LOW COST AND RUGGEDIZED SMART WEARABLE MICROFLUIDIC PLATFORM FOR REAL-TIME HYDRATION MANAGEMENT

Big Picture: Extreme heat and inadequate hydration pose significant health risks to warfighters. With tensions rising in the Middle East and South Pacific, warfighters must be equipped to sustain long days in high-heat environments.  Technical Problem:Individual hydration needs vary, and current heat stress management methods like WBGT and NWS Heat Index are not personalized. These methods require expert interpretation, proximity-based monitoring, and underestimate risks. Urine-specific gravity is impractical for continuous monitoring. These methods fail to offer real-time, personalized fluid intake recommendations, making heat illness management challenging in military installations. The key question is how to manage hydration, heat exposure, and rehydration regimens for warfighters in challenging environments. Solution:Our defense-adapted solution is a smart wearable that captures electrochemical and biophysical metrics in a single device. It provides real-time data for safe training and fighting in dangerous environments. The reusable microfluidic band assembly allows team leaders to monitor hydration levels, enhancing safety and awareness. This cost-effective solution ensures personnel are healthy and prepared for challenging conditions.