Articles tagged with "wearable-devices"
Who’s behind AMI Labs, Yann LeCun’s ‘world model’ startup
Yann LeCun, a prominent AI scientist formerly at Meta, has launched a new startup called AMI Labs (Advanced Machine Intelligence) focused on developing “world models” — AI systems that understand and interact with the real world. The company aims to create foundational AI models that go beyond large language models (LLMs) by incorporating persistent memory, reasoning, planning, and safety, targeting applications in high-stakes fields such as healthcare, industrial automation, robotics, and wearable devices. AMI Labs plans to license its technology to industry partners while also engaging with the academic community through open publications and open source contributions. LeCun serves as AMI Labs’ executive chairman, while Alex LeBrun, formerly CEO of health AI startup Nabla and a former colleague of LeCun at Meta’s FAIR lab, is the CEO. The startup is reportedly in talks with venture capital firms including Cathay Innovation, Greycroft, and Hiro Capital, with potential valuations and funding rounds drawing comparisons to
robotAIautomationwearable-devicesindustrial-process-controlhealthcareintelligent-systemsOpenAI Invests in Sam Altman’s New Brain Tech Startup Merge Labs
OpenAI has invested in Merge Labs, a neurotechnology startup co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, aiming to develop brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that connect human brains to computers using ultrasound technology. Merge Labs has raised $252 million from investors including OpenAI, Bain Capital, and Gabe Newell. Unlike Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which implants electrodes directly into the brain, Merge plans to use non-invasive methods involving molecules and ultrasound to read and modulate neural activity without implants. The company envisions interfaces that integrate biology, devices, and AI to create accessible, user-friendly brain-computer connections. AI will be central to Merge’s approach, with OpenAI collaborating on scientific foundation models to interpret neural signals, adapt to individuals, and improve interface reliability despite noisy data. This could enable more complex brain-computer interactions beyond current capabilities, such as controlling cursors or robotic arms. Merge is a spinoff of Forest Neurotech, a nonprofit focused on brain research, particularly mental
IoTbrain-computer-interfaceneurotechnologyAIultrasound-technologywearable-deviceshuman-computer-interaction7 CES 2026 technologies that make dystopian sci-fi feel oddly practical
At CES 2026, several emerging technologies revealed a trend toward deeply personal and intimate AI devices that blur the line between science fiction and reality. These innovations focus on monitoring and interacting with users in private spaces—such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and even the mind—addressing needs like health tracking, cognitive performance, emotional connection, and memory preservation. While individually these products target familiar wellness or productivity goals, collectively they evoke dystopian sci-fi themes reminiscent of shows like Black Mirror, highlighting how close current technology is to concepts once considered speculative. Key standout technologies include NuraLogix’s Longevity Mirror, a $900 bathroom mirror that uses facial blood flow analysis and AI to predict long-term health risks and physiological aging, turning a daily routine into a constant biological assessment. Neurable and HyperX’s EEG headset tracks brain activity to measure cognitive processing speed and mental fatigue, offering real-time biofeedback to improve focus and reaction times, hinting at future cognitive optimization tools. Vinabot’s AI picture frame
IoTAIhealth-techwearable-devicesbrain-computer-interfacesmart-homebiometric-sensorsWearable health devices could generate a million tons of e-waste by 2050
A recent study from Cornell University and the University of Chicago highlights a looming environmental challenge posed by the rapid growth of wearable health devices such as glucose monitors, blood pressure trackers, and fitness trackers. By 2050, global demand for these devices could reach 2 billion units annually—42 times the current volume—potentially generating over a million tons of electronic waste and 100 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions if manufacturing practices remain unchanged. This surge in e-waste and emissions underscores the significant environmental footprint of these increasingly popular gadgets. The study, published in Nature, reveals that the primary environmental impact comes not from the plastic components but from the printed circuit boards (PCBs), which constitute about 70% of the carbon footprint due to the intensive mining and manufacturing of rare minerals used in their production. To mitigate this, researchers recommend two key strategies: designing chips with more common metals like copper instead of rare minerals such as gold, and creating modular devices that allow reuse of the circuit boards while replacing only
IoTwearable-deviceselectronic-wastesustainabilityprinted-circuit-boardscarbon-footprintmaterials-engineeringWhen AI meets sleep: Designing the night of the future
The article "When AI meets sleep: Designing the night of the future" explores the evolving understanding of sleep as an active, complex state rather than merely a passive biological necessity. It highlights how traditional sleep analysis has been retrospective and limited, overlooking the rich cognitive and emotional processes occurring during sleep, particularly during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. The piece argues for a paradigm shift toward recognizing sleep as a dynamic form of activity that can be better understood and engaged with through advanced technology. Central to this innovation is SomnoAI, an AI system developed by REMspace, a neurotechnology company specializing in sleep and consciousness research. SomnoAI is designed to monitor and interpret subtle sleep rhythms in real time, improving rest quality, predicting sleep disorders, and even enabling dream control. The technology is embodied in the LucidMe PRO smart sleep mask, which tracks brain waves (EEG), breathing, and movement to provide biofeedback and gentle sensory cues. This integrated system supports faster sleep onset, deeper rest,
IoTsleep-technologyAIwearable-devicesbiofeedbacksmart-sleep-maskneurotechnologyWorld's first AI-powered wireless boots offer pro-level muscle therapy
Chinese company UREVO has launched the world’s first AI-powered wireless recovery boots designed to provide professional-grade leg muscle therapy for athletes without the need for clinics or cables. These boots integrate AI Smart Massage technology, pneumatic compression, and heat therapy into a portable system, featuring 32 intelligent recovery modes tailored for warm-ups, post-training recovery, or relaxation. The AI algorithms analyze muscle condition in real time, automatically adjusting pressure levels between 80 and 180 mmHg and offering three heat settings (38°C, 43°C, and 48°C) to promote circulation and muscle relaxation. The boots target calves and thighs using a matrix airbag system with eight adjustable deep-massage nodes and are controlled via a companion mobile app that manages pressure, intensity, temperature, and massage zones. The app also provides real-time muscle recovery visualization and supports over-the-air firmware updates. Designed for a wide range of athletes—including runners, cyclists, skiers, and team sports players—the boots feature a detachable wireless controller
IoTAI-technologywearable-devicessmart-fitness-equipmentwireless-recovery-bootsmuscle-therapyhealth-techTiny robot muscle lifts 4,000 times its weight in lab breakthrough
Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea have developed a novel artificial muscle that can transition between soft and flexible to rigid and strong states, overcoming a major limitation in soft robotics. This tiny muscle, weighing just 1.25 grams, can stiffen under heavy loads to provide structural support and then soften to allow contraction and flexibility. Its core innovation lies in a dual cross-linked polymer network combining covalent bonds for strength and thermally responsive physical interactions for flexibility, along with embedded surface-treated magnetic microparticles that enable precise control via external magnetic fields. The artificial muscle can lift up to 5 kilograms—about 4,000 times its own weight—and stretch up to 12 times its original length when softened. It achieves an exceptional strain of 86.4% during contraction, more than double that of human muscles, and a work density of 1,150 kJ/m³, which is 30 times higher than human tissue. This
roboticsartificial-musclessoft-roboticsmaterials-sciencepolymer-networksmagnetic-actuationwearable-devicesOura is winning young women and losing gym rats, and it’s fine with that
Oura, a Finnish health tech company that pioneered the smart ring market, currently dominates with 80% market share and has built a strong user base primarily among high-performing professionals—dubbed “corporate athletes”—who use the device to optimize sleep, exercise, and metabolic health. This demographic, largely millennials and Gen Xers with disposable income, has driven Oura’s rapid revenue growth, doubling last year and on track to double again, with exceptional user retention rates in the high 80% after 12 months, far surpassing other wearables. However, Oura faces increasing competition from brands like Samsung, Whoop, and Ultrahuman, which appeal more to younger, fitness-focused consumers, especially young men interested in athletic performance and recovery. While competitors often offer subscription-free models or target price-sensitive buyers, Oura remains confident in its subscription value and polished design. Rather than trying to capture every demographic, Oura is focusing on satisfying its core users while organically expanding into new segments
IoTwearable-technologysmart-ringshealth-techfitness-trackingsleep-monitoringwearable-devicesPrickly Pear Health will showcase how it’s helping women’s brain health at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Prickly Pear Health, led by CEO Iman Clark, is a health tech startup focused on improving women’s brain health, particularly for women in their 30s to 50s experiencing hormonal changes that affect cognition. Clark’s inspiration came from her background working with neurodegenerative conditions and her discovery that women disproportionately suffer from Alzheimer’s, depression, anxiety, and migraines. Recognizing a gap in addressing women’s unique biology, Prickly Pear Health offers a voice-first, AI-powered companion that allows users to record daily reflections. The AI analyzes language and context to detect cognitive changes, integrating data from health trackers like Apple Health and Garmin to provide personalized insights. The company will showcase its technology at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco from October 27 to 29. Clark emphasizes that traditional care often misses early signs of brain health issues in midlife women, who are frequently dismissed or misdiagnosed. Prickly Pear Health aims to fill this gap by helping women recognize
IoTAIhealth-technologywearable-devicesbrain-healthwomen's-healthdigital-healthWearable devices could monitor pregnancy-related health changes
A recent study published in Lancet eBioMedicine highlights the potential of wearable devices, such as Apple Watches and fitness trackers, to monitor pregnancy-related health changes by tracking physiological patterns, particularly heart rate. Researchers from Scripps Research analyzed data from 5,600 participants, including detailed health information from 108 women spanning three months before pregnancy to six months postpartum. They found that heart rate patterns closely aligned with fluctuations in key pregnancy hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and hCG, which are critical indicators of pregnancy progression. For example, heart rate typically dropped between weeks five to nine, then steadily increased until shortly before delivery, and stabilized around six months postpartum. This research suggests that wearables could play a transformative role in prenatal care, especially for women living in "maternal care deserts"—areas with limited access to obstetric services. Early detection of abnormal heart rate patterns may help identify adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes. While the findings
IoTwearable-deviceshealth-monitoringpregnancy-trackingsmartwatchesprenatal-carephysiological-sensorsKleiner Perkins is having a very good week
Kleiner Perkins, a prominent venture capital firm, has experienced a notably successful week driven by two significant tech IPOs. Figma, a design software company, went public on Thursday with shares initially priced at $33 but quickly surged to close Day 1 at $115. Kleiner Perkins sold approximately 2.76 million shares at the IPO price, generating around $91 million in returns, while retaining a substantial stake of over 52 million shares valued at more than $6 billion. This remaining stake alone is worth roughly three times the size of Kleiner Perkins’ last mega fund, underscoring the firm's substantial gains from this investment. Mamoon Hamid, a Kleiner partner and Figma board member, oversaw this investment. In addition to Figma, Kleiner Perkins benefited from the IPO of Ambiq, a smaller chip maker for wearable devices, which raised $96 million by selling 4 million shares. Kleiner holds about 2.08 million shares of Ambiq
IoTwearable-deviceschip-makerventure-capitaltech-IPOfleet-trackingAmbiqKleiner Perkins-backed Ambiq pops on IPO debut
Ambiq Micro, a 15-year-old company specializing in energy-efficient chips for wearable and medical devices, made a strong debut on the public market with its IPO on July 30, 2025. The stock closed at $38.53 per share, a 61% increase from its initial $24 IPO price, valuing the company at approximately $656 million, up significantly from its $450 million private valuation in 2023. Ambiq positions itself to benefit from AI-driven growth by offering low-energy edge processors capable of integrating more intelligence and AI functionalities, as highlighted by CTO Scott Hanson. Financially, Ambiq reported a net loss of $8.3 million on $15.7 million in revenue for Q1 2025, showing a slight improvement compared to the same period in 2024. The company’s largest outside investors include Kleiner Perkins and Singapore’s state-backed EDB Investments. Notably, Kleiner Perkins partner Wen Hsieh has been a long-term
energyenergy-efficient-chipsAI-edge-processorswearable-devicesmedical-devicessemiconductorIPO-technology