Good news ladies, Microsoft is bringing artificial intelligence to lingerie. Researchers at Microsoft have developed a prototype of a “smart bra” embedded with physiological sensors that seek to monitor a woman’s heart activity to track her emotional moods and combat overeating.
The sensors can signal the wearer’s smartphone, which then flash a warning message to help her step away from the fridge and make better diet decisions.
However, the company says it has no plans to make the bra into a commercial product, however.
“First, we needed a form factor that would be comfortable when worn for long durations,” said scientists in a research paper published online. “The bra form factor was ideal because it allowed us to collect (electrocardiogram data) near the heart.”
Research has shown that many people reach for calorie-rich foods like doughnuts when they’re feeling stressed, bored, discouraged or on edge. There’s a reason it’s called comfort food.
The researchers conducted a study in which four women wore the sensors in their bras for four days to monitor their vital signs. An electrocardiogram (EKG) sensor under the arm measured their heart rate, while an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor tracked their perspiration.
The researchers determined the bra was mostly effective in detecting its wearer’s emotional changes. But the sensors needed to be recharged every three to four hours, which limited how long the bra could be worn. And more research would be needed before a smart brassiere became a viable product.
Source: CNN
