This wearable could help prevent sexual assaults

Behind this idea is UC3M4Safety, a multidisciplinary team made up of different research groups from the Universidad Politécnica and the Universisad Carlos III, both from Madrid. The bracelet and pendant have been devised not only go completely unnoticed, as anyone can wear them as accessories in their usual attire, but they are connected to the phone with an application connected in turn to the "guardians" or circle of trust chosen by the user in question.

Thanks to artificial intelligence, the bracelet will be able to detect if the wearer is suffering an anxiety episode by detecting a sudden change in their vital signs. This is where the so-called "circle of trust or protection" comes into play, the people whowill receive the location of the potential victim. The pendant, on the other hand, will activate the microphone and start recording the voice of the user to analyze telltale signs of anxiety in speech, as well as record everything that happened as evidence in case there is a subsequent dispute.

In addition, the Bindi team will have a panic button on each of the devices - bracelet, pendant and smartphone - that the wearer can activate with a simple touch at any time in a situation that compromises their safety.

There are still many steps to be improved, such as perfecting AI algorithms to prevent an accelerated rate of heartbeat for any other reason from being mistaken for aggression. But we are talking about a prototype that still lacks funding to become a reality. I hope it's soon.

What it does mean is a huge step forward in the face of a growing problem around the world: sexual assault, gender-based violence and the killing of women around the world. In Spain, where the device is being developed at least 10 women have already died as a result of gender-based violence in 2019 alone.

Would you like this kind of protective wearable to be on the market soon?