Wearable Biomedical Systems: Research to Reality

The field of wearable biomedical systems (WBS) has of late been generating a lot of interest in the research and business communities since its early beginnings in the mid-nineties. However, the technology is yet to enter the marketplace and realize its original goal of enhancing the quality of life for individuals through enhanced real-time biomedical monitoring. In this paper, we propose a framework for analyzing the transition of WBS from research to reality. We begin with a look at the evolution of the field and describe the key components of a WBS. We then analyze the key issues encompassing the technical, medical, economic, public policy and business facets from the viewpoints of various stakeholders in the continuum. We conclude with a plan of action for transitioning WBS from "research to reality."