By Shelbie Watts, Editorial Assistant
CES 2019 is well underway in Las Vegas and, by the looks of the thousands of new products being debuted, the future is now.
We’ve combed through the robots and gadgets and found the best tools that will make life as a first responder easier … when they become available to the public, that is. Whether you’re looking to navigate difficult terrain or get a good night’s sleep, here are 10 items that stand out so far.
1. Hyundai walking car concept
“Elevate” is the first Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV) with moveable legs designed to help first responders navigate through the treacherous terrain that often comes with natural disasters. With the use of robotics and electric car technology, Elevate can climb over a 5-foot wall and step over a 5-foot gap, and can still maintain highway speeds.
“Imagine a car stranded in a snow ditch just 10 feet off the highway being able to walk or climb over the treacherous terrain, back to the road potentially saving its injured passengers – this is the future of vehicular mobility,” Hyundai Design Manager David Byron said.
2. Chronolife vest
https://twitter.com/Recruiter_Don/status/1082130389135577088
France-based health tech company Chronolife has created a vest they say has the capability to predict the likelihood of a heart attack. The company says the cotton and Lycra vest measures six physiological stats to help monitor those diagnosed with chronic or congestive heart failure. It doesn’t require internet connection or any charging, and it’s machine washable.
The company hopes to receive FDA approval this summer.
3. Hupnos anti-snoring sleep mask
A top cause of sleep deprivation at the station is your snoring colleagues, right? This mask is hoping to alleviate the noise by pairing with an app that monitors your sleep and determines when snoring begins. Once detected, the mask vibrates to nudge you to move to another sleeping position and increases the Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure to stop the snoring if the movement doesn’t do the trick.
You can currently purchase one on Indiegogo.
4. Urgonight
https://twitter.com/OMD_USA/status/1082879102691037184
Speaking of a good night’s rest, the Urgonight wants to train your brain to sleep better. The headband connects to an app on your phone and helps your brain develop wave patterns that will result in healthier sleep. Developers said it takes about three months to achieve sustainable results through three 20 minute sessions per week.
The device is set to be available for purchase later this year.
5. Withings Move ECG
It looks like a regular analog watch, but this fitness watch can measure electrocardiograms for a third of the price of an Apple Watch S4. Achieve a reading by touching both sides of the watch’s bezel for 30 seconds while wearing it. The data will be sent to an app on your phone.
The watch is currently under review for FDA clearance and is expected to hit the market later this year.
6. AerBetic wearable blood sugar level tracker
https://twitter.com/pushpd/status/1083022566544019457
The AerBetic was designed to change the lives of diabetics by using exhaled breath instead of pricking a finger. The device, which looks like a silver watch without a face, is targeted on “gasses indicative of high and low blood sugar events,” according to AerBetic Co-founder and COO Eric Housh.
“We’re able to pair that with a companion app. The app can alert not only the patient … but can also alert a network of caregivers,” Housh added.
The device will be available to purchase in late 2019.
7. Omron HeartGuide blood pressure monitor
With nearly 50 percent of firefighter line of duty deaths caused by cardiovascular issues, it’s important to stay on top of your heart health. This wearable device, which is currently available for purchase, comes equipped with an inflatable blood pressure cuff hidden behind the wrist band that works just like the one your doctor uses. The data is stored in the device’s memory and can also be reviewed on an app.
8. Harley Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle
Police officers patrolling on motorcycles might be excited to hear that Harley Davidson’s long-awaited green machine is now available for pre-order. The electric motorcycle can reach 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and comes equipped with an H-D Connect system that uses LTE to allow you to check on your bike remotely, find out if someone is trying to steal your ride and receive service reminders.
9. R-Pur Nano mask
Officers on both motorcycles and bicycles are exposed to air pollution, and this mask is hoping to reduce that risk by filtering toxic particles such as bacteria, viruses and dangerous particles found in diesel exhaust.
It can be worn under any type of helmet and comes with a valve to let hot air out when you’re exerting yourself. The mask even lights up to alert you of the surrounding air quality, glowing green for good air and red for bad.
The mask will be available for purchase in the U.S. later this year.
10. LG CLOi SuitBot
The first “human-centric” wearable could potentially reduce the physical strain first responders often face in the field by supporting and enhancing the user’s legs. The design aims to allow the robot to move in a more natural way. On a less natural note, the SuitBot can connect with other service robots to form a smart working network, and can even use biometric and environmental data to learn and suggest optimal movements for maximum efficiency.
Would you use any of these high-tech gadgets? Be sure to weigh in below.