Thalmic Labs’ Myo armband is one of those devices that took the media by the storm. Made to allow users to control movements on a screen with a flick of the wrist, this wearable promises to revolutionize the gaming and, we’re hearing, other industries.
Healthcare could be one of those industries to benefit from contactless controls Myo can deliver; and when paired with Google Glass, the magic could happen.
Canada-based Thalmic Labs has already managed to garner $15 million of venture funding, and perhaps more important, 40,000 preorders for the Myo armband even before it was ready for prime time.According to the Canadian company’s co-founder Matthew Bailey, we’re in the midst of the next revolution and the question now is – how can we find more natural ways to merge technology and people?
“We’re hitting the limits of today’s form factors whether they be personal computers, tablets, or smartphones. We believe wearable computing is the next progression in that evolution,” he says.
The integration with Google Glass could help the company reach enterprise clientele in industries like construction, field service, and already mentioned healthcare.
Thalmic Labs has already managed to garner $15 million of venture funding from Intel Capital and Spark Capital, hinting us that some serious people believe in the future of Myo. Perhaps more important, the company has secured 40,000 preorders for the armband even before it was ready for prime time.
Myo integrates a number of different sensors to detect when muscles in a wearer’s forearm are moving to make a hand signal, and translates that information into gestures on a screen. This in turn allows users to dispose of remote controls, touch pads, buttons and voice control that might slow down access to information, as well as multi-step processes to enter or retrieve data.
As part of the mentioned enterprise push, Thalmic Labs is partnering with the following companies:
Augmedix – Augmedix uses Google Glass to allow physicians to easily input patient documentation, freeing their hands along the way.
APX Labs – APX Labs also builds software for smart glasses like Epson Moverio and Google Glass, which [software] help with field work, such as at wind mills, oil refineries or hydro plants.
Bridgit – Bridgit makes the deficiency management software suite called Closeout that can respond to issues of miscommunications on construction sites.
Recon Instruments – Recon Jet, a smart glass technology for sports and high intensity environments, integrates a Heads-up Display (HUD) with a micro-computer and sensor suite to provide performance information, navigation, and more, direct-to-eye.
Myo Developer Kits began shipping in July while the Myo armband is set to start shipping this fall. It is currently available for pre-order for $149.
[Via: Forbes]