I’m constantly on the lookout for new devices that are practical and help my clients lose weight. Cambridge Consultants has developed the wrist-worn ‘MiBand’, a completely new type of device which continuously tracks activity levels throughout the day. The MiBand, which requires very little user-input, sends its data to a behavioral coaching system called MiLife which then provides health and fitness guidance. Trials have shown users increase activity by more than 2 hours a week.

MiBand was developed for MiLife Coaching Ltd, enhancing their online service for individuals and for companies who want to support a healthier lifestyle amongst their staff. In England alone, between 1993 and 2005, the proportion of individuals classified as obese has increased from 13.2 per cent to 23.1 per cent for men and from 16.4 per cent to 24.8 per cent for women [NHS statistics]. Desk-based jobs and poor diets have contributed to this trend.

MiBand features an integrated accelerometer that measures activity levels throughout the day based on movement. This data is combined with weight measurements, taken remotely from a special set of MiLife’s ‘Bluetooth^® Smart Scales’ that transmit automatically to the device when operated. The data is transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth to a PC and then uploaded to the individual’s online health record, which then provides personalised advice based on the individual’s lifestyle.

Cambridge Consultants provided complete wireless, electronic, software and mechanical product design from development to manufacture of MiBand. Ultra low power design techniques were employed to enable the device to continually monitor activity levels for up to two weeks between charges. The device is comfortable to wear 24/7 and withstands water and dirt. MiBand is also very simple to use, with all operations being performed via a minimal user interface based on a capacitive touch sensor. So there really are no more excuses not to exercise.

Paul Williamson, Head of Wireless Medical at Cambridge Consultants said, “The exemplary achievement with MiBand is that we were able to combine our expertise in wireless communication and consumer product development to deliver a device that monitors activity in a form that is comfortable and easy to use. Despite its internal complexity, MiBand is extremely simple to use, requiring only a small commitment of time from the user.”

Ogi Bataveljic, CTO at MiLife Coaching Ltd commented, “The MiBand activity monitor was an essential component in the creation of our business. Cambridge Consultants’ ability to quickly translate the monitor from a concept to a volume manufacturable product was crucial for us. Their solution was technologically sophisticated, packaging an accurate activity tracker in a user-friendly design with a simple user-interface. We are delighted with the final product.”