by Elaine Kachala
What do you think you already know about wearable technology? What are you still curious about?
Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution is about wearable technologies—how they work and how they can empower people to live better lives. From smart clothing to virtual reality to exoskeletons, wearables are changing how we live and giving us superpowers! Super strength. Super hearing. Super vision. Super connection. Super intelligence! These may sound like good things, but what if super strength results in endless work? What if hackers can read our thoughts? What if living in a virtual world affects our humanity? Innovation can have downsides!
In the book, readers meet engineers, designers, scientists, and young inventors exploring the pros and cons of technology and navigating the next tech frontier of wearable computing.
There are many pros; for example, imagine being totally alert but unable to walk, speak or move your hands to turn on a light switch. It’s like you’re locked in your body. Now imagine a technology that helps you do things using only your thoughts. That technology is called a brain-computer interface (BCI)
A BCI allows a direct communication link between a person’s brain and external technology so that they can control that technology.
Or, what about virtual reality (VR) applications that allow surgeons to practice their skills without harming patients, help pilots safely test new landing maneuvers, or help us all improve our athletic skills.
Wearable technologies offer life-changing possibilities.
But what if the same BCI technology will one day be able to read your mind? And what if the same VR technologies plunge us into living in a metaverse where all our human interactions are digital? Scientists already know that kids who use VR can become more confused than adults about what's real and what's not.
Technology influences us and shapes us and our society; it always has, and there can be many benefits. But is there a line that innovation shouldn't cross? And where is it? Just because we can meld our minds and bodies with machines, should we? And how do we ensure it's safe for those using it?
In this book, you'll learn about the wearable-tech revolution—the next tech frontier changing how we live. And you'll meet experts who are striving for responsible design. They're on a mission to head off problems before the technology's out there causing harm. They know superpowers can become super problems. And they don't want the dangers to stamp out the incredible benefits.
Editor's Note: Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution releases with Orca Book Publishers on October 18, 2022. It's Elaine's first book, and she's incredibly excited!
