The Daily Matter | Microsoft Bra? Tech giant developing 'smart bra' that can sense a person's mood
Researchers design special sensors that can be attached to a bra to monitor stress levels
It probably won’t come to a store near you just yet, but Microsoft researchers are exploring a novel way of helping emotional eaters by creating a "smart bra" - or rather, a device that detects stress from inside a woman’s bra.
Sensors placed on the strap and under the cup monitor heart and skin activity to determine the wearer’s mood. The device then sends the information via Bluetooth to a smartphone that prompts users to try deep breathing exercises when stress levels get too high.
Four women at Microsoft's research lab tested the electrocardiogram (EKG) and electrodermal activity (EDA) sensors of the device, inserting them into their own bras, along with an accelerometer, gyroscope and a GRASP board. Over four days, the women reported their emotions for four to six hours each day.
“It was very tedious for the participants...as the [sensors] had to be charged every three to four hours, which resulted in participants having to finagle with their wardrobes throughout the day,” researchers wrote.
