Apple’s newly filed patent technology is attracting attention. In the United States, more than 3,500 people lose their lives annually due to drowning, making it the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death. Apple’s new technology aims to address this serious issue.
The average person can hold their breath underwater for about 30 seconds, while even very healthy and well-trained individuals can only manage up to 2 minutes. If a person cannot breathe for 4 to 6 minutes, they may suffer brain damage, and in the worst case, drown. To prevent such situations, Apple has developed a technology that allows the Apple Watch to detect abnormalities during swimming and send notifications to nearby devices.
The various sensors built into the Apple Watch analyze the user’s movements to determine if they are swimming. Using machine learning models, the watch learns the user’s movements and biometric information, sending notifications when an abnormality is detected. For example, it uses inertial sensors to judge the possibility of drowning based on the movement and posture of the limbs, and it can detect anomalies through heart rate and blood oxygen level sensors.
This technology can operate not only independently but also in conjunction with pool surveillance camera systems. When the Apple Watch detects an abnormality, it sends a wireless signal to nearby smartphones, smartwatches, or computers, which then alert rescuers through sound or vibration.
According to a demographic survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 8,677 people drowned in Japan in 2022, and about 77% of these, or 6,677 people, drowned in bathtubs. Most of these victims were elderly, with 95% of bathtub drowning victims being 65 years or older. Considering this, Apple’s technology could be greatly beneficial in preventing drowning accidents in the bath as well.
The Apple Watch has already saved many lives with its abnormal heart rate notification feature. We hope that this new technology, once implemented, will save even more lives. We also hope to see an increase in facilities, such as fitness gyms, that allow the use of smartwatches.
Let’s continue to look forward to Apple’s innovative technology protecting our safety.
