Samsung Australia tackles concussion head on with the brainBAND

Samsung Australia has introduced a new piece of wearable technology that's designed to aid research into concussion in sports. The gadget is called brainBAND and it's the result of a collaboration between Dr. Alan Pearce and Braden Wilson as part of Samsung's Launching People initiative which brings together experts in their respective fields and combines their talents with Samsung technology. Dr. Pearce is a neuroscientist involved in research and education on concussion neurophysiology and Braden Wilson is an industrial designer who specialises in technology.

The brainBAND prototype is capable of tracking impacts to the head in contact sports in real-time, the data obtained can then be used to better understand concussion in sport and its impact on the brain. The specially designed headband features sensors at the back of the head that measure the force of an impact. The data can then be synced via an app to referees, medics and coaches in real-time through Samsung devices. A series of LED lights are also embedded in the headband to show the level of impact of a hit: yellow, orange and red for high alert, which warns that a player should be taken off the field for immediate assessment. All impact data is recorded and logged so that players can get a complete picture of the forces their brain has been put under.

“The ultimate goal is that by understanding the dangers of repeated concussions, brainBAND may help prevent life changing injuries at every level of the game, and protect the next generation of players,” said Dr. Alan Pearce.