High-tech sensors were all the rage at the CEATEC fair in Tokyo, Japan. A variety of different companies and technology giants have created a wide variety of new types of sensors, including ones capable of detecting smells and even stress.
Panasonic was one of the biggest brands at the fair, and they were eager to show off their newest creations. They unveiled a new type of armchair prototype that offers more than comfort; it can track the amount a user’s hands sweat, their seating position, and even facial expressions thank to a camera. These can all be put together to help scientists determine the exact stress levels of the user.
Meanwhile, Murata Manufacturing is going for daintier designs. The components manufacturer has created a tiny device that measures pulse rates and changes to the nervous system. Users simply hold the device for a minute between their thumb and forefinger, and the technology does the rest. Companies can use this technology to monitor stress in their employees, and provide them with the support they need.
Hygiene firm Lion is working to improve everyone’s smile. The company is designing technology wherein users can take a photo with their smartphone and send it directly to a specialized server. The server then analyzes the photo and sends back extensive, personalized data on the patient’s oral hygiene.
Lixil is a housing equipment firm that’s focusing on making bathing safer for the elderly. In an effort to reduce sudden bath deaths, their sensors meticulously track both water temperature as well as an assortment of vital signs, including body temperature and pulse.
The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization has devised a new type of film that’s sure to help those raising children. The film is super-fine and extremely sensitive, and has a wide variety of uses. It can be placed on a cot to track the movements and health of a baby, including minute movements and temperature changes. Parents can receive an alert should any troubling data arise.
It’s not all serious at CEATAC however; cosmetics company Shiseido is hard at work helping people smell their best. The makeup titans conducted a study wherein sensors were used to determine the exact scent of stress sweat; according to experts, that smell is comparable to onions. Now the company is creating a line of products to combat that scent — all thanks to the power of sensors.
