Society

Shirt with heatstroke sensor developed

Aug 24 (NHK) - Japanese sporting goods maker ASICS Corporation and telecom giant NTT have unveiled a prototype of a new shirt with a sensor to help wearers avoid heatstroke.

The 2 firms showed the prototype on Thursday.

A small sensor on its back monitors the wearer's heartbeat, temperature and humidity in the shirt, and heat from the sun.

The sensor sends the data to the wearer's smartphone so that the person can check his or her physical condition. If the data indicate risk of heatstroke, the device notifies the wearer.

The firms say they will work to improve the device's accuracy so that it can be used by people working long hours outside as well as the elderly and children.

The companies say they plan to put the shirt into practical use by the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

An official at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science says people have been relying on their own sense to drink water to stay hydrated, but that the device can tell them when to do so.

The official says the device will be helpful for children and elderly people who have trouble maintaining proper body temperature.

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