Gyroscopes & fall detection: list of wearables that detect falls

What is a gyroscope?

A gyroscope is used to measure angular velocity and can be used for navigation purposes, as it detects orientation and rotation. It's another extremely useful sensor packed into wearables, and integrating its readings with those of the accelerometer can produce an accurate, 3D representation of the user's movements in all directions. Gyroscopes are mounted on a frame and are able to sense an angular velocity if the frame is rotating.

What sort of movements are unlocked with gyroscopes?

With accurate 3D representations, dynamic athletic movements are recorded better. This has enabled wearables to perform across a range of different activities beyond just the usual walking and running that traditional devices were restricted to. Example activities that are unlocked include sport-specific actions such as cricket bowling delivery or a baseball pitch that are rapid and involve a high amount of rotational movement.

What else can it be used for? Fall detection

Gyroscopes provide additional benefits for wearable devices including improved rep counting in gym activities and improved distance and direction calculations when the GPS is switched off.

One of the most effective uses of the gyroscope is in picking up whether its wearer has fallen. Given how effective it is at capturing angular velocity, by combining the data with the input from accelerometer and even a barometer, the watch can get a clear picture of if the wearer has fallen.

For example, the Apple Watch's built-in fall detection feature is a powerful tool that can be potentially lifesaving. How it works is simple, if your watch detects a hard fall whilst it's worn, it taps you on the wrist, sounds an alarm and displays an alert. You can then choose to contact the emergency services or dismiss the alert by pressing ‘I'm OK'. Furthermore, if the watch detects that you've been immobile for about a minute, it will make the call automatically.

Through the Terra API, we provide connections to a range of different devices that detect if the user has fallen.

Below is a list of the wearables that contain fall detection:

• Apple watch SE and Series 4 and later