Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 22 hours ago
Why do expensive wearable physiologic monitors fail to deliver on promises that they will improve our health and performance? Surprisingly, the quality of physiological data from wearable devices such as smart watches is relatively poor - and it worsens when you are sick, active or in extreme environments. While security and privacy constrain sharing and remote analysis of these data, processor cores and batteries limit artificial intelligence algorithms that can be used to analyze data on these devices. Finally, available devices do not provide users actionable information about their health, stress, and recovery when they need it most. Ongoing Department of Defense and industry sponsored research at IHMC is pushing beyond these limitations. We highlight development of technologies such as advanced physiological sensors, tactical noninvasive nerve stimulators, and novel “e-skin” materials that enable us to successfully assess and augment performance in extreme environments.
Dr. Broderick is Chief Science Officer and Senior Research Scientist at IHMC. In these roles, he helps shape research strategy and performs high impact research focused on enhancing human health and performance. He has helped develop advanced biomedical technologies for the Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and global medical device companies. Prior to joining IHMC, he was a practicing general, trauma and robotic surgeon. He served within the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) where he established multiple high impact programs focused on precision diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury. He has productively engaged medical and elite operational communities to transition a broad range of technologies including surgical robots, epigenetic diagnostics and wearable devices. Operational certifications and experience have prompted recognition as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration undersea saturation diver and Honorary NASA Flight Surgeon.
This lecture is part of the IHMC Evening Lecture series.
ihmc.us/life/evening_lectures
Why do expensive wearable physiologic monitors fail to deliver on promises that they will improve our health and performance? Surprisingly, the quality of physiological data from wearable devices such as smart watches is relatively poor - and it worsens when you are sick, active or in extreme environments. While security and privacy constrain sharing and remote analysis of these data, processor cores and batteries limit artificial intelligence algorithms that can be used to analyze data on these devices. Finally, available devices do not provide users actionable information about their health, stress, and recovery when they need it most. Ongoing Department of Defense and industry sponsored research at IHMC is pushing beyond these limitations. We highlight development of technologies such as advanced physiological sensors, tactical noninvasive nerve stimulators, and novel “e-skin” materials that enable us to successfully assess and augment performance in extreme environments.
Dr. Broderick is Chief Science Officer and Senior Research Scientist at IHMC. In these roles, he helps shape research strategy and performs high impact research focused on enhancing human health and performance. He has helped develop advanced biomedical technologies for the Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and global medical device companies. Prior to joining IHMC, he was a practicing general, trauma and robotic surgeon. He served within the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) where he established multiple high impact programs focused on precision diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury. He has productively engaged medical and elite operational communities to transition a broad range of technologies including surgical robots, epigenetic diagnostics and wearable devices. Operational certifications and experience have prompted recognition as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration undersea saturation diver and Honorary NASA Flight Surgeon.
This lecture is part of the IHMC Evening Lecture series.
ihmc.us/life/evening_lectures
