Digital health exhibits will take up 40% more space at the Consumer Electronic Show 2014 than last year, which saw more than 150,000 consumers flock to the Las Vegas tradeshow.
LG Electronics will unveil a fitness band, while Reebok will release a sensored skullcap. Startup firm Lively, is exhibiting how developers can link to its products. The firm caters to elderly health care.
Insurer and VP at United Health Group, Nick Martin was quoted as saying by the Boston Globe, ''Although a personal wearable device is certainly a trend, it does not necessarily replace good old fashioned face-to-face meetings,'' adding, ''we see it as a way to augment care.''
Cardiologist Samir Damani told reporters, ''We are really moving from a doctor-centric society to a patient-centric society.'' He added, ''We are trying to give people control.''
Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Electronics Association, ''The wearables section and digital health sections are going to be huge this year."
Most of the attention on health gadgets will focus on wearables that come as wristbands and clip-ons. Samsung Galaxy Gear was released last year and an iWatch is expected this year, so the advances in technology will enable the average consumer to shop for electronic, smart 'bras', socks and other items.
Robotics are another popular theme that is expected to take shape this year. Biometric technology will play a leading role in the health tech revolution at CES. These will include trackers, monitors for heart rates and exercise tools. French firm, 2im will launch a smart pillbox, which is one way to bring the pharmacist, patient, and physician to the same page.
The Health tech industry is expected to grow as more tech-oriented consumers age and will have to rely on medicines for diabetes, blood pressure.
