DoD Investing in Wearable Technology That Could Rapidly Predict Disease

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Airman Katiha Falcon, 649th Munitions Squadron, wears a smartwatch Dec. 3, 2020, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Airmen from 649th MUNS are wearing watches and rings for a study with the Defense Innovation Unit that will allow detection of illnesses such as COVID-19 within 48 hours (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs).
Airman Katiha Falcon, 649th Munitions Squadron, wears a smartwatch Dec. 3, 2020, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Airmen from 649th MUNS are wearing watches and rings for a study with the Defense Innovation Unit that will allow detection of illnesses such as COVID-19 within 48 hours (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs).

May 15, 2023 | Originally published by U.S. Department of Defense on April 28, 2023

The Defense Innovation Unit, also known as DIU, in partnership with the private sector, has developed a wearable device that was highly successful during the COVID-19 pandemic in identifying infections.

“The Defense Department is looking to expand its use to other infectious disease detection in service members, which leaders say will aid in readiness,” said Jeff Schneider, program manager for the Rapid Assessment of Threat Exposure project, also known as the RATE program.

“DoD is extending the RATE project, initially started with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency in 2020, to new user groups after leading a successful prototype during COVID-19,” he said.

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