Wearable device that can send health data up to 24 km advancing remote patient monitoring

Researchers at the University of Arizona have unveiled a groundbreaking wearable monitoring device with the remarkable ability to transmit health data over an impressive 15-mile (24-kilometre) range, surpassing the capabilities of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth systems. 

The device, featured in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, operates on a low power wide area network (LPWAN) known as LoRa, providing a distance 2400 times greater than Wi-Fi and 533 times that of Bluetooth. Notably, the device allows for wireless charging over a two-metre distance, ensuring user comfort and convenience.

This innovative technology addresses the limitations of current wearables that often rely on extensive infrastructure, such as satellites or cell signal arrays, making them inaccessible to rural and under-resourced communities. 

The researchers, led by Philipp Gutruf, envision the device contributing to remote patient monitoring in underserved areas, ensuring high-fidelity recording in war zones, and facilitating health monitoring in urban environments. 

As the team plans to extend communication distances and enhance accessibility, the long-term goal is to make this digital medicine technology available to communities with the greatest need, transcending geographical and resource constraints.