The device, called Vigo, can keep drivers from dozing off on long drives and help users stay alert in class or during presentations.
Vigo tracks patterns in your blinks and in your body's movement to quantify how alert you are in real time.
Although your brain has a tendency to trick you into thinking you're mentally fit enough to keep pushing on with your daily business, your body can't hide when you're tired.
With an infrared sensor, an accelerometer, and a clever algorithm, Vigo knows you're drowsy before you do, according to the product description on Kickstarter website.
The device connects to your smartphone through Bluetooth. Users can customise when, and how, Vigo nudges them. They can choose between a soft pulsing vibration, a discreet notification LED or a song to help them re-focus.
Vigo can also help users determine their peak energy periods. The companion app visualises the important information about user alertness, allowing them to see patterns and make changes in their routine.
The motivation to build Vigo came to the researchers when they were studying at the University of Pennsylvania.
They have been building Vigo over the past couple of months under the arm of the hardware accelerator programme HAXLR8R in Shenzhen, China.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
