Shi Cao discusses wearable technology on Kitchener Today

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Shi Cao Âá´Ç¾±²Ô±ð»åÌýÌýto discuss wearable technology. Shi Cao (pronounced like SHER TSAO) is an Assistant Professor of Systems Design Engineering at the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ and a faculty member ofÌýtheÌýGames Institute.

Brian BourkeÌýintroduced the topic of wearable tech by recalling Kitchener-À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ companyÌýNorth,ÌýwhoÌýreceived wide-spread attention for theirÌýwearable smart glasses. When asked to defineÌýwearable technology, Shi Cao described it as an old concept with a new meaning. He then mentioned the applications of wearable tech and their use in the Healthcare, Entertainment, and Training industry.Ìý

However, just as there are benefits to the innovative technology, there are also its challenges. Shi Cao recalled the problem faced by the Google glass such as potential invasion of privacy and limited hardware capacity.Ìý

Brian BourkeÌýasked whether people will beÌýwilling to accept the technology. Shi Cao answered that the tech makers need to find their audience and market towards them. He used the examples of skydivers who need to monitor their blood oxygen level and cyclists who may find a wearable display very helpful. He said:

It's important to find the unique user who has the needs for this type of wearable technology.
- Shi Cao, on Kitchener TodayÌý
He also acknowledged that the high cost of these wearable devices is expected to reduce, and moreÌýwearable devicesÌýwill emerge.
Shi Cao ended the interview by mentioning a few sources of information about wearable technology research at the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ including theÌýDepartment of Systems Design Engineering, the Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, andÌýthe Games Institute.Ìý

Listen to the full interview on theÌý. [from 24:00 minutes for about 12 minutes]