The Future of Healthcare: AI, Wearable Technology, and the Role of ASICs

While healthcare may have lagged behind sectors like fintech or education, its digital transformation in recent years has been nothing short of seismic. New technologies as well as social and environmental challenges have propelled the industry forward, from the emergence of telehealth and virtual appointments, to machine learning (ML) powered diagnostics and remote patient monitoring. One major technological development that is particularly suited to healthcare is wearable technology. The market for wearable devices has boomed in recent years, with some analysts predicting it will grow by 97% to reach $161 billion by 2033. Much of that growth can be attributed to applications in healthcare, whether it’s individuals looking to take control of their own health, or healthcare providers looking to improve their diagnostic and monitoring capabilities.?

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Wearable devices are nothing short of game changing. Equipped with advanced sensors, they can continuously monitor vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, and more, providing invaluable real-time data to users and healthcare providers without the need for cumbersome home kits or frequent hospital visits. When combined with AI and ML, wearable devices have the potential not only to improve patient outcomes, but drive the industry forward in terms of clinical research and diagnostics. From cochlear implants and hearing aids, to remote fertility monitoring and mobile cardiac telemetry, the possibilities are seemingly endless.

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However, there is a catch. Wearable devices are small and inconspicuous by design, and are expected to function continuously for long periods of time, and that creates engineering problems. Battery power and heat dissipation and two areas that must be carefully considered, and with an increasing number of devices expected to perform at the edge, local processing capabilities are also a factor.?

Enter ASICs ?(Application Specific Integrated Circuits), these specialized chips are designed to perform dedicated functions with higher efficiency and lower power consumption than general-purpose processors. In the context of healthcare, ASICs are crucial to ensuring that wearables can operate for extended periods on minimal battery power, making them reliable for continuous monitoring. ASICs can also facilitate edge computing, where data processing occurs directly on the device, preserving privacy and ensuring functionality even in areas with poor connectivity. Before we explore the technology in more detail, let’s first explore the reasons behind the boom in wearable technology and how it’s creating unprecedented opportunities for early detection, continuous monitoring, and personalized treatment plans. Click here to read more on EnSilica's website

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