Want to read your dog’s mind? Japan’s boom in weird wearable tech

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(CNN)What do Discman, Tamagotchi, and Game Boy have in common?

They’re all landmark Japanese inventions from the 80s and 90s, symbols of an era when the Asian nation was a world leader in tech innovation.

But with the rise of Silicon Valley, and American tech giants such as Google and Apple, has seen Japan produce less era-defining tech over the past two decades.

That, says Professor Masahiko Tsukamoto, of Kobe University’s Graduate School of Engineering, is about to change thanks to a new generation of young entrepreneurs, an uptick in international collaborations, and new partnerships with university scientists.

Japan’s focus this time around is not on smart phones or gaming, but wearable chairs, smart glasses and dog communication devices.

In short, wacky wearable tech.

Wearable tech in Japan

In 2013, Japan sold 530,000 units of wearable tech devices, according to Yano Research Institute.

That figure is predicted to leapfrog to 13.1 million units in 2017.

Using algorithms to decode a user’s intent, the device also features precise sensors that track direction, speed, and gestures.

The technology enables users to turn any surface into a smart screen, as well as interact with other smart devices.

Walking around at home, users can project a laptop screen onto a wall, switch on a coffee machine, read on any surface, and make online purchases with the point or swipe of a finger.

The developers — Israel-based MUV Interactive and Japan-based Silicon Technology — expect BIRD to be embraced by the education and corporate sectors, thanks to its ability to create collaborative presentations.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/09/asia/on-japan—wearable-tech/index.html

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