Wearables, Biomarkers, and Performance Recovery

Stress and fatigue experienced during active military training, during combat and while working in complex environments (aircraft cockpit, carrier flight deck, air traffic control, etc.), can lead to lapses of attention, reduced reaction times, and loss of impulse control. Commanders have limited options available to identify individuals experiencing cognitive decline and have minimum access to appropriate countermeasures. Thus, there is a substantial need for new technology to recognize and counteract performance decline in individuals while they carry out critical operations. We propose to develop a closed loop wearable system to continuously measure an individual’s performance indicators, identify performance decay, and automatically deliver enhancement agents for performance recovery. Ability to function independent of human intervention, favors use of the device in operating environments lacking easy access to medical resources. We have successfully carried out a Phase I SBIR to identify favorable bioengineering options for a closed loop system for delivery of performance enhancement agents according to measurements of a person’s stress/fatigue status. As part of the Phase I, we identified preferred subsystems and components that show high levels of technological maturity and made a down selection to create a preliminary design. During Phase II, an engineering design that informs how to integrate both sensing and augment functionalities into an automated device will be developed, resulting in the fabrication and testing of a closed loop prototype. Potential for a successful Phase II outcome is supported by the investigators’: (1) access to existing sensor concepts and hardware for detecting a variety of biomarkers; (2) on going experience developing proprietary drug infusion technology; (3) connections to experts in wearable devices technology; and (4) access to complementary firmware/software physiological monitoring solutions that we have integrated into equipment used in training of military pilots.  These factors favor rapid transition to a low cost, low risk closed loop device in Phase III. There are significant private sector commercial opportunities for the proposed device.