Oliver Haslam on May 5, 2020, 1:28 am

New Wearable Accessory Can Detect Coronavirus And Feed Data To An iPad

Northwestern University has been able to device a new type of patch that can be worn on the neck and is capable of detecting the early signs of coronavirus.

The patch then feeds data back to an iPad for diagnosis. According to a CNET report, the patch itself charges wirelessly and it’s then that the data is transferred to the iPad.

Everything is then uploaded to the cloud and checked by a professional to ensure no mistakes are made.

Once a day you peel it off and place it on a wireless charger, which triggers the patch to sync its stored data with a nearby iPad. From there the data is uploaded to a HIPAA-compliant cloud where a proprietary AI algorithm examines it for anomalies related to COVID-19. The device has no external ports for power or connectivity, making it easier to disinfect.

The patch is designed to be used by healthcare workers because of its ability to detect coronavirus symptoms early. Coughing and a shortness of breath are both symptoms which is why the patch should be worn on the next rather than anywhere else.

It isn’t clear whether there is a reason that the device connects to an iPad and not an iPhone, but it’s likely that there is no reason other than the fact that it’s a larger-screened device. Or it’s just the device that was used during testing.

(Source: Northwestern University)