With the advancement of technology, the computer manufacturing company IBM has started a project that can track disease progression and health status.
The company created a fingernail sensor, a wearable device that is attached to one’s fingernail, and the device will collect the data as the individual performs his/her daily tasks. As humans use their hands to do almost everything, the fingernails are actually bending and moving as they move their fingers, whether it’s holding something, stretching our fingers, and squeezing an object. With the strain gauge sensors, the wearable is able to detect signals from the nail and differentiate the activities done by the individual.
Besides that, the company also trained a neural network for great accuracy in detecting subtle activities like finger writing. Keep in mind that this project was started to focus on the Parkinson’s disease, hence being able to detect digits written by a finger using the sensor is something rather necessary and significant. The data collected by the device is then sent to a smartwatch for the AI to analyse the data and produce results. The AI is able to detect signs of Parkinson’s by detecting tremors, bradykinesia and dyskinesia, so that users can actually be informed earlier should they start showing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
IBM also claimed that the sensors will be able to derive health state insights and might be able to assist in quadriplegics’ communication in the future. This will be a breakthrough if the device is able to do so, as the paralysed victims might be able to express their thoughts more conveniently to their families and friends.
