The Zembro Smart Bracelet (Credit: UEST)
World-leading nano-electronics research center imec and UEST, a Belgian start-up company, announced today that they have started the production of Zembro, a smart bracelet designed to enable the elderly to connect with their relatives immediately, anytime and anywhere. Zembro is the first commercial product from UEST. The initial set of Zembro Bracelets, which sold out immediately after the launch (April 2015), are being delivered since the beginning of November.
Wearable technology holds the promise of becoming a cornerstone of care, cure and disease prevention. Zembro connects the elderly safely and securely with their families and connections, enabling them to stay out of the hospital or nursing home and live independently as long as feasible. The smart watch functions intuitively, with a clear and easy-to-understand human interface. Without visible buttons, it functions immediately after charging the battery. Zembro incorporates a mobile phone with one-touch finger activation. It also uses GPS location tracking and smart algorithms to autonomously detect emergency situations. On a fully-charged battery, Zembro lasts 24/7 for more than 10 days. It can be worn indoors as well as outdoors, and even in the shower or when doing the dishes, because it’s IP67 waterproof.
At its R&D premises in Taiwan, imec developed the firmware as well as a customized waterproof package for Zembro, and integrated off-the-shelf electronic components and algorithms. Imec also manufactured the first set of devices at its Taiwan facility. Offering full turn-key product development, imec enables its partners to efficiently enter the market. Moreover, imec’s technology assessment process supports the selection of the most suitable technology, reducing risks associated with market entry, and its intellectual property (IP) creation services enable start-ups to secure their IP positioning.
