Easy implementation of IoT for beauty and health equipment!

Advancement of IoT for beauty and health equipment

In recent years, improvements in sensor functions and performance have made it easier to measure skin age and moisture content using sensors.

Therefore, there may be people who want to commercialize beauty and health equipment by incorporating new sensor technology that has never existed before.

In this article, we will introduce the technology that is indispensable for the IoT of beauty and health equipment and the points that cannot be overlooked when commercializing them.

An example of IoT for beauty and health equipment

Technology essential for the IoT of beauty and health equipment

The number of cases where the latest technology is introduced in beauty and health equipment is increasing. For example, recently we have been receiving a lot of inquiries about:

  • Facial massagers and electric shavers are often used with wet hands, so we wanted to realize a waterproof and rust-proof charging mechanism using wireless power supply.
  • I want to add detection functions such as skin condition/moisture content using pressure sensors and pulse wave sensors.
  • For cosmetics and serums, we want to provide the best products on the spot based on information such as the individual's skin condition, physical condition, weather, and local environment of the day.
  • I want to get my own information by linking with my smartphone and connecting to the cloud.
  • We want to use AI to propose improvement points for beauty and health based on daily data.
The three main technologies that are critical to these demands are:
 
1. Sensors to collect data
2. Wireless device for transferring data to external equipment
3. AI algorithms for grasping trends from acquired data and making predictions and proposals

1. Sensors to collect data

An example of beauty equipment

There are a wide variety of devices for sensors, such as light, sound, humidity/temperature, pressure, distance, and acceleration. Please refer to the following for the details of each sensor and the latest sensors.

What is a sensor? Basic knowledge for digitization and IoT
Introducing sensors for IoT devices by type

2. Wireless device for transferring data to external equipment

Wireless devices used in beauty and health equipment

Along with sensors, the wireless method is an important technology for the IoT of products.

There are various types of wireless systems such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee, so it is important to decide which wireless system to use in product development.

This article introduces the characteristics of each wireless standard, so please refer to it as well.

Which one should I choose for IoT device communication? [Business Trip APS Laboratory] 

3. AI algorithms for grasping trends from acquired data and making predictions and proposals

AI algorithms

AI is also attracting a lot of attention in beauty equipment.

We are now receiving inquiries from customers who want to not only detect and accumulate daily data, but also propose improvements for their beauty and health based on that information.
AI can help in times like this.

AI solutions provided by Macnica 

Do you have any troubles in product development?

Male

You have product ideas for beauty and health equipment, but don't know how to commercialize them

Male

Lack of in-house development resources

Woman
  • I want to consult an expert on how to realize a product, but who should I consult?
Male

For the time being, I want to make a prototype that works, but I can't find a good subcontractor

Woman
  • I don't know how to realize the latest technologies such as IoT and wireless power supply
Male

I know the software, but I don't know the electrical design

Male
  • I want to conduct verification in anticipation of the realization of a product such as a prototype (PoC)

Due to the issues mentioned above, there are an increasing number of cases in which design is outsourced as IoT is promoted. However, the introduction of the latest technology may encounter unexpected problems depending on the technical capabilities of the subcontractor, and development may take time.

Risk caused by wrong selection of subcontractors

I have seen many cases of failure due to mistakes in the selection of contractors as a result of commercializing products such as beauty equipment through outsourced development. Here are three major factors that contribute to failure.

1. Failure to ensure the quality standards required for equipment

Beauty and health equipment are products that have a large impact on the human body. Depending on the application of the product, it may be necessary to meet standards such as medical device certification.

It is important to design with a view to passing certification from the time of PoC and prototyping. In particular, if non-certified parts are used, a redesign is required, which is costly and time consuming.

2. Outsourcers do not have the know-how to develop the latest technology

Recent beauty and health devices are increasingly equipped with the latest technologies such as “wireless power supply” and “IoT”.

Without sufficient evaluation and technical know-how, these latest technologies will cause defects in the market and cause complaints from customers.
As a result, it can lead to loss of customer confidence and compensation issues.

3. Lack of ability to procure parts for mass production

Beauty and health devices are increasingly equipped with CMOS sensors that monitor skin conditions, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth components for connecting devices to networks.

Although these parts can be easily procured for prototyping, it may not be possible to procure the required quantity for mass production.
For example, CMOS sensors have problems such as whether or not they can be procured depending on the purchase quantity.
If it is not possible to procure parts at the time of mass production, or if it is not possible to procure parts that are commensurate with the cost, production will be delayed.

please consult

Those who want to be entrusted with the development of beauty and health equipment and the production of prototypes (PoC)

At Macnica, our concept is to "give shape to our customers' ideas," and we help with the development and mass production of IoT devices in a wide range of fields, as well as the construction of AI cloud systems that can analyze and visualize data.

For hardware/software designers

Macnica handles sensors, microcontrollers, and wireless devices from a variety of vendors.
We can also propose AI solutions. If you are having trouble selecting a device, please feel free to contact us.

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