Traditional Posture Correctors
Long before the age of wearable sensors, people looked to technology to solve their postural problems. They made inventive use of the materials available and many people suffered through the constrictive and unnatural positions they were forced into. Luckily, the world of posture correction has moved on. Detailed knowledge of human anatomy has been complemented by new technologies to the point where the best posture correctors are tiny, unobtrusive, and very effective. Move over corsets, hello wearable sensors.
What are Wearable Sensors?
Wearable sensors are small, hi tech devices that accurately (at least in some cases) plot a wearer’s posture. When the wearer slouches, they are given a reminder to straighten up either through an audible “buzz” or through vibrations. The best of them also record data about the wearer’s posture and activity which is analysed and displayed on devices like smartphones or tablets. The apps used to do this can be very motivating as they allow the user to set personal goals and even give rewards!
The Wearable Sensor Competition
This is a rapidly expanding market and manufacturers are starting to compete to fill the consumer need.
The current contenders are:
| Product | Image | Cost | Availability | Review comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumo Lift |  | $79.99 usd | Available Buy here |  Read review |
| Arki |  | $99 usd | Pre-orders only Pre-orders | Unique focus on walking posture. Not reviewed yet |
| UpRight |  | $89 usd | Pre-orders only Pre-order | (Potentially excellent) Not reviewed yet |
| Prana |  | $90 usd | Pre-orders only Pre-order | Unique focus on breathing patterns. |
| iPosture |  | $75 usd | Available |  Review coming |
| Giraffe Friend |  | $26 usd | In development | (Concept only at this stage) |
It’s important to point out there are only two wearable posture correctors currently on the market. The iPosture and Lumo Lift. The iPosture was first, but the Lumo Lift (and its earlier product the Lumo Back) are much more technologically advanced. The Lumo posture correctors work with their excellent software to provide comprehensive support. The other product to keep a close eye on is the UpRight which promises to meet the Lumo challenge head on – but – the product is not available until early in 2015 (as at August 2014).
Future Possibilities
As an example of where this emerging market is going, the iPosture (which launched first) is a relatively simple device that gives real time reminders not to slouch. Following on from this, the Lumo posture correctors boast state of the art sensors and dedicated software that hooks to your phone/tablet to give a much richer experience. The UpRight posture corrector will use even more sensors, and its own software, to give a very accurate programme of posture improvement. Revolution then evolution in action – watch this space!
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