The internet of bodies (IoB) is a network of wearable, implantable, ingestible and injectable smart objects that allows for in-, on- and off-body communications.
Human body communication (HBC) that takes advantage of the mostly conductive features of body tissues can provide highly secure and power-efficient data transmission among wearable, implanted and ingested medical devices, KAUST researchers have shown1. The findings open the way for the interconnection of long-lasting wireless devices as the foundation for the internet of bodies (IoB).
The internet of things (IoT) is a technology framework in which a myriad of devices can be interconnected to provide seamless functionality and unprecedented depth of data on the world around us. Autonomous vehicles and smart homes, for example, rely on IoT technologies for monitoring and control. But what if the same idea could be applied to monitoring our own bodies and alerting us to health signals? That is the concept behind the IoB.
“The IoB is a network of wearable, implantable, ingestible and injectable smart objects that allows for in-, on- and off-body communications,” says Ahmed Eltawil. “For example, smartwatches, smart shoes, pacemakers and cochlear implants could be interconnected to monitor our biomarkers.”
However, interconnecting these devices using radio waves like those used in Wifi networks — the conventional go-to technology for such applications — can produce stray outward signals that could allow eavesdropping or biohacking, as well as using excess energy.
Through a systematic investigation of potential IoB interconnection technologies1,2, Eltawil and colleagues Abdulkadir Celik, Abeer Alamoodi and Khaled Salama revealed HBC to be the most promising.
“HBC uses harmless tiny electrical signals to transmit data through conductive body tissue,” says Celik. “Not only does HBC use a thousand times less energy per bit than radio, it also benefits from much better channel quality.”
The potential of HBC is not just limited to interdevice networking, however; due to the unique conductance characteristics of each person, the technology could also be used for bioauthentication, just like a fingerprint.
“Imagine a scenario where simply touching a car steering wheel or the keys on your laptop can continuously authenticate that you are the owner,” says Celik.
The researchers suggest that IoB using human body channels could be a disruptive technology in many sectors, such as personalized healthcare, remote patient monitoring, smart homes, assisted independent living, occupational health and safety, fitness, sport and entertainment.
“While numerous technical challenges still need to be addressed, such as developing robust, seamless interfaces between the sensor and the human body, HBC certainly opens the possibility of realizing extremely compact, cheap, low-power body sensors,” Eltawil says.
Original Article: Connect the internet of bodies
More from: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
The Latest on: Internet of bodies
- Global bodies raise concerns over new cybersecurity normson May 27, 2022 at 3:45 pm
The 11 associations include US-India Business Council, US chamber of commerce, ITI, Tech UK, US-India strategic partnership forum, Digital Europe, BSA, and Cybersecurity Coalition, among others.
- Tattoo of Johnny Depp's Lawyer Criticized as Not a 'Slay Girlboss Moment'on May 27, 2022 at 3:30 pm
Jazzmyn Wollfe tells Newsweek that since giving herself a tattoo of one of Johnny Depp's lawyers, Camille Vasquez, she's faced cruel harassment from critics.
- The 'Mutes' Of Virtual Reality Are Upending The Metaverse Without Saying A Thingon May 27, 2022 at 9:46 am
In this virtual world, you can dance in zaps of electricity, or in the clouds. You can mold your body to your liking, and watch as cats or Hatsune Miku pour you a drink at the bar. The social virtual ...
- Proteins in human bones near Pompeii survived temperatures of 500°Con May 27, 2022 at 2:00 am
Many ancient Romans died when the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum were buried by hot volcanic ash, but the high temperatures didn’t destroy proteins in their skeletons ...
- About 70 bodies found in former Oktiabr plant territory in Mariupolon May 27, 2022 at 1:38 am
About 70 bodies were found under the rubble in the territory of former Oktiabr plant in captured Mariupol. The bodies will be buried in a mass grave. — Ukrinform.
- Fourteen bodies of Russian servicemen found in Kyiv regionon May 27, 2022 at 12:56 am
The Evacuation 200 search team found 14 bodies of Russian servicemen in Kyiv region. In the village of Sytniaky, near Makariv, and in Moshchun, Kyiv region, specialists found and exhumed 14 bodies of ...
- A Set Of Bugatti Chiron Super Sport Front Body Panels Is Listed For An Absurd $400,000on May 26, 2022 at 3:01 pm
There are many brand-new supercars at this price range, but in Bugatti money you only get a handful of body panels ...
- ‘Legs and Hips and BODY BODY!’ Funniest Reactions to Kandi Burruss’ Latest TikTok Trendon May 26, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Kandi Burruss has become a viral sensation by accident after social media caught wind of a song she wrote for one of her old stage plays.
- Their Bodies, Someone Else's Choice: How Texas Offers a Preview of Life After Roe v. Wadeon May 25, 2022 at 2:00 am
Even before the Supreme Court was poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, Texas had already passed some of the harshest anti-abortion laws in the country.
- Analysis: Is body armor too accessible?on May 20, 2022 at 1:30 am
The shooter that took the lives of 10 people at the Tops on Jefferson Avenue this past Saturday was able to commit his racially motivated hate crime with aid of tactical body armor. Is this kind of ...
via Bing News
The Latest on: Internet of bodies
via Google News
Add Comment