Wearable self-powered sensors could prevent stillbirths

The Self-Powered Tribo-Electric Pressure Sensor (STEPS1.0) allows for the advanced remote monitoring of essential indicators such as breathing patterns, bed occupancy, foetal movements during pregnancy and pressure distribution to avoid bedsores. 

Making use of mechanical energy from natural movement, STEPS1.0 operates without the need for batteries or external charging, offering a scalable, cost-effective alternative to existing monitoring systems. 

With £265,000 funding from Innovate UK, Z-PULSE is now working with the Surrey Sleep
Research Centre, Kymira, and Milbotix to use STEPS1.0 in real-world healthcare settings. 

Applications under development include continuous, real-time monitoring of sleep patterns, breathing and movement in dementia patients. 

Partners are also incorporating STEPS1.0 into a wearable belt that can detect foetal movements – with hopes of preventing up to 3,400 stillbirths annually in the UK. 

Dr Bhaskar Dudem, Chief Technology Officer and Founder of Z-PULSE Ltd, and Research Fellow at the University of
Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute, said: 

“This funding is a significant milestone for Z-PULSE, allowing us to move from lab-based research to having a real-world impact. 

“By eliminating the need for external power sources, STEPS1.0 ensures uninterrupted, real-time health monitoring for critical conditions like dementia and foetal health. 

“The validation from leading research partners strengthens our path to commercialisation." 

Professor Ravi Silva, Director of Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), added: “Our self-powered sensor technology
has the potential to redefine wearable healthcare, making continuous monitoring effortless and accessible. 

“It has many applications in a modern society, where the Gen-Z population can be linked seamlessly and remotely to everyday activities of loved ones and those under their care without having wired links or battery-operated sensors.
 
“We are testing prototypes in a dementia care setting, that includes monitoring sleep and physiological parameters. The ATI at Surrey has been delivering
real-world tech solutions for more than two decades."

Dr Jim Shaikh is the Managing Director of Innovate Surrey Ltd, which was established to bridge the gap between the research happening at the University and real-world applications. 

He said: “Z-PULSE’s wearable healthcare technology is a fantastic example of how we support innovation to move from the lab to everyday life, improving healthcare outcomes and supporting economic growth. 

“We’re proud to support exciting ventures like Z-PULSE that have the potential to make a real difference in society and even save lives.”