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Hexoskin Unveils Breakthrough Cough Detection AI Algorithm in Computers in Biology and Medicine Journal
Hexoskin’s Artificial Intelligence team has published this week a breakthrough study in Computers in Biology and Medicine, introducing a novel algorithm for automatic cough detection in real‑world settings. Unlike traditional methods, our approach preserves patients’ speech privacy and excels even in noisy environments.
This novel AI detection model was developed using physiological recordings from Hexoskin smart garments, a Digital Health Technology (DHT) wearable cardiac, respiratory, and activity sensor. The model delivers best‑in‑class performance with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 95.2 %, sensitivity of 98.5 %, and specificity of 91.9 %. This level of accuracy meets the stringent requirements for cough clinical trial endpoints.
Passive and objective cough measurement devices like Hexoskin smart garments can report outcomes for patients living with respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Because Hexoskin Smart Clothing can be used in clinical trials at home, enabling remote patient monitoring, patients can be monitored for their respiratory condition during daily activities and sleep. AI-based cough detection can provide a detailed analysis of the frequency of cough events, combined with other clinical trial endpoints.
“Detecting coughs accurately without capturing speech content is essential for both patient privacy and clinical utility,” said Dr. Philippe Dixon, lead author of the study and assistant professor at McGill University. “Our model’s robustness to ambient noise makes it an ideal tool for home‑based monitoring and telemedicine applications, key aspects of remote respiratory monitoring.”
This announcement represents the latest advance in Hexoskin’s expanding clinical AI portfolio. In parallel with ongoing clinical trials, Hexoskin leverages the world’s largest physiological database—accumulated through years of wearable sensor deployments—to accelerate the development of AI‑driven tools for patient monitoring and diagnostics.
Here's an excerpt from the paper's abstract:
Coughing behavior is associated with conditions such as sleep apnea, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and can severely affect quality of life in those affected. In this context, coughing quantification is often important, but routinely performed via questionnaires. This approach is dependent on patient compliance or recall, which may affect validity and be especially difficult for nocturnal coughs. Manual review of audio recordings is potentially more accurate, but raises adherence and privacy concerns due to the collection and review of sensitive audio-data by a human annotator. Today, machine learning approaches are increasingly used to quantify coughs; however, algorithms often rely on microphone recordings, resulting in the same privacy issues, especially if data are sent to a remote server for analysis.
Hexoskin's open platform is used by hundreds of researchers for data collection for new digital biomarkers and AI development. Hexoskin is also working with foundations, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology to speed the clinical development of respiratory diseases and other cardiac, neurological, and rare diseases, developing primary and secondary endpoints for clinical development. We also collaborate on digital biomarkers for patient monitoring and find new cures.
Contact our team today to collaborate on the future of clinical development and AI in healthcare.
Health Sensors & AI for the Pharmaceutical Industry
Backed by over 250 scientific and peer-reviewed publications, and validated through several clinical trials, research, and case studies, explore Hexoskin’s proven end-to-end AI-driven solutions for pharmaceutical companies. With real-time monitoring of more than 25 data channels and 75 key metrics, learn more about all the concrete benefits of our Health Sensors & Connected Platform.
Hexoskin’s expertise in supporting pharmaceutical research
Since 2006, Hexoskin has been dedicated to democratizing access to high-precision health data collected through wearable smart clothing sensors. We are proud to develop reliable, tried-and-tested healthcare technologies that are now used by many universities, research centers, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies across the world. Recognized for our excellent support, and always responsive to our clients’ needs, our all-in-one solution provides a complete tool for maximizing the results of any pharmaceutical research project.
Here are some of our pharma clients and partners who have chosen to work with us :
Real-world evidence data and reporting of digital biomarkers
With accurate long-term remote patient monitoring through Hexoskin Health Sensors & AI and a cutting-edge connected health platform, our innovative solution is perfect for the management and reporting of all key metrics and data collected when performing pharmaceutical research and decentralized clinical trials (DCT). Using washable, breathable, quick-dry, and comfortable tech clothing, Hexoskin Smart Clothing Monitor helps optimize patient’s satisfaction and adherence contributing positively to the outcome of research protocols, while collecting accurate, relevant, and efficient data.
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Continuous high-resolution electrocardiography ;
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Respiratory capacity measurements (tidal volume, respiratory rate, RRV, minute ventilation, etc.) ;
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Activity, cardiac & pulmonary function collected simultaneously, 24/7, uninterrupted ;
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Secure data synchronization and storage ;
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Cost-effective biometric monitoring solution for pharmaceutical trials and research.
Interested in learning more about Hexoskin Health Sensors & AI for the pharmaceutical industry ? Contact our team now. We will gladly discuss the specific needs of your organization in order to provide you with the best results-oriented solution !
Health Sensors & AI for Academic Research
Achieve excellence in health tracking with Hexoskin connected platform & biometric smart garments. Trusted by researchers and professionals around the world, and used by many universities, research centers, medical centers, and much more, explore all the benefits our Health Sensors & AI may bring to your academic research.
Real-time monitoring for faster communication and reporting
With years of expertise in health data analytics, Hexoskin Connected Health Platform stands out as a safe, easy-to-use, and highly reliable online platform to collect high-resolution real-world key health metrics. Hexoskin sets new benchmarks by providing accurate long-term monitoring with real-time data, available day-and-night, 365 days a year.
Enrich your academic research projects by taking advantage of benefits such as :
- Successfully supported projects & deployments since 2006 ;
- Excellent value proposition for enrollment and retention of patients / participants ;
- Improved patient experience, using washable and comfortable smart clothing ;
- Continuous cardiac, respiratory, activity & sleep data and metrics, easily transmitted and collected ;
- Faster communication, planning & study management for academic research ;
- Data quality & clinical endpoints reporting and analysis ;
- Enhanced collaborative learning, consolidating all studies under one single roof.
All-in-one AI solution for clinical & academic research
Take advantage of advanced features for real-world evidence data and reporting of digital biomarkers. Backed by over 250 scientific publications, research, and clinical trials, Hexoskin health sensors & AI deliver proven innovation in connected health. Explore our cost-effective, all-in-one solution for streamlined data monitoring of digital biomarkers and expand your possibilities when achieving professional projects, research, and studies. Powered by data science, Hexoskin is your key partner, helping you to transform objective endpoints into evidence-based health solutions.
All these organizations have chosen to invest their trust in us. Join them by requesting your free demo. Contact our team now to discuss your needs. Be ready to experience the full potential of Hexoskin health sensors & AI for academic research!
How Health Sensors & AI are revolutionizing Clinical Research
As healthcare technology evolves, AI and health sensors are contributing to a new era in clinical research. Making trials more precise, efficient, and patient-friendly, AI-powered sensors now provide real-time data, offering researchers and clinicians a clearer picture of patient health.
AI and Health Sensors in Research : an essential reality
In addition to improving the accuracy and efficiency of clinical studies, health sensors and AI solutions help ensure better patient compliance, global satisfaction, and adherence to treatment. This biometric monitoring solution implies earlier detection of health problems and adverse effects, ensuring better-informed decisions.
It is not surprising to observe that AI technology and Digital Health Technologies (DHTs) are increasingly becoming an integral part of the medical research industry, benefiting both scientists and patients.
Key Benefits of Health Sensors in Clinical Trials
The ultimate objective beyond this technology ? Optimizing the performance and efficiency of clinical development in every aspect. More concretely, here are the 5 key advantages of implementing health sensors & AI in clinical research.
1. Real-time, continuous data collection
Using comfortable garments for precise and continuous cardiac, respiratory, and activity monitoring, Hexoskin smart clothing provides researchers with high-frequency, real-time insights. Connected to a high-tech health platform, sensors and AI help improve the reliability of remote patient monitoring data.
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Cardiac monitoring (1-lead ECG, Heart Rate, HRV, Heart Rate Recovery, etc.) ;
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Respiratory monitoring for COPD / Asthma (breathing rate, BRV, tidal volume, cough, BPratio, etc.) ;
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Stress monitoring (heart rate, HRV, breathing rate, sleep latency, sleep percent, etc.) ;
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Activity monitoring (3-Axis accelerometry, cadence, step count, calories, activity level, and more).
2. Improved patient monitoring and safety
Health sensors and remote monitoring also play a crucial role in improving patient safety during clinical trials. This non-invasive technology continuously tracks vital signs and physiological data, providing real-time insights and reducing reliance on in-person periodic check-ups.
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Earlier detection of warning signs for adverse reactions ;
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All essential data collected and analyzed in a single place ;
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Quicker intervention when needed ;
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Better patient outcomes.
Remote monitoring of key health metrics using tech clothing also contributes to reducing hospital visits, ensuring accurate, uninterrupted health data, while enhancing treatment precision and clinical trial results.
3. Better efficiency and cost reduction with DHTs
Health sensors & AI have the advantage of offering a great cost-effective DHT solution for continuous and meticulous health tracking during clinical research. Wearable technologies also contribute to optimize data collection, accelerate study timelines, enhance patient convenience through remote monitoring, and reduce operational costs.
4. Increased patient engagement and compliance
We know that patient comfort and full engagement are vital to the success of clinical trials. Remote biometric monitoring using AI & health sensors has the benefit of reducing patient burden, improving adherence and patient participation, especially for decentralized trials.
5. Comprehensive data analysis with proven, validated results
Backed by over 250 scientific publications and validated outcomes from clinical trials and case studies, the Hexoskin Connected Health Platform is recognized as an innovative, clinically validated solution for comprehensive data analysis. Plus, Hexoskin is also a powerful proven approach for long-term patient monitoring.
The Future of Clinical Research with Digital Health Technologies
The field of clinical research is currently undergoing a major transformation. Through artificial intelligence (AI), remote monitoring, smart clothing, and advanced health sensors, technologies are redefining how physiological data is collected and analyzed. The future of clinical research must therefore take into account the existence of health sensors and AI resources, in order to integrate them seamlessly for the well-being of patients and the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Hexoskin wins contract to bring Astroskin sensors to the Moon
Montréal, November 26th, 2024
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has announced that it has awarded a contract to Hexoskin (Carré Technologies Inc.), a company based in Montreal, to develop and adapt the Astroskin Bio-Monitor crew physiological monitoring system for Gateway, a space station that will orbit the Moon.
The first two elements of Gateway – the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) – are set to launch together in 2027.
The Astroskin Bio-Monitor has been in operation on the International Space Station (ISS) since January 2019, when it was commissioned by Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques. It is currently used in four clinical trials in space focused on studying the cardiorespiratory system and the accelerated aging effect of microgravity on human physiology.
Astroskin wearable sensors are sent to space on a regular basis, with 20 space payloads delivered to ISS so far, and a first suborbital flight completed in November 2023 with American astronaut Kellie Gerardi on Virgin Galactic’s mission 5.
More than 20 astronauts have used Astroskin wearable sensors for clinical research in microgravity, including astronauts from the USA, Canada, Japan, UAE, and Italy. (Photo credits: CSA, ESA, NASA, JAXA, Axiom/Mark Pathy, UAE Space Agency)
Astroskin wearable health sensors are also used by a large number of medical researchers around the world to study a wide number of health conditions, from hypertension to sleep quality, in clinical trials, and for defense and aerospace applications.
About Hexoskin, Space Medicine, and Clinical Research
Hexoskin has been involved in space medicine since its first contract with CSA in 2011. The investment from CSA in space medicine research has been a major driver of growth in the early development of the company, during the development of the Hexoskin and Astroskin wearable sensor platforms. Hexoskin has supported hundreds of clinical research projects since, leading to over 250 peer-reviewed scientific publications, patents, and novel AI software for clinical applications, with a focus on cardiac and respiratory diseases. Hexoskin participated in the first cohort of the ASU/Mayo Clinic Medtech accelerator in 2019.
More info on the Gateway contract awarded to Hexoskin:
https://www.nasa.gov/mission/gateway/
More info on Astroskin:
https://www.hexoskin.com/astroskin
HITLAB September 2024 Symposium on September 26
Hexoskin's CEO Pierre-Alexandre Fournier will be speaking at the HITLAB Digital Health Symposium on Digital Health this September 26th. The event will be streamed online and is free to attend.
Along with speakers from Genentech, Pfizer, Merck, Samsung, and many other innovative companies in health technologies and life sciences, Fournier will discuss the current state of digital biomarkers, wearables, and articificial intelligence in medicine.
For more than 20 years, HITLAB (Healthcare Innovation & Technology Lab) has been at the forefront of digital health research. The Columbia University-based organization partners with innovative healthcare technologies and life sciences companies to improve global health delivery and healthcare worldwide. HITLAB uses rigorous research and evidence-based methods to identify the best digital health solutions for their partners.
Hexoskin Announces $4.2M Additional Funding Round and Acceleration of Clinical AI Development Platform
Montreal, Canada - August 27, 2024: Hexoskin, a Montreal-based digital health and AI company developing medical-grade wearables and algorithms for health monitoring and diagnostics, is very excited to announce today an additional USD $4.2M capital raise to invest in growth, digital biomarkers research, and new AI-based digital diagnostics solutions. Investors include AQC Capital and Anges Quebec (Canada), BDC Capital (Canada), ballas invest (Europe), Deep Divers Ltd (UK), and 19 other US and Canadian private investors.
Pierre-Alexandre Fournier, Hexoskin’s CEO, commented: “Hexoskin’s team has over 15 years of experience in clinical AI development and high-resolution wearable sensors. Our investors understand how our digital platform is uniquely positioned to develop a range of diagnostic tests and digital solutions that can address the needs of large populations in disease areas with large unmet needs, such as cardiac, respiratory and rare diseases.”
Hexoskin's current wearable sensing products (Hexoskin & Astroskin) serve the clinical research, defense, and aerospace markets. Its customers, including CSA, NASA, DOD, Yale Health, Boston Children's Hospital, and hundreds of research teams across the world, have published over 250 scientific papers with Hexoskin data. Hexoskin smart shirts are also used in pharma clinical trials, and its technology has been part of the International Space Station since 2019 to support clinical trials in space.
"We are excited to team up with Hexoskin and its investors to enable its next phase of development globally" said Laurent van Lerberghe, Co-Founder of ballas invest and former Chief Strategy Officer at Sanofi. "We have been impressed by the wealth of expertise accumulated by Hexoskin with trillions of data points, more than a hundred clinical trials, and over 250 peer-reviewed publications. Through novel higher resolution digital measures and digital biomarkers in clinical and real-world settings, Hexoskin is unlocking the possibilities of early disease detection, high quality monitoring, hence improving treatment decisions and patients’ quality of life".
Hexoskin’s software and wearable sensor products are used by clinical research teams around the world to collect digital endpoints in patient populations for a wide range of health conditions: cardiac (arrhythmias, heart rate variability), respiratory (CODP, asthma), cancer, neuro (dementia, epilepsy), rare diseases and pediatric research (Rett syndrome, ME/CFS, Long Covid).
"This additional equity funding allows us to better serve the scientific and medical communities," added Fournier. "Patients, healthcare providers, and researchers are looking for products that are accurate, validated in diverse populations, and easy to use to collect clinical data in real-world settings. Hexoskin’s solutions accomplish these goals, offering high-quality and reliable tools to improve patient outcomes through research and clinical care. Expanding our investor base from Canada to US and Europe is a clear marker of our global potential."
About Hexoskin
Hexoskin (Carré Technologies Inc.) is a pioneer in continuous, passive remote health monitoring driven by AI. Hexoskin's platform and technology are used by hundreds of institutional partners for research purposes, in studies examining breathing disorders, cardiac and pulmonary diseases, rare diseases, stress, sleep, epilepsy, and other conditions. If you're interested in investing in Hexoskin please consult our investor relations section.
An End-to-End Solution for Clinical Research
Launched in 2023, the company’s new clinical development software platform, Hexoskin OneView, allows research teams to follow cohorts of participants as the complete clinical protocols, monitoring compliance and data quality. The platform is used today to collect data for new clinical AI algorithms for diagnostics and quality of life assessments. The data captured include heart rhythms and ECG, breathing patterns, PPG/SpO2, blood pressure, temperature, activity, and patient-reported outcomes with standardized questionnaires or symptoms reporting.
From Space Medicine to Ivy League Research
Hexoskin's current wearable products (Hexoskin and Astroskin) serve the clinical research, defense, and aerospace markets. Its customers, including NASA, DOD, Yale Health, Boston Children's Hospital, Columbia University, and hundreds of researchers and hospitals, have published over 250 scientific papers with Hexoskin data. Hexoskin smart shirts are used in pharmaceutical clinical trials, and its technology has been part of the International Space Station since 2018.
Mayo Clinic Accelerator Program
Hexoskin has been selected by Mayo Clinic in 2019 for their MedTech accelerator program and is currently implementing remote patient monitoring programs in cardiology and pulmonology with health systems in the US and Canada.
Hexoskin’s Unique Database
Over the past 10 years, Hexoskin has built the largest ambulatory cardio-respiratory database in the world. The database includes hundreds of millions of breathing patterns and billions of cardiac rhythm patterns, in addition to sleep data and annotations specific to many other health conditions, developed with hospitals and research partners in the US, Canada and Europe. The company leverages its proprietary database to develop new AI-based digital diagnostic solutions.
Pediatric Research
Hexoskin is one of few companies that have made available wearable sensing solutions for pediatric research. The Hexoskin Junior biometric shirt is used by research groups to study sleep patterns, respiratory health, and rare diseases in children 3 to 17 years old.
HITLAB Virtual Session: the Impact of Wearable Technology on Digital Diagnostics
Today we attended the 6th session of HITLAB's BT1 Virtual Knowledge Convene to discuss "The Impact of Wearable Technology on Digital Diagnostics". This was an opportunity to talk and discuss about the past, present, and future of medical wearables with Columbia University's HITLAB international community.
A few of the topics we covered:
• How wearables are revolutionizing healthcare data collection
• The potential of wearables for early disease detection and remote patient monitoring
• The future of personalized medicine powered by wearable tech.
Mayo Clinic Seminar on Wearables and Digital Biomarkers in Neuroscience
Our CEO Pierre-Alexandre Fournier was invited by Mayo Clinic to give a seminar on medical wearables and digital biomarkers this week. Thanks again to Dr Jonathon J. Parker, MD PhD, Teryn Johnson, Ph.D., and Bobby Mohan from the Neurosurgery department for organizing the event!
We had the chance to share details about many Hexoskin projects , including our collaboration with Centre de recherche du CHUM (CRCHUM) on epilepsy research, and R&D on respiratory and rare diseases.
We also discussed the importance of running the right trials to validate the digital biomarkers that make medical wearables valuable in different care settings, e.g. before, during, and after hospitalizations. Convincing data from these trials are essential to get through regulatory, reimbursement, and adoption challenges.
Hexoskin @ HITLAB New York City Health Innovation Week
This week Hexoskin was participating in HITLAB's New York City Health Innovation Week in Manhattan. The event was attended by dozens of startups and large life science companies such as Merck, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi.
To learn more about Hexoskin's involvement in pharma trials and clinical research, please write us at: contact@hexoskin.com
