Wearables: Fundamentals, advancements, and a roadmap for the future

Today, the term “wearable” goes beyond the traditional definition of clothing; it refers to an accessory that enables personalized mobile information processing. In this chapter, we define the concept of wearables, present their attributes, and discuss their role at the core of an ecosystem for harnessing big data. We then present the taxonomy for wearables and trace their advancements over the years. We discuss the practical challenges associated with the use of wearables and propose the concept of a meta-wearable – in the form of a wearable motherboard – as a feasible solution. We gaze into the future of wearables and propose a transdisciplinary approach to realizing this future that will transform the field and contribute to enhancing the quality of life for everyone.

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