Battery-free wearable sensors: monitoring in dementia, pregnancy care

The STEPS1.0 sensor collects mechanical energy from natural body movements, allowing it to operate continuously without the need for an external power supply. This feature offers several advantages: 

• Battery-free operation for uninterrupted use 

• Real-time data collection for breathing patterns and sleep activity 

• Monitoring of pressure distribution to help prevent bedsores 

• Detection of foetal movements to improve prenatal care 

Z-PULSE is collaborating with the Surrey Sleep Research Centre, Kymira, and Milbotix to validate the sensor in real healthcare settings. Pilot studies focus on: 

• Monitoring dementia patients, particularly during sleep, to detect irregular breathing and movements 

• Foetal movement tracking through a wearable belt designed to alert caregivers if concerning patterns arise 

“This funding is a significant milestone for Z-PULSE, allowing us to move from lab-based research to having a real-world impact,” said Dr Bhaskar Dudem, Chief Technology Officer of Z-PULSE Ltd. “By eliminating the need for external power sources, STEPS1.0 ensures uninterrupted, real-time health monitoring for critical conditions like dementia and foetal health.” 

The project is supported by the University of Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute (ATI). Professor Ravi Silva, Director of the ATI, emphasized the wider relevance of this technology: “Our self-powered sensor technology has the potential to redefine wearable healthcare, making continuous monitoring effortless and accessible. It has many applications in a modern society, where the Gen-Z population can be linked seamlessly and remotely to everyday activities of loved ones and those under their care without having wired links or battery-operated sensors.” 

Prototypes are currently being tested in dementia care settings with a focus on sleep and physiological monitoring. 

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: University of Surrey