Automakers are looking to integrate wireless medical monitoring technologies into their in-car networks so drivers can keep tabs on their health while on the go. Katherine Harmon reports.
Getting stuck in traffic might be enough to raise anyone's blood pressure. But what if your car could let you know by just how much?
In-car health monitoring might be coming to a vehicle near you. For the ultimate driving –multitasking—experience, at least one automaker is looking to include new health tracking technology in their cars.
And that could be a good thing. With Americans spending more than a hundred hours a year driving to and from work, some of that time could be spent: keeping tabs on health risks—with personalized allergy warnings—or managing chronic conditions—such as diabetes.
Ford is partnering with companies that make instruments to measure blood glucose levels and software to help diabetic patients track their diet and medications.
The interface will be hands free, of course, using voice recognition and wireless blood monitors that sync with the in-car network.
So... a driver's side blood pressure cuff might be a ways down the road… But some day soon—between fiddling with the radio, AC and your cell phone—you could be tweaking your vitals, too. With all of these in-car "conveniences," let's just hope the driverless cars get here soon.
—Katherine Harmon
[The above text is an exact transcript of this podcast.]
