As co-founder and President of Valencell, Inc., Dr. LeBoeuf has developed ongoing strategic partnerships between Valencell and leaders in industry and academia. He has raised more than $10M in funding for Valencell and is the inventor/co-inventor of more than 50 granted patents, including dozens of foundational patents in the field of accurate wearable sensors. Prior to Valencell, LeBoeuf led the optoelectronic biosensor program at GE Global Research, where he managed the development and productization of biosensor systems and developed cutting-edge nanosensor technology. Before joining GE, LeBoeuf developed optoelectronic solid-state materials and devices while researching at North Carolina State University. Dr. LeBoeuf holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from N.C. State and a B.S. in Mathematics and Electrical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University.
For episode 12 we’re continuing our featured series, LIVE from CES 2017 at the #FitTechSummit bringing the top speakers and brands from Las Vegas right to your audio player.
With fitness wearables, apps, and devices of the rise, Dr. Steven is talking with us about a flourishing segment in our industry called, “hearables.” These are connected devices worn at the ear, typically functioning as an audio earbud, biometric monitor, and can also be used as an augmented hearing device.
The hearables segment is projected to have a compound growth rate of over 170% in the next 4 years, and Dr. Steven’s insight and expertise on how this tech will impact the fitness industry will uncover the changes we’re seeing in the way fitness professionals will collect heart rate, blood pressure, perform health and fitness assessments and much more.
Listen To Episode 012 As Dr. Steven Uncovers
What are hearables?
Growth of hearables as a segment in wearables
Why there are over 330 million aftermarket headphones now in the marketplace
Why track biometrics at the ear? (effective due to arterioles and blood flow)
The science of tracking blood pressure and other biometrics at the ear
Discover how in 2006 Valencell’s technology lead to the rise of the wearables market
Why one of the biggest hurdles with sensor technology is predicting the future (for investors)
Making sensor tech seamless? Exploring augmented hearing and voice user input
The confluence of combining wearables biometrics with AI for Voice Plus
Why use case validation is not done well currently, and what needs to be done for the future
Why everything Dr. Steven does is about making people's lives better
Top 3 Takeaways From The Show
The hearables segment is projected to have a compound growth rate of over 170% in the next 4 years. This technology will impact the future of how fitness professionals will collect heart rate, blood pressure, perform health and fitness assessments and much more.
Hearables are poised for tremendous growth, being driven by several orthogonal market forces, however, before mass-market adoption (10 M+ users) can be realized, a few technical challenges remain.
The technical hurdles that stand between niche markets and mass consumer adoption are proving stable, seamless Bluetooth and wireless connectivity balanced with advanced features of size, comfort, and power management for long-term comfort and extended wear use cases.
Power Quotes From Dr. Steven
"At Valencell, we want you live your life well, with whatever wearable you like, and we'll help collect the data you generate to uniquely guide you in your lifestyle to better health." - Dr. Steven LeBoeuf on the Fitness + Technology Podcast
"We're seeing that sensor use case validation is often not done well. What companies must do now is work together to test out these cutting edge technologies to meet the demands for seamless functionality and accuracy during real life situations." - Dr. Steven LeBoeuf on the Fitness + Technology Podcast
Resources Mentioned From Dr. Steven
CES 2017: Optical Sensor Measures Blood Pressure
Dr. Steven LaBouef on LinkedIn
Nick Hunn - Industry reviewer
Photoplethysmography: a volumetric measurement of an organ. A PPG is often obtained by using a pulse oximeter which illuminates the skin and measures changes in light absorption.
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