STORY: On a construction site in Ayase, Japan, these workers are advised to take a break to sweat.
:: Ayase, Japan
Each employee wears a device in the form of a smartwatch.
It measures the potentially surprising amount of perspiration they lose at work.
When a high or abnormal level of dehydration is detected, automatic alerts are sent requesting rest and fluids.
Japan is experiencing record temperatures, endangering the health of people working outdoors.
“You really worry about when you're going to get heat stroke when you're working outside.”
If the virus is detected earlier, the hope is that employees can continue to work safely.
:: Future of Health
Hideya Momose is responsible for the SKWL-1000 at the Nagano-based technology company Skinos.
He's been tracking construction site data since he launched the wearable technology earlier this summer.
:: Hideya Momose, CEO, Skinos
“There are many people who lose four or five litres of water through sweating, but surprisingly many only drink about one litre of water, which makes their risk of dehydration very high. We believe that the risk of heat stroke can be reduced by using this device to ensure that people stay hydrated while they work.”
The device combines a hygrometer to measure humidity with a heart rate monitor, an accelerometer and a skin temperature sensor.
MOMOSE: “As sweat comes out of the skin, the surrounding air becomes more humid. And it's that humidity that the sensor measures.”
This data can then be sent via Bluetooth for remote monitoring, also alerting the wearer.
The system includes a color-coding system that indicates the current level of dehydration of users.
Back at the construction site, Shinpei Suzuki says they are taking the tech's advice to heart.
:: Shinpei Suzuki, Construction Site Manager
“Now we use this monitoring device. We take breaks and drink fluids based on the readings from the device.”
