Wearable technology
[edit] Introduction
Wearable technology is an article of clothing or a device that can be worn (or possibly carried as an implant) in order to transmit certain types of information. Sometimes referred to as wearables, these devices are generally used for health-related purposes.
Examples include smart watches (which can record various metrics of the wearer’s health and behaviour), smart glasses (which can provide visual imagery), smart clothing (which can provide heating, enhanced visibility or greater sensitivity), smart hearing aids and even smart jewellery (which can, for example, issue alerts to the wearer).
[edit] Wearables in construction and the built environment
Wearables can have a degree of 'intelligence' built in and can generally communicate with other devices directly or indirectly.
For construction purposes, wearable technology can be used in conjunction with navigation systems to assist with management of people, tools, equipment and so on. Animals are also able to wear devices or carry implants that can, in some cases, be relevant to the built environment. For example, a guide dog can be fitted with a wearable device to help assist its companion in and around the workplace.
Wearables can also be used in personnel distancing systems (known as PDS) which are proximity warning devices that can be fastened to an arm, belt, hard hat lanyards or wrist band. Once an exclusion zone has been programmed, these tags will sound an alarm and vibrate if the wearer gets too close to another wearer, dangerous plant, lorries and so on.
This form of wearable technology may be useful in warehouses and shops, allowing staff in a highly mobile environment to focus on their jobs and let the PDS alert them if distancing measures are being breached.
There is substantial potential for the deployment of wearables, but there are also significant technical, social and legal challenges.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Advanced construction technology.
- ConTech.
- ConTech in a post lockdown, pre-vaccine economy.
- Immersive Hybrid Reality iHR.
- Shaping the Future of Construction: Inspiring innovators redefine the industry.
- Smart sensor market.
- Trends towards wearables and wellbeing in buildings.
- Ubiquitous sensors to assess energy consumption and wellbeing in domestic environments.
- Wearables and wellbeing in buildings.
Featured articles and news
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.