The Wireless Power Challenge for the medtech industry
As we enter the age of self-administrable treatments, wearable technology and advanced surgical robotics, the sophisticated use of wireless power technology is a real door opener for the evolution of medical technology.
With this in mind, we were particularly excited to see the idea put forward by Dr. Janis Alnis of Latvia, who suggested using the Wireless Power Kit to develop a wirelessly charged skin cancer screening device; currently in development at the Biophotonics Laboratory at the Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, University of Latvia.
The device named SkImager is a non-invasive and easy-to-use device for complex analysis of skin lesions – primarily developed for use by dermatologists to detect early diagnostic signs of skin cancer. The technology is based on visible and infrared spectra radiation interaction with skin.
This device is not just a great example of medtech innovation. It also reflects the wider trend of medical devices becoming more mobile at the same time as collecting and interpreting larger amounts of data – meaning the ability to power these devices wirelessly is key.
Currently, the device uses a built-in lithium-ion battery which, depending on specification, could provide as little as five hours of working life after four hours charging time, potentially limiting its usefulness in continuous clinics. Achieving a method of powering the device wirelessly is likely to make the device far more cost-effective in practice, more portable and available at all times.
While SkImage is a high-tech example of new technology designed for professional use, we are also seeing medical devices permeate the everyday lives of consumers at an increasing rate. This includes everything from training wristbands for joggers to blood glucose monitors for diabetics.
Furthermore, statistics from Research2Guidance suggest the mHealth market will be worth $26billion globally by 2017. As consumers begin to expect their smartphones to tell them more about their health, how to collect, store and interpret medical data accurately and securely will become a major consideration for device manufacturers.
While peripheral hardware such as blood and heart monitors can be wirelessly connected, can they be wirelessly powered? What affect will these kinds of processes have on battery life considering many users find some messaging and gaming apps a real power drain?
These are all questions we hope to find answers to through initiatives such as our element14 Community Wireless Power Challenge.
About the Author:
Dianne Kibbey is Global Head of Community at element14
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