Question 9 from UPSC CSE 2019 - Science & Technology

Question

In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices?
1. Location identification of a person
2. Sleep monitoring of a person
3. Assisting the hearing impaired person
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 2, and 3

Strategy: Each statement describes a major application area of wearable devices. Using general awareness of current technology, recognize that wearables like fitness trackers and smartwatches routinely perform location tracking (GPS), sleep monitoring (through motion and heart rate sensors), and there exist dedicated wearable hearing aids for the hearing impaired. No statement is outside the well-known usage spectrum of wearables, so all must be correct.

Key Info: Wearable devices are smart electronic gadgets designed to be worn on the body, integrating sensors, processors, and communication capabilities. Common examples include smartwatches, fitness bands, smart clothing, and medical devices.

- Location identification: Many wearables (e.g., smartwatches, fitness trackers) contain global positioning systems (GPS), accelerometers, and related sensors, enabling location tracking for navigation, geofencing, health monitoring, and safety alerts.
- Sleep monitoring: Wearables use sleep-tracking algorithms, often relying on accelerometers, heart rate monitors, and sometimes pulse oximeters to track sleep stages, duration, and quality. Devices analyze variability in movement and physiological metrics to infer sleep patterns and cycles.
- Assisting hearing impaired persons: Specialized wearables like digital hearing aids, cochlear implants, and hearables utilize microphones, processors, and amplifiers to enhance sound processing for those with hearing loss. Advanced hearing aids may connect via wireless technologies to smartphones for custom tuning and real-time adjustments.

Technologies involved include Bluetooth connectivity, mobile app integration, and increasingly, artificial intelligence for health data analytics. Regulatory bodies (such as the FDA in the US) set standards for medical-grade wearable devices. Consumer applications span health and wellness, safety, personal productivity, and assistive technologies.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 3 only

In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices? Location identification of a person Sleep monitoring of a person Assisting the hearing impaired person Select the correct answer using the code given below.

In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices?

Location identification of a person

Sleep monitoring of a person

Assisting the hearing impaired person
Select the correct answer using the code given below.