Bluetooth – the technology that you use for hands-free calls and wireless music streaming has been used in an interesting collaboration between Ford and Medtronic to manage your health. In a demonstration, unveiled at Ford HQ in Michigan last week, a continuous glucose meter worn by the driver connected with the in dash computer via Bluetooth to provide feedback about their health while driving, and this week Ford demonstrated a seat that can monitor your heart rate.
Connecting medical devices with Bluetooth is not new, and the Bluetooth SIG have even developed a profile specifically to support the needs of Health devices, but the connection to the car pushes the envelope of the technology. If you have ever used a wireless medical device you might think of it connecting to a GP’s computer or a dedicated telehealth hub such as the Tunstall telehealth monitor, but the car is a new concept.
It is a concept that has merit, especially as the car adopts the connectivity and computing power of the mobile handset. In-car entertainment systems that can run applications for news and entertainment are becoming more common. Using this power for the health, comfort and safety of the occupant seems a reasonable next step. Wireless health devices connecting with mobile phones will soon be more common. How long will it be until we see automotive applications?
For more information see the Ford launch press release, or Brian Dolan’s event report at mobile health news or New York Times motoring column. Ford’s ECG seat press release.
