Do we need to join the FlexTech wearables push? (via FlexTech)
The pentagon has recently pledged 75 million dollars to a 163 member strong conglomeration of corporate and academic entities called FlexTech Alliance. It seems that FlexTech wowed the pentagon into giving up the dough by writing up a proposal declaring their intention to set up what is called a Manufacturing Innovation Institute or MII. This MII, which will focus on Flexible Hybrid Electronics, will be located in San Jose, California.
FlexTech will receive the monies over a period of five years. They will be parsing out these funds for R&D work based on what they call "industry-generated technology roadmaps". I think besides assisting US industry in general, the idea behind this initiative is to make sure that academia and industry are throwing their backs into these technologies. That way, there is sure to be a horde of techniques and technologies for the military to...militarize as needed.
Why are they doing this? Because they want wearables. Wearables everywhere. An army of wearable to absolutely blow down and trample past the current boundaries of the internet of things.
Evidently they want a lot more information from their personal and equipment.
Consider:
-Grain of rice size vibration sensors placed throughout air and and sea vehicles to detect excessive drive train vibration.
-Fitbit style wrist bands that vibrate when to duck or reload your weapon.
-On-board sensors that keep track of a soldiers ammo load. It will automaticaly sends a request to bring ammo up.
-Wristbands that monitor vitals and inject stimulants or sedatives as needed.
-Rations that have can report when they are near spoiling.
-A headband that sends a range of spoken messages and sound patterns into your skull via bone conduction to indicate...well anything.
-Wearable insoles that keep an eye out for athletes foot!
Maybe even wearables that are swallowabbles! Swallowables that not only monitor a soldiers health but are able to treat some health conditions.
The mind reels at the possibilities.
C
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