NICA - How Innovation is Impacting the Global Wearables Market

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How innovation is impacting the global wearables market.

April 2023

© Supersapiens

Please note the information contained in this document is confidential, privileged and only for the intended recipient. Ageing Intelligence®, Horizoning™ and VOICE® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

No part of this document may be reproduced or passed on by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopier, recording or otherwise to any third party other than the client without the prior written consent of the copyright holder. Each image contained within is copyright protected and remains the property of the originator.

NICA is in no way affiliated with or financially invested in any of the products mentioned throughout this document. Instances where products or brands are mentioned are done so for research purposes and serve only as examples of possible market direction and investment.

NICA does not endorse the use of language which may be construed as ageist or derogatory. However, in instances where product/service names use language such as ‘elderly mode’ we have kept the names as stated by the company to remain factually accurate.

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To cope with the complex social, economic and healthcare challenges presented by ageing societies worldwide and to harness global intelligence, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is collaborating with the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) to develop the UK-China Healthy Ageing Innovation Stream (HAIS).

As part of this programme, which forms part of the Fund for International Collaboration’s Healthy Ageing Flagship Challenge, the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing will deliver a series of activities to drive innovation that supports older adults in both the UK and China, helping them to live fulfilling, healthy and comfortable lives for longer. These activities are funded through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Fund for International Collaboration (FIC), delivered by Innovate UK, part of UKRI.

What is a wearable? When people hear the word ‘wearables’, many will instinctively imagine smartwatches or fitness trackers. For this longevity-focused report, we define a wearable as; any bodily-worn, hands-free product that helps a citizen to lead a longer, happier and healthier life - not just microprocessor-driven connected devices. These products could be the sensor-enabled fitness trackers ubiquitous in modern society or a sensor-enabled Smartsole. However, it could also be an innovative child care device, a new adaptive material or an accessible bag design.

This Innovation Snapshot report offers a curated look into the latest innovations defining the wearables market globally and how this fits with Chinese consumer trends, with a focus on products that support and/or impact mobility. The snapshot is intended as a thought-provoking piece to inform the development of innovative wearables and other product offerings by stimulating discussion, curiosity and inspiring new approaches to healthy longevity.

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A decline in mobility (or the ability to ambulate) can be a common experience in later life, leading to isolation, further health implications and reduced opportunities for fulfilment.

A global increase in sedentary lifestyles, driven by modern working and teaching practices, leisure activities and mobility/infrastructure trends is contributing to increasing mobility issues across the life course. As the impacts of these lifestyles continue to materialise, citizens are looking for tools and devices to help them prevent the decline of autonomy and support their ability to move independently.

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of Shanghai children are raised entirely by grandparents and only 12% are raised entirely by parents

Child Research Net

of Chinese adults do not meet the World Health Organization (WHO recommendation of 2.5 hours per week of moderate-intensity physical activities

Fan M, Lyu J, Guo Y, Bian Z, Yu C, Du H, et al.

the projected market size of the Chiropractic Care Market in China by 2027 - growing at a CAGR of 7.8% over the analysis period 2020-2027

Report Linker

People are expected to be living with a disability in China by 2030.

Peking University

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The Gait Enhancing and Motivation System (GEMS) is a suite of wearable robots designed by Samsung Electronics Co. The devices offer users assistance in walking, running, and standing. It can also connect with other Samsung devices to provide a virtual reality home gym experience.

The exoskeletons currently exist in 3 forms- hip, knee, and ankle; and support localised muscles and joints. For example, the GEMS hip is worn around the waist, aiding approximately 20% of the user’s body strength when walking. The GEMS knee is designed for arthritis and physical therapy patients, supporting more than 30kg of body weight and taking the strain off the knee joint. Lastly, ankle support provided by the GEMS ankle helps users to increase their walking speed by 10%.

In addition to this mobility support, the GEMS devices also connect with Samsung mobile devices and VR glasses to become a home gym, allowing users to take virtual workout classes and increasing resistance to personalising their exercise routine.

Approaches to motor-driven exoskeletons up until this point has been predominantly a one-size-fits-all approach, focusing on its ability to action general bodily movements. Samsung has broken away from this approach by providing distinct area-specific adaptations, providing a more tailored offering to potential users. How might you adopt this approach and offer your users a tailored wearable?

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© Samsung

California-based Cionic has developed Neural Sleeve, a non-invasive leg wrap that seeks to tackle mobility issues by improving walking and increasing strength, using electric pulses and artificial intelligence.

Sensors within the sleeve cover all major muscle groups in the leg and continuously evaluate muscle movement and limb position. The AI system constantly adapts to the moving pattern of the user and delivers electrical stimulation patterns to micro-correct their motion. A dedicated app gives users personalised mobility care through an exercise library and educational resources. Personalisation based on the user’s treatment plan allows them to track their progress and share it with healthcare teams.

Cionic designed the Neural Sleeve to be sleek, lightweight and wireless so that it can be fitted under clothing or worn on its own.

Innovations for lower-limb mobility assistance have mainly focused on the space of motor-driven exoskeletons that require a power supply to activate the movement of a rigid supporting structure (skeleton). The examples above demonstrate the opportunities available to those who adopt more novel approaches not yet offered in the current market. By investing in material, form or application innovations not yet explored, companies have the opportunity to make meaningful changes and stand out. Can you think of any approaches accepted as the status quo in your market/industry? Identifying these could help you uncover areas of development and innovation.

MotorSkins have developed an exoskeleton that works without using external batteries or motors. Instead, the system leverages innovation in soft robotics to help users with muscle weakness or a disability to walk.

MotorSkin supports wearers using a principle of fluidics –using the motion of liquid or gas to operate a control system. A series of channels are created by stitching together textiles, which are then filled with gas to create a pressurised system. These channel patterns can facilitate movements such as pulling, pushing, bending and stiffening without requiring external motors.

These ‘reactive textiles’ present an opportunity for exoskeletal technology because, unlike their electronic counterparts, the system is fully washable and produces less waste. As the system harnesses body weight to power the function, it is also more energy efficientremoving the need for energy production.

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TushBaby is a supportive, ergonomic baby support seat that is buckled around the user’s waist. The seat distributes the weight of a baby across the user's body, addressing the discomfort and bodily stress of carrying them on their hip.

As well as addressing ergonomic concerns the product also allows the wearer to hold the baby with one arm, giving the user a free hand – a useful freedom when looking after a child. The design of the seat is optimised so that the child is sat with their legs in an ‘M’ squat position which supports hip growth.

By addressing the issues surrounding carrying a baby, Tushbaby is giving wearers the opportunity to become less fatigued and connect with the child to whom they are providing care.

Design for childcare has predominantly focused on parent-to-child interactions and not child-to-grandparent. With grandparents taking on a large portion of childcare responsibilities globally, there is a clear gap in the market for products and services which help create a more efficient and enjoyable caring experience for older adults. How could you adapt your offering or leverage your company's technology to serve this underrepresented market?

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© Tushbaby

JanSport has worked with the disability community to adapt the design of their traditional backpack. The result of this co-design exercise is the development of the adaptive collection, which features a range of packs that include the following features:

• Reduced depth to allow users easily access items located at the bottom

• Easy-release buckles and finger loops made it easier to use for people with dexterity disabilities

• Adjustable anchor straps allow the backpack to be attached to wheelchairs and walking frames of different sizes and types. When these straps are not used they can be unclipped and tucked away for a neat appearance.

What JanSports have demonstrated in the design of their adaptive range is the benefits of taking an inclusive design approach. By leveraging co-design approaches the company have unlocked meaningful innovation that enables the disability community but benefits all. Can you redesign an everyday object to make it more inclusive? Do you have a strategy for embedding codesign into your research and development approach.

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© JanSports

An increasing desire to lead self-directed and autonomous lives is emerging among older adults -pushing back against ableist culture. Materialising alongside this desire is an expanding number of individuals living with vision, hearing, dexterity and brain function issues – health span is stagnating.

Successfully navigating your immediate area and community is a prime facet of achieving autonomy and freedom. Citizens are seeking change and progress in navigation technologies to help them access services and freedoms to lead fulfilling lives.

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of the population aged over 45 years in China have a visual impairment

Hanyuan Ye, Yun Zeng, Hongxia Xiao, Jing Yu, Yun Liu, et al.

Chinese people will have a visual impairment by 2040

Frontiers in Medicine

people aged 65 and above in China are expected to have some form of hearing difficulty as of 2021

WHO

of Chinese citizens walk daily as opposed to taking another form of transport Statista

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Ashirase, designed by Honda Motor Co., is an in-shoe navigation system that vibrates to alert its users with directional instructions rather than auditory or visual cues.

The device, fitted with an array of motors, allows the shoe to communicate turns and start/stop directions via localised vibration based on GPS directions from a smartphone. Vibrations at the front part of the foot tell the user when to go straight, while vibrations on the outside of either foot indicate an upcoming left/right turn. Vibrations across the entirety of the foot signalling to stop. The device lasts for up to 12 hours with a 2-hour charging time.

For those with impaired vision or that use a mobility aid (e.g. a white cane or a walking stick), Ashirase allows navigation without the need to hold a mobile phone or other devices that might interfere with mobility aid usage. It also helps avoid the problems of audio-based direction systems that require headphones which removes a person's ability to audibly detect incoming hazards.

The accompanying "Ashirase App“ has been designed with accessibility in mind, with support for VoiceOver on the iPhone and the ability to set a black-and-white screen reverse.

Ashirase demonstrates the potential of leveraging an existing piece of technology in a new way. Haptics have been utilised in technology for several years, mainly providing notification-based feedback to people. While this device may not be scalable in its application and require further research concerning age-related touch sensitivity, the application demonstrates the importance of exploration and R&D.

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© Ashirase

OPPO unveiled their new Air Glass 2 augmented reality glasses in 2022. The design is an overhaul of the original Air Glass - a monocular design that retrofits onto any standard pair of glasses. Air glass 2 takes a new full-frame approach that packs the technology into a more familiar form. Features embedded into the device include:

• Real-time audio translation

• In-built microphone and speaker (Calls)

• Voice-to-text translation

• Notifications

Alongside these features, turn-by-turn instructions can be projected onto the lenses within the user's field of vision, meaning they do not need to look down at a smartphone or other device.

By 2050 it is estimated that 4.8 billion people will have myopia (nearsightedness), partly caused by our modern-day screen-based lifestyles. While AR devices have the potential to deliver navigational prompts, the long-term implications of using screen-based tech so close to the eyes could be profound. What could you do to address this concern and mitigate the potential health impacts of using such a system?

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©
Oppo

Boeing has recently filed a patent for developing a system that helps visually impaired individuals easily navigate within an aircraft. The system described in the patent uses a series of “short-range transmitters” throughout the cabin which sends wireless signals to a user's smartphone, giving them audio assistance to help them make their way around the cabin to waypoints such as their seat of the restroom.

In the patent filing, Boeing detailed the intended problem they are looking to resolve:

“Visually-impaired passengers generally require assistance from another person to navigate to an assigned or unoccupied seat where he or she is to sit during the trip, or to navigate to a service area such as a lavatory or food service counter. This often requires waiting for availability of a support person to provide assistance, and can result in delays and embarrassment for visually-impaired passengers. Accordingly, there is a need for improved technology to provide wayfinding assistance to visually-impaired passengers”

Wayfinding and navigation are not a challenge isolated to being outside. Moving around inside buildings and homes can present its own set of obstacles for those with vision-based disabilities. Do you have access to an innovation you can leverage to aid navigation in indoor spaces?

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© Boeing

Alongside the new Apple Watch Ultra, Apple redesigned the Compass App in watchOS 9 to include waypoints and a Backtrack feature. These features allow users to retrace their steps and mark significant locations using GPS. While these tools have an obvious use case for remote hiking, they can also serve in everyday situations.

Waypoint markers can mark points of significance or interest in a user's local community or remind them where they have locked and stored their bike. Backtrack can help users retrace their steps no matter where they are, so if they get lost in a new area with no phone signal, they can easily find their way back.

Undefined exploration (or aimless wandering) provides people with both physical and mental benefits through light exercise and the opportunity to be delighted and curious. Apple's waypoint feature provides users autonomy whilst also safeguarding people against getting lost. How might you create navigational systems which introduce moments of freedom?

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© Apple

LOOVIC is a – Japanese-designed - neck-worn wearable that supports people who experience spatial navigational deficits.

The device looks like a small pair of headphones that sits on the shoulders of the wearer. It guides users to their destination using a combination of tactile notifications and bone conduction – sound conducted as subtle vibration along the bones to the inner ear housing the organs of hearing and balance. At places where people could easily get lost, “voice landmarks” can be registered to support them, for example, “please turn left at the corner of a bakery”. When they reach the registered landmark, the pre-recorded instructions will help them to identify the correct path.

Even for people with no deficits in their spatial cognition, LOOVIC can help them to enjoy their surroundings to the fullest. Whether driving or walking through a city, there is no need to keep checking the map on mobile phones. LOOVIC gives users the freedom to enjoy the scenery. Additionally, it is very convenient for people pushing a pram, using a mobility aid or carrying bags as LOOVIC sits on the shoulder and will therefore cause no interference with anything in the user’s hand.

LOOVIC promotes autonomy and confidence in users, helping them to get to their destination whilst also being able to focus on enjoying and exploring their environment. This approach helps to highlight an opportunity to explore how technology can be evolved to support citizens living with dementia, or other cognitive conditions. Can you reframe a standard practice to enable those with neurodiversity or cognitive conditions to live autonomous lifestyles?

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© LOOVIC

The effects of climate change profoundly impact citizens globally but have a disproportionate effect on older adults and women specifically.

As the prevalence of extreme weather events and pollution increases, fear and concern drive citizens to seek ways to mitigate and protect themselves, compounded by feelings of inaction by global leaders and businesses.

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Is the coldest temperature ever recorded in China on the 22 January 2023

World Economic Forum

of global emissions are generated by China, double that of the US - the second largest contributor - with an estimated 13%

Rhodium Group

the projected size of the Chinese Air Purifiers Market by 2025 – growing at a CAGR of 5.12% from 1.49 billion in 2019

of China’s disease burden was related to environmental pollution

WHO

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°
ReportLinker

In late 2022 Dyson officially launched the Dyson Zone, a 2-in-1 headphone and air-purifying device aimed at addressing the pollution issues of urban living.

According to Dyson, the noise-cancelling headphones cancel out up to 40 decibels of unwanted noise whilst also capturing pollutants such as gas, allergens and particulate matter (not viruses), purifying airflow to the nose and mouth. Compact electrostatic filters are enclosed in each earpiece, removing pollutants from the air as it flows through it. The purified air then passes into the face visor, creating a “pocket of purified air”.

The accompanying MyDyson mobile app shows users real-time air quality and noise level data for their current surroundings. It also indicates when a filter needs replacing.

The product initially launched in China in January 2023 and is expected to roll out in other regions throughout the year.

By embedding novel features into a familiar product/form, Dyson has created a consolidated package that will likely appeal to on-the-go city dwellers, those most likely to be exposed to the pollution this product neutralises. Why not have the headphones you use each also be your air-purifying device? A refined package means fewer things to carry around. Could you adapt an existing product to include a novel feature?

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© Dyson

theBreath is a fabric developed by Anemotech designed to bring pollution filtering technology into everyday objects, offering a scalable approach to tackling air quality issues and climate change.

Formed from two layers of printable, antibacterial fabric with a carbon fibre core, theBreathe absorbs, retains, and breaks down pollution by utilising natural airflow to push air into the filtration system. According to Anemotech, the textile can filter the equivalent pollution of 3635 petrol cars per 10 square metres of fabric yearly. So far the textile has been deployed for advertising signage, clothing, pram linings, and art installations.

After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Italian startup Quanta Vici launched a smart heated everyday apparel collection (glove, jacket, socks) that delivers personalised temperature settings for each wearer.

The collection of clothes has integrated heating elements –powered by small rechargeable batteries – controlled through an accompanying smartphone. External and internal thermometers continuously monitor the temperature to ensure the correct temperature is achieved.

By developing theBreath, Anemotech has developed a way to bring meaningful functionality to something that would otherwise serve a predominately aesthetic purpose. In tackling an issue such as air pollution, marginal gains can make all the difference, so why not create your product from a material which actively filters pollution? Can you implement materials such as theBreath into your wearable device? Consider conducting deep CMF (colour, material and finish) research as part of your product development to identify innovative materials you could leverage as part of your design.

While heated gloves have existed in snow sports for several years, Quanta Vici’s application of gloves for everyday living provides an interesting context based innovation. Conditions more prevalent in older adults, such as arthritis, Raynaud’s, and Carpal tunnel, can be affected by cold temperatures, causing increased pain and discomfort. By bringing controllable heated elements into everyday clothing, citizens have the ability to use targeted heat to aid pain relief and prevention. How might you help bring new functionality to everyday objects to help citizens live a happier and healthier life?

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© theBreathe © Quanta Vica

Estonian-based Respiray is a health tech company that recently launched a wearable air purifier worn on the neck to create a “bubble of clean air” for the user.

Respiray Wear A+ is an alternative to current options available in the market, such as antihistamine medication which is not always effective and causes side effects.

The device utilises a HEPA filter that removes airborne allergens to direct filtered air towards the user. The curved shape of the device allows users to breathe filtered air even if they turn their heads. The device is designed to significantly reduces the number of airborne allergens inhaled by the user, including pet, pollen, dust, and mould.

Trials and test results have shown that the device can filter out 99.9% of airborne allergen particles - Respirays own trial show that 9 out of 10 people found the device helped reduce their symptoms. Respiray Wear A+ is most effective indoors, as the wind can affect the air breathed in by the user. The device enables clean air to be accessible to more people, specifically those with allergen-induced asthma or those suffering from allergies brought on by pets and dust.

The popularity of air purification has grown exponentially over the past decade, driven by an increase in allergy suffers and the Covid-19 pandemic. Static air-filtration devices are common household objects but are restricted to individual rooms and cannot go to other areas. The Respiray Wear A+ provides users with a personal, on-the-go solution. How might your product or technology be leveraged to help tackle the increasing prevalence of allergies?

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© Respiray

Monitoring and tracking heart rate, steps, calories burned and distance walked has become common place across todays developed societies, enabled by a myriad of affordable smart watches, fitness trackers and smartphones.

An appetite amongst citizens for new and more detailed data metrics has emerged from a desire to combat rising conditions such as diabetes, as well as wanting to lead healthier lifestyles. Citizens look to garner richer insights to help them make informed decisions and interventions into their owns lives.

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percent of Chinese adults own a smartwatch

Rakuten Insights

people are estimated to suffer from sleep disorders in China (2022)

Chinese Sleep Research Society

adults in China are estimated to have undiagnosed diabetes (2021)

IDF

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Supersapien’s, an Atlanta-based company, has developed a minimally invasive, performance-focused, continuous blood glucose monitoring (CGM) device. A filament sensor sits under the skin, on the upper arm, and uses interstitial fluid around the cells to measure real-time glucose levels.

Traditionally CGM is used by those living with diabetes to manage their condition, and now companies such as Supersapien's are adapting the technology to enable health, fitness, and performance benefits for non-diabetics. Performance athletes will be able to monitor real-time glucose levels to help them understand their fuelling needs, as well as help maintain stable blood glucose levels to improve sleep.

Although the benefits of these systems are clear, the cost and invasive nature of the technology remain a barrier to mass adoption - Apple is one such company looking to overcome these barriers. Reports share that Apple has produced a viable prototype for a CGM device that removes the need to require users to prick their skin for blood.

The device uses silicon photonics chip technology and an optical absorption spectroscopy measuring technique to send lasers beneath the user's skin to measure and determine glucose levels. A short-term goal is to shrink the prototype to the size of an iPhone to enable the device to sit comfortably on the bicep.

Advancements in consumer-level CGM devices and the widening application of glucose monitoring beyond purely a diabetic approach are unlocking a new wave of health and longevity benefits. Can you identify any niche monitoring metrics citizens can leverage as a whole? What technology would that device need?

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© Supersapiens

Medical and healthcare professionals routinely monitor the following four vital signs; pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Many health and fitness-focused wearables reliably monitor pulse and respiration rates, body temperature sensors are now emerging onto the market, offering new benefits to citizens, especially women.

ŌURA, Apple, and Samsung recently launched or announced devices that include integrated temperature sensors. Interpreted body temperature data can help monitor fitness recovery and strain, possible illness, and track menstrual cycles – an area many wearables companies are now leaning into heavily

Identifying a gap in the market for a female-focused health wearable, Movano developed the Evie smart ring – announced at CES 2023. The device prioritises ovulation and menstrual tracking as a key feature, designed with a gap in the band to accommodate swollen fingers – a common occurrence during menopause and periods.

As with many other industries, female-specific features and designs are often neglected in wearable technology. Has the design of your product or service considered the needs of female citizens? Do you have a technology or innovative approach that can help drive equality in the wearables space?

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© Movano

Oxa believes that our body and mind communicate with us through breathing, a communication they believe could change human health.

To facilitate this communication and awareness, Oxa has developed a pebblesized sensor that connects to one of two garments currently available on the market - a t-shirt or bra. The sensor connects to a smartphone via the Oxa Life app to monitor the user's emotions. In response to different breathing patterns and emotions, the app provides real-time biofeedback to users through audio and visual exercises. For example, Oxa can identify when a user is stressed or nervous through their vital signs and create a personalised breathing exercise to encourage calmness. Similarly, Oxa can help with the preparation of sleep through suggested activities, helping improve the user's quality of sleep.

The device contains four sensors to monitor different vital signs:

• Breathing rate and depth

• Heart rate and heart rate variability

• Infrared sensing the body temperature

• Movement

The Oxa demonstrates the value derived from focusing an approach around one variable – in this case, breathing – rather than an all-in-one solution. Depth is given to all breathing-focused metrics and exercises, allowing users to have a richer experience and better their knowledge of the subject. What niche metric or feature could you leverage to create a user experience focused on creating a richer experience?

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©
Oxa

Mobility and movement are not all about getting from point a to point b. It also enables people to engage in hobbies, have fun and lead active lifestyles. Health professionals and government officials looking to combat the issues of sedentary lifestyles are increasingly encouraging individuals to move, no matter its form.

Alongside this, older adults are engaging in hobbies where they were previously unrepresented, fuelled by a desire to pursue interests that stimulate and excite. A new wave of products and services is coming to market, elevating the experience of bodily motion by introducing a mix of sensory experiences.

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older adults are estimated to play video games in China

Baidu Institute of Marketing

people in China are estimated to take part in square dancing

Chinese Square Dancing Industrial Report

is predicted to be spent in the AR and VR in China by 2026.

China Daily

older Chinese adults report a preference for outdoor activities rather than staying at home

HKTDC

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German-based start-up, Instruments of Things has developed motion sensor wearables that allow users to become an instrument and create music through their movements. Motion sensors are attached to a band worn on the wrist or ankle. Up to 6 motion sensors can simultaneously capture motion, allowing groups to dance together to create music.

Each sensor captures seven different 3D movement parameters, direction, tilt, and acceleration on the x, y, and z-axis. The SOMI-1 comes with a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) controller and app, allowing the product to be portable. The pre-sets in the interface enable anyone with any ability and music software knowledge to create their music.

SOMI-1 brings an interesting approach to connecting friends to encourage moving in an exciting and fun space.

Smartwatches and fitness trackers may prompt users to stand or take extra steps, but that is where the encouragement stops. Instrument of Things has demonstrated through this innovation the potential of using a wearable as an input device. Movement through activities that aren’t fitness-focused has the potential to unlock health gains for a whole new audience. How might you leverage your device as an input method to encourage movement?

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© Instrument of Things

CuteCircuit developed the Soundshirt that allows people to feel the music on their bodies wherever they are. Users can experience music in an immersive way2

The Soundshirt, based on the foundation of The Hug Shirt, CuteCircuit's previous product, contains more haptic actuators that expand the range of functions relating to music, hugs, and sensory in video games. The shirt connects to a smartphone app via Bluetooth. While the user plays music or video games, signals sent to the actuators create a series of haptic sensations.

Used in concert venues and for personal use, the Soundshirt utilises the dedicated Hug Shirt app. The app has many exciting features:

• Bluetooth connection to the shirt

• Send hugs to friends across the globe

• Connect to the game consoles and VR headsets

• Send messages to friends

• Feel music from the music library on users’ phones

The Soundshirts areas of application have grown as it explores other markets such as the video gaming industry. The app allows it to be connected to game consoles to provide another dimension of sensory stimulation during game play. How might this approach be applied to other everyday activities such as walking or the hobbies such as geocaching?

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© CuteCircuit

In late 2022 Sony announced Mocopi, a portable and lightweight motion capture system that can control a digital avatar within the metaverse. The product composes six colour-coded tracking tags (for your head, hip, ankles and wrists) that connect to an Android or IOS smartphone via Bluetooth and feeds motion data to compatible services.

In the demonstration video featured alongside the press release, Sony showed a user dancing and performing movements that the in-app avatar mimics. Sony suggests the device could “facilitate the development of new services in areas such as the metaverse and fitness”.

There are 45 - 57 million older adults engaged in video gaming, and 53% of China's generation Z chooses gaming as their top form of engagement. Sony has a huge opportunity to encourage movement and fitness in this large demographic that may otherwise sit idle. The ability to replicate movement in the metaverse enables users to engage in activities they would have typically had to meet up physically for, such as Tai Chi and Exercising.

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© Sony

This report has been produced as part of the UK-China Healthy Ageing Project, which actively supports UK businesses to explore the opportunities in China, one of the world’s largest and most exciting markets for healthy ageing.

NICA works with partners and businesses across the globe, bringing Ageing Intelligence to every sector and aspect of life, to support healthy longevity

If you would like to know more about UK-China Healthy Ageing Project or global opportunities, contact:

info@uknica.co.uk

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Keep a look out for our next trend report which will explore the trends impacting urban adaptations, uncovering further insights into infrastructure, city design and more.

You can also explore our previous Horizoning™ report ‘Exploring the Future of Mobility and Gait in China’ on Issuu, which identifies and present some of the opportunities arising from trends within the space of mobility and gait.

Want to be informed when future Horizoning ™ and intelligence reports are released, email:

info@uknica.co.uk

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Date: February 2023 | Version 1.0 | www.uknica.co.uk | info@uknica.co.uk | The Catalyst | 3 Science Square | Newcastle Helix | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 5TG © Supersapiens

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