Sweat-Monitoring hDrop Wearable Aims to Give You Real-Time Insights Into Your Hydration Levels

Little Rock-based hDrop Technologies is looking to launch a smart, non-invasive wearable hydration monitor that samples your sweat to figure out when you're in need of a drink.

"When you are thirsty you are already 10% dehydrated, and the adverse effects of this problem range from dizziness to, for the most severe cases, a heat stroke," hDrop's Adria Villafranca claims. "So far, no method or device has been able to predict when the time will come for dehydration. Well, none, until hDrop."

"hDrop is a non-invasive, inexpensive, and easy way to track hydration. A wearable device able to measure your hydration status in real-time through your sweat. hDrop measures the changes in electrolytes in your sweat as well as your body temperature in order to provide early notifications to the user. As a company, we are looking to become the premier supplier of non-invasive sensor technology."

The wearable sensor, which is placed on the arm, includes activity detection and real-time data collection even away from a smartphone - collecting hydration data for up to four hours as a standalone device. Once analyzed, the data is used to warn the wearer when hydration is recommended, electrolyte loss is predicted, monitor their sweat rate, and keep an eye on their temperature.

"If you have sweaty hands, you can put your finger over the sensor and receive the information immediately through your smartphone," the company notes of its sweat-sensing system. "We highly recommend using hDrop on your upper arm and going for a walk or run. hDrop can detect sedentary activities too! It just takes a little bit more time to get results. When you are seated or lying down, you are perspiring at a slower rate, requiring a little more time to get measurements. This is why it will take a little bit more time to get measurements."

The hDrop is now crowdfunding on Kickstarter, with early bird rewards starting at $79.