SUIT UP WITH A SMART RUNNING JACKET.
The Osgood File. Sponsored in part by Auto Owners Insurance, the No Problem People. Visit AutoOwners.Com. And by Barbasol Pacific Rush. An exhilarating fresh scent that brings a close, comfortable shave. So, lather up, America - with thick and rich Barbasol Shaving Cream. This is Charles Osgood on the CBS Radio Network.
The way things are going, perhaps it won't be long until you can buy an entire wardrobe of wearable tech gear.
There are "smart watches" and "smart glasses," of course. And now, there is also a "smart jacket" for runners that can track their progress in real time.
We'll suit up after this...
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Engineers in Mexico designed the "smart jacket" for runners, which they dubbed the "Podium."
The jacket is packed with sensors that gather data on the runner's heart rate and body temperature - as well as things like distance and calories burned. The data gets fed to a microprocessor, which sends it to a smartphone through a Bluetooth connection.
Alejandro Garcia leads the team that created the "Podium" at the National Autonomous University in Mexico City. He says it helps runners pace themselves and maximize their performance...
SOT - Alejandro Garcia
"(NAT Spanish with English VO:) The jacket is able to measure elements that are necessary for the runner such as heart rate. The runner will be able to determine if their heart rate goes over a certain limit. The phone will then send a signal or generate an alarm. The same goes for temperature..." (:16)
What's the jacket made of?
Well, Garcia and his team used a waterproof, breathable fabric - which protects the sensors while still keeping the runner comfortable...
SOT - Alejandro Garcia
"(NAT Spanish with English VO:) We designed several versions of the jacket until we came up with a design that could cover the electronics throughout the human body. A jacket with laser-printed, waterproof material that allows for holes - so that the person running is able to keep cool." (:15)
And as long as the Sun is out, he says the "Podium" is always charging - thanks to a thin layer of solar panels on its back.
The team plans to start filling orders for the jacket next year.
The Osgood File. This is Charles Osgood on the CBS Radio Network. |
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