Precise health measurements directly at the ear

Wearables such as smartwatches, fitness trackers and data glasses are now part of everyday life. They can measure health data, sleep or calorie consumption. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have now developed the open source platform "OpenEarable". This platform integrates a large number of sensors into wireless earphones. The aim is to enable more comprehensive health measurements and safety applications in medicine, industry and everyday life. The researchers are currently presenting the platform at the Hannover Messe from March 31 to April 4.

Wearable technologies have made considerable progress in recent years, but many of the existing systems are either closed, i.e. not customizable, or offer only limited measurement options. With OpenEarable 2.0, the research team led by Dr. Tobias Röddiger from TECO at KIT is now going one step further: the open source platform for ear-based sensor applications allows developers to create customized software. Using a unique combination of sensors, more than 30 physiological parameters can be measured directly at the ear - from heart rate and breathing patterns to the detection of fatigue and body temperature. "We wanted to create an open and highly accurate health monitoring solution that goes far beyond the capabilities of today's commercial wearables," says Röddiger. "OpenEarable 2.0 offers researchers and developers a platform that is easily customizable and expandable. This allows them to program the earbuds individually for specific requirements." Thanks to its open accessibility, the platform promotes collaboration and the development of further innovations.

Versatile sensor technology for comprehensive applications

The earphones are equipped with a wide range of sensors: For example, several microphones detect vibrations in the skull to register eating activities. They are also used for speech recognition in noisy environments, motion sensors can detect falls and biosensors measure health indicators such as oxygen saturation and body temperature. "The positioning on the ear is ideal for precise measurements," explains Röddiger. "The ear allows us to capture many important signals that are difficult to access elsewhere on the body." The wireless earphones communicate via Bluetooth LE Audio, an energy-saving version of wireless data transmission. They process and analyze the collected data in real time via a mobile app and a web dashboard.

From research to practice

The potential of OpenEarable 2.0 extends beyond the laboratory. The scientists have validated the platform in several studies. "It has been shown that it records physiological data very accurately and reliably and can provide more precise measurement results compared to established standard measurements," says Röddiger. The platform could contribute to the early detection of diseases in medical diagnostics, increase safety in industry or support athletes through detailed performance analysis. "With OpenEarable 2.0, we can not only improve the current state of wearable technology, but also open up completely new fields of application such as the development of wearables with real medical added value," emphasizes Röddiger. "Our next step is to further optimize the platform and test it in various real-life scenarios."

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