Sensor detects emotions through the skin
October 27, 2010
A new device developed by Affectiva detects and records physiological signs of stress and excitement by measuring slight electrical changes in the skin.
Affectiva’s Q Sensor is worn on a wristband and lets people keep track of stress during everyday activities. The Q Sensor stores or transmits a wearer’s stress levels throughout the day, giving doctors, caregivers, and patients themselves a new tool for observing reactions.
She adds that having clues to a person’s stress levels, which might not otherwise be detectable, could give caregivers and researchers more insight — and possibly a way to anticipate — the harmful behaviors of autism, such as head banging. Caregivers can try to identify and block sources of stress and learn what activities restore calm.