Shi Cao joined Kitchener Today with Brian Bourke to discuss wearable technology. Shi Cao (pronounced like SHER TSAO) is an Assistant Professor of Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo and a faculty member of the Games Institute.
Brian Bourke introduced the topic of wearable tech by recalling Kitchener-Waterloo company North, who received wide-spread attention for their wearable smart glasses. When asked to define wearable technology, Shi Cao described it as an old concept with a new meaning. He then mentioned the applications of wearable tech and their use in the Healthcare, Entertainment, and Training industry.
However, just as there are benefits to the innovative technology, there are also its challenges. Shi Cao recalled the problem faced by the Google glass such as potential invasion of privacy and limited hardware capacity.
Brian Bourke asked whether people will be willing to accept the technology. Shi Cao answered that the tech makers need to find their audience and market towards them. He used the examples of skydivers who need to monitor their blood oxygen level and cyclists who may find a wearable display very helpful. He said:
It's important to find the unique user who has the needs for this type of wearable technology.