SmartCap tackles a very important topic – fatigue! There have been thousands of cases each year of drivers falling asleep while driving. In fact, fatigue related accidents kill more people each year than alcohol. We talked to Dush Wimal, the CEO of SmartCap to tell us more about the solution that can save many lives each year.
- SmartCap offers a solution to vehicle drivers fighting fatigue. Can you tell us more about it?
At SmartCap we recognize the quantum of fatigue related risks in our busy lives. Many lives are lost due to fatigue-related incidents on a daily basis, primarily due to the lack of awareness of the risks related to fatigue as well as a reliable tool to manage fatigue.
Many of the established technologies in the fatigue space is camera based and relies on measuring physical changes attributed to fatigue, such as blink rates. While these technologies serve a purpose in detecting some of the microsleeps while the operators are already in a state of fatigue, we at SmartCap believe that in order to combat fatigue you need a predictive early warning tool that gives the operator accurate information, in a timely manner to manage their fatigue. It is also a well-documented fact that a fatigued operator will always experience their first microsleeps with their eyes open, which means the camera-based technologies are likely to miss the first few microsleeps.
EEG (Electroencephalogram) technology is the gold standard that is clinically used for sleep studies. The technology measures brain wave activity that is related to sleep and fatigue. We set out to design and develop a very reliable and accurate wearable device that incorporated EEG technology.
By incorporating dry contact EEG (Electroencephalogram) technology, patented circuitry and sophisticated algorithms into a wearable, SmartCap has revolutionized the fatigue management space. For the first time in human history, we are able to accurately measure alertness and fatigue. Unlike camera-based technologies that detect microsleeps, we are in the business of eliminating them.
With the upcoming release of our new product at MINExpo16 in Las Vegas later this year, we are now able to offer a truly mobile solution that is applicable to anyone who wants to monitor and manage his or her fatigue and alertness. With our recent success in Chile, Canada, Mongolia and North America within the mining vertical, we are expecting this launch to be extremely successful. So, if you are in the area come and join us for the launch.
We are united in our mission to save as many lives as possible by providing the best in class technology to monitor fatigue. It is also our mission to empower the users to change behaviour and be better prepared for work, by providing accurate and reliable information about their fatigue. This is why you will see us committed to the hashtag #HomeSafeEveryDay. It’s a simple yet a powerful message that resonates with many families.
- Brain monitoring is a hot topic right now and can be applied in many environments. Where do you see Smart Cap in the future?
Brainwave monitoring is fast becoming a hot topic indeed. There are many real world applications for brain monitoring such as focus, meditation, wellness/mindfulness , brain training, and fatigue to name a few. Thanks to the fusion of innovative technologies and wearables, it is becoming increasingly easier to collect data from humans while engaged in routine activities. Thanks to products such as Strava and Fitbit the consumers are becoming more comfortable about sharing their biometric data with other like-minded people in the community. This trend of sharing personal data as well as the evolution of wearable technologies will continue to grow, enabling innovative solutions to real world problems such as alertness and fatigue. In the health sector, we will see an increasing trend of collecting patient data away from the clinic and more from their natural environment with the use of wearables. Most importantly, in a very non-invasive way. For SmartCap, we see a huge future for us in the wearable space. Our core capabilities are developing world-class algorithms and combined with our patented circuitry, we will continue to leverage from these and continue to innovate in the wearable space. All I can say is that we have an exciting Innovation Roadmap being developed by our CTO. So, keep a close eye on us for some fantastic new products in the near future.
- How do you think the wearable market will develop in the next few years?
As I mentioned before, the wearables market is a fast growing market and there are many fantastic solutions being developed in this space. As the market becomes more accepting of the wearables technologies, we will see some tremendous innovations in the future. SmartCap aims to play a very big part in the wearable space over the next few years. Innovation will be the key to SmartCap’s success.
- What is your favourite wearable and why?
My favourite wearable to date has to be a smart watch (other than SmartCap of course). We are becoming increasingly busy and having access to vital information is key for success. People don’t wear a watch to tell the time anymore. A watch is an accessory. When you combine critical information with a wearable fashion accessory such as a watch, then you have a valuable tool.
If you missed the opportunity to meet the Smart Cap team at our conference in San Francisco, there is still a chance to listen to them dive into the details of their product on October 12 at WT | Wearable Technologies Conference 2016 ASIA in Hong Kong.
