Next-gen wearable tech: a conversation at CES 2025

Industry leaders shared insights on the rapid advancements in wearable devices and their implications for health, wellness, and personalisation. Panellists included Scott Burgett, Senior Director of Garmin Health Engineering at GARMIN International Inc.; Alexi Coffey, VP of Product at WHOOP; Praveen Raja, Vice President of Digital Health at Samsung Health; and Olivier Ropars, Divisional Vice President of Abbott Lingo.

From the consumer’s growing demand for actionable health data to the integration of AI for personalised care, the conversation explored how wearable tech is reshaping the boundaries of healthcare.

Wearable devices have moved far beyond step counting, delving into areas like stress monitoring, heart rate variability, sleep tracking, and even blood glucose measurement. Olivier Ropars highlighted how Abbott Lingo is leveraging AI and continuous monitoring to empower users. "We’re giving people tools to manage their health in real time," he said, noting the significant impact of such innovations on chronic disease management. "Wearables can provide actionable insights, helping users make informed decisions to improve their lifestyle."

Alexi Coffey emphasised the growing interest in personalised health metrics. "There’s a shift in consumer health where people really want to understand their bodies," she said. "The daily relationship with data is no longer a novelty but a necessity for achieving goals. Wearables are helping people hold themselves accountable and take proactive steps toward better health."

Praveen Raja added that Samsung Health’s vision extends beyond traditional fitness tracking. "Wearables create a mountain of data every day," he explained. "The challenge is turning this data into meaningful insights that consumers and clinicians can easily understand and act upon. Our goal is to create a seamless ecosystem that bridges consumer devices and professional healthcare."

A recurring theme in the discussion was the interplay between consumer-driven innovation and clinical healthcare. Scott Burgett noted that GARMIN’s focus on integrating advanced sensors and AI is helping users optimise performance while also catering to medical needs. "We’re at a point where wearables are not just for athletes or fitness enthusiasts. They’re tools that can aid in weight management, stress reduction, and even early detection of health issues," he said.

The panellists agreed that collaboration between tech companies and healthcare providers is essential for the future. "We’re starting to see these worlds come together," Praveen Raja said. "Wearables are becoming vital tools in clinical settings, helping doctors monitor patients remotely and provide better care. For instance, real-time alerts can notify clinicians of potential health risks, ensuring timely intervention."

However, this integration comes with challenges. Olivier Ropars pointed out the hurdles in gaining clinical acceptance. "There’s still a gap between what consumers find valuable and what clinicians see as actionable," he remarked. "To address this, we need more evidence-based validation to ensure that wearable data is both accurate and useful in medical decision-making."

The future of wearables, the panellists concluded, lies in enhancing accessibility and personalisation. "The best wearable is the one you never take off," Alexi Coffey said. "Creating devices that are comfortable, easy to use, and seamlessly integrate into daily life is key to driving adoption."

Scott Burgett elaborated on the role of AI in this evolution. "AI allows us to provide tailored recommendations based on a user’s unique health profile," he said. "From predicting potential health issues to optimising daily routines, the possibilities are endless."

Olivier Ropars summed it up succinctly: "Wearables are no longer just gadgets; they’re extensions of our healthcare system. The challenge now is to make them smarter, more intuitive, and accessible to everyone."

As the panel wrapped up, the message was clear: wearable technology is poised to become an integral part of how we manage our health. By combining cutting-edge technology, seamless user experience, and collaboration between industries, the next generation of wearables promises to redefine wellness for individuals and societies alike.