Hexoskin at the Virtual MedTech Conference: Sessions Explore Everything from Outer Space to the Hospital of the Future

Hexoskin's CEO Pierre-Alexandre Fournier joined astronaut David Saint-Jacques and other panelists this week to discuss innovation in space medicine at the Virtual MedTech Conference.

After 20 years of continuous human presence on the International Space Station, countries from around the world are getting ready to send humans farther into our solar system, beyond Earth's orbit. Technologies required to support long-duration missions, such as to Mars and back to the moon, will be critical to the next 50 years of space exploration.

The Canadian Space Agency, numerous innovative Canadian medical technology companies and the National Research Council of Canada, are performing key research to develop and incorporate novel medical devices solutions for long-duration human spaceflight.

Cutting-edge microgravity research and space-relevant clinical expertise are critical to ensure an autonomous crew health care system. Canadian scientists, clinicians and specialists have developed and demonstrated new devices for remote clinical care including point of care diagnostics and real-time astronaut monitoring.

Among these innovations, Hexoskin has launched the wearable Astroskin Bio-Monitor system to the International Space Station in 2018 to monitor astronaut's vital signs. The system is used since for medical research in micro-gravity but also for research on Earth by a wide community of clinicians working in universities and research centers around the world.

The video of the MedTech Conference panel has been published and is available on the conference platform for attendees here: https://medtechvirtual2020.pathable.co/meetings/virtual/v98noBALBh3R4Xa5e

To learn more on Astroskin Vital Signs Monitoring Platform, Download Astroskin Product Specifications or contact us.

Advancing space medicine knowledge aboard the ISS. Another space mission for Astroskin / Bio-Monitor!

Earlier this month, European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano conducted validation tests on-orbit and wore the Astroskin garment and headband connected to the data unit for his first 72-hour monitoring experience.

Luca Parmitano also conducted maintenance operations for the Astroskin / Bio-Monitor that was deployed on the ISS orbiting lab, last December by Canadian Astronaut David Saint-Jacques.

Although the ISS is equipped with health and life sciences research tools, the existing instrumentation for continuous and simultaneous recording of several physiological parameters was lacking. To address this issue, the Canadian Space Agency's Bio-Monitor Commissioning activity uses the Astroskin / Bio-Monitor system; a complete vital signs monitoring platform coupled with a wearable garment capable of monitoring relevant physiological parameters in a non-invasive and non-interfering way during a normal day in space. 

The physiological parameters which can be monitored consist of blood pressure, peripheral blood oxygen saturation, 3-lead ECG, respiration, skin temperature, and activity, will help push further our understanding of Vascular aging and Human Physiology in space. 

Venturing into the environment of space, microgravity can have negative effects on the human body. When astronauts return to Earth, their carotid arteries, which carry blood to the head and neck, appear to have aged 20 to 30 years. Artery walls become stiffer and thicker in space, the same as when people grow older on Earth.

“You can take extremely healthy, fit astronauts and put them in an environment that restricts their ability to do daily exercise, and they run the risk of developing insulin resistance that on Earth could lead to Type II diabetes,” said principal investigator Richard L. Hughson of Schlegel-University of Waterloo in Ontario

Now operational the Astroskin Bio-Monitor system is available for the next five years to conduct Health research in Space for all participating countries to the International Space Station.

Sometimes you wear the experiment: the Bio-Monitor smart shirt system measures vital signs like temperature, heart rate, respiration and movement, and transmits the data to a tablet application. #MissionBeyond @csa_asc pic.twitter.com/2h6lmRUyHH

— Luca Parmitano (@astro_luca) 19 août 2019

Source:
NASA. 2019. ISS Daily Summary Report - 8/14/2019
NASA. 2019. ISS Daily Summary Report - 8/13/2019

About Hexoskin
Since 2006, Hexoskin’s mission is to develop sensors and health data infrastructure to generate clinical grade real-world evidence. The Astroskin demonstrates once again Hexoskin’s leadership in providing the industry leading sensors, software, and AI to push further our understanding of human physiology on earth and in space.

Everest & Back in 14 days by Roxanne Vogel - An endurance Lab Project using Astroskin

Roxanne Vogel, Mountaineer and Nutrition & Performance Research Manager at Gu Energy Labs, became the first person to complete a lightning ascent of Mount Everest. On a normal climb, the journey would take nearly two months, but Vogel completed the round trip in just 14 days.

The Hexoskin team wants to congrats Roxanne for completing this amazing challenge and reaching the top of the world!

Astroskin: a non-invasive method to collect novel data above 7000 m continuously and in real-time to study the effects of altitude.

Roxanne turned the experience into a science project to study the effects of a rapid ascent on the human body. For this journey, the Astroskin Shirt presented itself as an important measurement tool to study the Montaineer vital signs during the ascent. «It was a non-invasive method to collect novel data above 7000 m continuously and in real-time so that I could not only monitor my physiology for safety reasons but also gather information about how the human body adapts to high altitude hypoxia in such a short amount of time. This is the first time the world will see continuous data of this nature for the variables Astroskin measures! I needed something I could put on, press start, and forget about that didn’t take up much space or weight to carry, and Astroskin was the perfect solution.

The Astroskin Shirt is comfortable to wear and the set up is very user-friendly. I put it on and basically forgot it was there, except when I had to change batteries. It made my life as a scientist on the mountain so much easier than if I were to attempt to collect similar variables at distinct data points, which would only provide a “snapshot” of the data, not a complete picture. Overall, it was a great experience using the Astroskin», said Roxanne Vogel, Mountaineer and Nutrition & Performance Research Manager at Gu Energy Labs.

A 14 days Mount Everest Lightning Ascent that Pushes the Limits of Mountaineering

Roxanne left Berkeley on May 10 for the 14 days Mount Everest Lightning Ascent and complete her sixth summit climb out of the world’s seven highest mountains. Vogel spent four months training with coaches and three months training for the changes in altitude. 

Roxanne Vogel reached the summit on May 22 at 11:45 a.m and arrived back in the San Francisco at 11 p.m. Friday. Her next adventure is in Antarctica, where she will endeavor to complete her seven-summit goal by the end of the year.

«My friend and hero Lydia Bradey and I summited Mount Everest (8848 meters/29,029 ft), the first climbing members to reach it from the Tibet side this season, just as the rope-fixers finished putting up the final 500 vertical feet of lines. They hugged and high-fived us as they descended, leaving us alone with our two Sherpas, Mingma Tshering and Pasang Tendi, on the summit, an incredible and almost non-existent experience. 

We climbed from Camp 2 at 7700 meters, departing late by Everest standards at 1:45 AM, to give the rope fixers time to finish their work. No one else climbed from the north side that day. We were so fortunate to have the mountain all to ourselves. Hard to believe, still processing.»

Source: 
https://guenergy.com/roxy-on-everest/

Congrats to Roxanne Vogel for reaching the top of the world! #Astroskin @Hexoskin

— Pierre A Fournier (@pafournier) 23 mai 2019

About Hexoskin
Since 2006, Hexoskin’s mission is to develop sensors and health data infrastructure to generate clinical grade real-world evidence. The Astroskin demonstrates once again Hexoskin’s leadership in providing the industry leading sensors, software, and AI to push further our understanding of human physiology on earth and in space. To learn more on Astroskin Vital Signs Monitoring Platform download Astroskin Product Specifications document. 
Contact our team to order Astroskin.

CSA astronaut David Saint-Jacques explains how the Astroskin / Bio-Monitor Smart Shirt keeps an eye on astronauts’ vital signs.

This week, Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques is finalizing the setup of the Bio-Monitor, on the International Space Station!

This advanced smart shirt & health platform is designed to measure and record vital signs in microgravity environment. It will help keep an eye on astronauts' health and enable medical research in space by continuously measuring physiological data.

The Canadian Space Agency's Bio-Monitor is designed to easily send information to the ground, where scientists can monitor astronauts' physiology around the clock as they orbit the planet. Once operational it will be available for the next five years to all participating countries to the International Space Station.

To learn more visit the Astroskin page.

Source: Video - CSA/NASA

About Astroskin:
In September 2018, Hexoskin launched the Astroskin Research Platform to support various projects and health research on earth. The Astroskin is based on the Bio-Monitor and is further adapted to be used on earth. Astroskin offers an end-to-end platform to collect real-world evidence with space-grade garments that include sensors embedded in the fabric such as a 3-lead electrocardiogram, breathing sensors, pulse oximeter, blood pressure, skin temperature, and activity sensors.

Government of Canada confirmed Canada's commitment to Nasa Lunar Gateway program

The government of Canada confirmed today, Thursday, February 28, 2019, Canada's commitment to the Lunar Gateway space mission led by the United States, to give Canada's space program a new momentum. The Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau announced historic investments in Canada’s space program. The Government of Canada will invest $2.05 billion over 24 years for Canada's space program. It will help grow innovative Canadian companies of all sizes by supporting the development of new digital and artificial intelligence-based technologies, and by opening new markets for Canadian businesses (Prime Minister's Office).

This investment will also give Canadian astronauts the opportunity to participate in missions to space and our scientists a chance to conduct cutting-edge research that cannot be done on Earth.

At Hexoskin, since we started working with Canadian Space Agency in 2011, we designed medical monitoring systems with the goal of fulfilling the autonomy requirements of future missions to the Moon and Mars. The spillover effects of space exploration projects are applicable beyond human spaceflight and find applications on earth that benefit humanity.

The technologies we're developing will allow a greater number of people to access regular care, especially patients with chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The software being developed for medical autonomous systems has the potential to deliver automated health services, affordable and accessible 24/7.

After today's announcement, we hope that Hexoskin will be able to contribute to future missions to the Moon, by supplying innovative medical technologies for crew members taking the trip.

Deployment of the Bio-Monitor in Space by Canadian Space Agency Astronaut David Saint-Jacques (CSA)

This week, Canadian Space Agency Astronaut David Saint-Jacques deployed and tested for the first time in space a new Canadian technology: the Bio-Monitor System.

This advanced smart shirt is designed to measure and record vital signs in microgravity environment. It will help keep an eye on astronauts' health and enable medical research in space by continuously measuring physiological data.

The Canadian Space Agency's Bio-Monitor is designed to easily send information to the ground, where scientists can monitor astronauts' physiology around the clock as they orbit the planet. Once operational it will be available for the next five years to all participating countries to the International Space Station.

To learn more: http://asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/missions/expedition58/default.asp.
Photo: CSA/NASA

Astroskin / Bio-Monitor Successfully Launched to Space aboard Space X Dragon Spacecraft

Launch successful! En route to the International Space Station! The Bio-Monitor Astroskin system is part of the payload that was launched today in a Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

About Hexoskin
Since 2006, Hexoskin’s mission is to develop sensors and health data infrastructure to generate clinical grade real-world evidence. The Astroskin demonstrates once again Hexoskin’s leadership in providing the industry leading sensors, software, and AI to push further our understanding of human physiology on earth and in space. To learn more on Astroskin Vital Signs Monitoring Platform download Astroskin Product Specifications document. 
Contact our team to order Astroskin

Live Webcast - Join Us for the Bio-Monitor (Astroskin) launch to Space on December 4th!

We are happy to invite you to our live webcast on December 4th, that will broadcast the Astroskin launch to Space aboard Space X Dragon Cargo vehicle. Before the launch, Hexoskin's co-founders will discuss the history of the development of the Bio-Monitor system as well as a few case applications in Space and on Earth.

The Astroskin system is based on the Bio-Monitor designed for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to monitor the astronauts’ health in space on the International Space Station (ISS). It will be operational in space and available for all ISS participating countries to conduct space research for the next five years.
 
LIVE WEBCAST:
Astroskin Launch to the ISS aboard SpaceX Dragon Cargo
December 4, 2018, at 1:25 PM (EST)** - via the Zoom Video Conferencing software
** In case of postponement of the launch, you will receive a notification
with a new broadcast schedule.

Speakers: 
- Pierre-Alexandre Fournier, CEO & Co-Founder, Hexoskin
- Jean-François Roy, CTO & Co-Founder, Hexoskin 

Guest Speaker: 
- Professor Richard L. Hughson Ph.D., University of Waterloo

If you are unable to attend, you can still register and we will send you the recorded webcast by email afterward. 

We look forward to your presence for this special event!

About Hexoskin
Since 2006, Hexoskin’s mission is to develop sensors and health data infrastructure to generate clinical grade real-world evidence. The Astroskin demonstrates once again Hexoskin’s leadership in providing the industry leading sensors, software, and AI to push further our understanding of human physiology on earth and in space.

Contact our team to order Astroskin

The Bio-Monitor to launch to the International Space Station

The Bio-Monitor, designed by Hexoskin for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to monitor the Astronauts' Health in Space aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is finally launching to Space! The Bio-Monitor System is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft on December 4, 2018, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

David Saint-Jacques will be the next Canadian astronaut to live in the ISS. His first mission to the ISS is scheduled to launch on December 3, 2018. David Saint-Jacques will be conducting tests and experiments with the Bio-Monitor platform.

Last week, the Canadian Space Agency announced the award of an additional contract to Carré Technologies (Hexoskin). The Hexoskin team is excited to continue an adventure that started in 2011 with the Canadian Space Agency and wishes the best of luck the astronaut David Saint-Jacques for his mission.

Learn more at:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/sciences/bio-monitor.asp

About Hexoskin:
Founded in 2006 in Montreal, Carré Technologies Inc. (Hexoskin) is involved in the development of non-invasive sensors, software & applications, data science & AI services. Hexoskin’s mission is to record and organize personal health information and make it accessible and useful.

Hexoskin’s provide solutions and services directly to customers & athletes; and through B2B contracts in security, defense & aerospace agencies, pharmaceutical companies, academics, and healthcare organizations. 

Hexoskin obtained its first contract from the Canadian Space Agency in October 2011. The Bio-Monitor demonstrates once again Hexoskin’s leadership in providing industry-leading sensors, software, and AI to push further our understanding of human physiology on earth and in space.  

In September 2018, Hexoskin launched the Astroskin Research Platform to support various projects and health research on earth. The Astroskin is based on the Bio-Monitor and is further adapted to be used on earth. Astroskin offers an end-to-end platform to collect real-world evidence with space-grade garments that include sensors embedded in the fabric such as a 3-lead electrocardiogram, breathing sensors, pulse oximeter, blood pressure, skin temperature, and activity sensors.

Contact us to order Astroskin for your project.

Astroskin Now Available - Pushes the Boundaries
 of Health Research on Earth and in Space!

It is with a lot of excitement that Hexoskin announces today the availability of the Astroskin, a space-grade smart garment aiming to revolutionize the collection of real-world evidence for healthcare research on Earth and in Space!

The Astroskin system is based on the Bio-Monitor designed for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to monitor the astronauts’ health in space on the International Space Station (ISS). The CSA’s Bio-Monitor will be operational in space and available for all ISS participating countries to conduct space research for the next five years. It is scheduled to launch in space on December 4, 2018, aboard SpaceX’s Dragon cargo vehicle from Florida.

Aerospace, Security & Defense, Academic, Pharmaceuticals and Health Research organizations can now order the Astroskin system for their projects.

The Astroskin smart garments are available in a wide range of sizes for men & women. The machine-washable garments include state-of-the-art monitoring of blood pressure, pulse oximetry, 3-lead ECG, respiration, skin temperature, and activity sensors for 48 hours of continuous real-time monitoring. The end-to-end system includes iOS apps for iPhones & iPads, data synchronization software, and a web dashboard. Hexoskin provides custom software, data hosting, data science & AI services to suit the most stringent requirements of any organization. 

Download Astroskin Product Specifications

HEXOSKIN PRESENTS
ASTROSKIN / BIO-MONTOR

«This system, which includes a smart shirt and dedicated tablet application, will help keep an eye on astronauts' health and enable new science by continuously measuring physiological data. [...] The system is designed to easily send information to the ground, where scientists can monitor the astronauts' health around the clock as they orbit the planet». (Canadian Space Agency. 2018)

Since 2006, Hexoskin’s mission is to develop sensors and health data infrastructure to generate clinical grade real-world evidence. The Astroskin demonstrates once again Hexoskin’s leadership in providing the industry leading sensors, software, and AI to push further our understanding of human physiology on earth and in space.

Contact our team to order Astroskin