Wearables can bridge the communication gap between the body and the computer. These serve a variety of purposes, from displaying real-time narration from real speech to producing readable and measurable signals that are translated directly from the body and understood within the medical space. IDTechEx’s portfolio of wearable technology research reports and subscriptions features curated research in many wearable areas, including smart glasses, smart gum shields, brain-scanning helmets, and more.
Narration and game advice using smart glasses
Smart glasses that display real-time ambient audio narration for people with hearing impairments offer one of the accessibility opportunities that augmented reality (XR) technology can provide. Augmented reality (AR) experiences overlay digital content on top of the real world, providing supplementary and enhanced views, especially utilized in smart glasses.
Other use cases for smart glasses include live translation, navigation and directional information, access to music playlists, AI assistants, and text messaging. This means hands-free access to all the main functions of your smartphone, along with remote assistance, an important B2B application. Smart glasses can also be used for entertainment-oriented purposes, providing overlapping step-by-step instructions when completing tasks or sports-related enhancements such as strategic guidance when playing games. IDTechEx’s report “Optics for Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality 2026-2036: Technologies, Forecasts, and Markets” covers multiple XR applications and their growing utility in daily life, and provides predictions for AR and VR devices.
Smart sensing for safety and body recognition
When it comes to sensing, wearables are known for their ability to provide readable health indicators. Devices and clothing will be able to integrate different types of sensors, including force and strain, temperature, chemical, kinetic, optical, etc., giving users a more detailed understanding of what is happening inside their bodies.
For competitive athletes, smart gum shields can provide real-time information about head impacts during crashes, while for other types of activities, smartwatches can provide increasingly large amounts of data, from heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen to sleep quality and step counts. Smart rings can perform similar functions while also tracking fertility. For diabetes management, the skin patch allows access to interstitial fluid and sends readings to a smartphone app that allows users to monitor blood sugar levels and receive advice on when to administer insulin.
Functionality and ease of use are desirable qualities in a wearable device, making it as useful as possible to the consumer while also being streamlined and unobtrusive. IDTechEx’s report, “Wearable Sensors Market 2025-2035: Technologies, Trends, Players, and Forecasts” covers the wearables market from existing and emerging technologies to future market opportunities.
Brain scanner and mobile helmet
In real-world medical settings, brain scanning technology is being redesigned to be more comfortable to wear, allowing patients to move around and participate in activities while being monitored. The Brain Scan Helmet may be able to produce more accurate results because it depicts not only results from a still and relaxed state, but also when the brain is active and focused. IDTechEx’s report, Brain-Computer Interfaces 2025-2045: Technologies, Players, Predictions, focuses on both invasive and non-invasive technologies using implants, as well as other current methods of human-machine interfaces. These include consumer electronics such as mice, keyboards, trackpads, and touchscreens, as well as assistive technologies such as eye tracking and head movement devices.
