, typically used in applications where traditional keyboards may not be practical, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, or gesture-based interaction.
Wearable Microdisplay
A wearable microdisplay is a compact display device that can be integrated into wearable devices, such as smart glasses or headsets, to provide visual information or augmented reality experiences directly to the wearer's eyes.
Wearable Microphone
A wearable microphone is a small audio input device designed to be worn on the body, typically used in applications such as voice recognition, voice control, or audio recording through wearable devices.
Wearable Navigation
Wearable navigation refers to the use of wearable devices or technologies to provide navigation assistance, directions, or mapping features to the wearer, often utilizing GPS, inertial sensors, or augmented reality overlays.
Wearable Patch
A wearable patch is a small and adhesive device that can be attached to the skin to monitor various biometric or physiological measurements, such as heart rate, body temperature, or hydration levels.
Wearable Payment
Wearable payment refers to the ability to make contactless payments using wearable devices, such as smartwatches or payment-enabled wristbands, without the need for physical cash or cards.
Wearable Payments
Wearable payments refer to the capability of wearable devices, such as smartwatches or wristbands, to make contactless payments using technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or mobile payment platforms.
Wearable Robotics
Wearable robotics, also known as exoskeletons, are wearable devices that enhance human strength and capabilities by providing additional power and support to the user's limbs.
Wearable Safety Devices
Wearable safety devices are wearable devices designed to enhance personal safety and security, often incorporating features such as emergency alerts, location tracking, or distress signals.
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology refers to any electronic devices or accessories that can be worn on the body, typically incorporating advanced sensors, connectivity, and computational abilities.
Wearable Technology Accessories
Wearable technology accessories are additional devices or attachments that complement wearable devices, such as interchangeable bands, chargers, or protective cases.
Wearable Technology Platform
A wearable technology platform is a software or hardware framework that provides developers with the tools and resources to create and deploy wearable applications or services.
Wearables
Wearables refer to devices or technologies that can be worn on the body and typically incorporate sensors, software, and connectivity to gather and transmit data.
Wireless Charging
Wireless charging is a technology that enables the charging of wearable devices without the need for physical connections, using electromagnetic fields to transfer power.
Wireless Communication
Wireless communication refers to the exchange of information or data between wearable devices or other devices without the need for physical wired connections, usually utilizing technologies such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.