When you think about wearable technology, do you automatically think of blockchain? Probably not. That’s because the two don’t really seem like they should go together.
Blockchain is a distributed ledger. Wearable technologies are smart devices.
Where exactly do they interconnect?
What is ‘wearable technology’?
Wearable technology refers to smart devices that are worn on the body. You’ve probably seen a smart watch, but other types include:
- Bands
- Implants
- Virtual reality/augmented reality
- Clothing
The use of wearable technology ranges from practical tech (such as digital smart watches that track health) to mere accessories (such as clothes that light up, or have other additions for aesthetic purposes). It is also coming more to the forefront of the healthcare sector.
Blockchain’s place in wearables
Blockchain transforms wearable technology from a convenience into a necessity.
It does this by decentralising the data it collects and making it accessible, when the owner permits it, to others. People who suffer from illness and injury can have up-to-date information shared with their doctors or consultants. This removes intermediaries from the situation and makes the process significantly quicker and easier.
These technologies target the elderly. Wearable technology allows them more control, and safety, in their own lives.
To optimise the potential of wearable tech, however, we must incorporate other aspects of monitoring, automation and artificial intelligence, too. Blockchain alone is not the key to the success of wearables; however, the technology does solve a multitude of problems in healthcare.
The benefits
Blockchain brings transparency and security into wearable technology – but what, exactly, does this mean?
It means that clients have more control over their own information, as well as more confidence that it’s secure.
It also means better safety for the sick and elderly.
A patient who has an accident or becomes ill might not be able to seek help themselves. Their wearables, therefore, can enact the process for them, by transferring information to emergency services or a doctor. This would, of course, be based upon processes like pulse or body movements.
Uses outside of healthcare
Other uses include payments using wearable devices for products or services, perhaps even with cryptocurrency. Or tracking the activities of customers at shops or events so that a company can better accommodate their needs.
Some companies are already using wearable technology to enhance the experiences of their customers. The only step missing is blockchain. In the near future, employees might see themselves getting smart watches to keep track of their duties. Customers could be provided with wearables when in shops. Even patients at hospitals could have wearables to track their health better.
The future will have decentralised wearable technology in all industries – and this future isn’t that far away at all.
If you want to find out more about how blockchain could help you, click here.