Supercon 2024: Human Plants: Open-Source Implants You Don't Need To Recharge - Andy Kong

Summary

In this engaging presentation, Andy Kong explores the future of wearable and implantable technology, emphasizing the potential for energy harvesting to overcome the limitations of current devices. He shares insights from his personal experiences and highlights the need for efficient power management, discussing various harvesting methods such as subdermal solar cells and RF transmission. With a vision for a customizable platform that integrates microcontrollers, Andy invites collaboration and input on innovative use cases, ultimately aiming to enhance human capabilities through advanced technology.

Takeaways

• 😀 Andy Kong explores the integration of wearable and implantable technology, focusing on self-powering devices and sensory augmentation.
• 😀 The limitations of current implants primarily stem from their reliance on battery power and single-functionality, which restricts user customization.
• 😀 Energy harvesting techniques, including solar cells and thermoelectric systems, offer promising solutions for powering implants without frequent charging.
• 😀 A significant finding was that continuous glucose monitors can transmit data effectively while consuming minimal power due to advanced energy management.
• 😀 Andy highlights the potential of using solar cells embedded under the skin to harness sunlight for power, achieving notable energy efficiency.
• 😀 The talk emphasizes the need for a multi-functional implant platform that allows users to easily program and customize their devices based on personal needs.
• 😀 Miniaturization and encapsulation are key challenges in developing practical implants, necessitating further research and innovation.
• 😀 The presentation addresses safety considerations, particularly regarding the compatibility of implants with MRI machines and the effects of magnetic fields.
• 😀 Andy encourages collaboration and feedback from the audience to explore innovative use cases and applications for implant technology.
• 😀 The vision for the future includes implants that seamlessly integrate into daily life, empowering users to track health metrics and control devices effortlessly.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Andy Kong's research?

Andy Kong's research focuses on wearable and implantable technology, particularly self-powering devices and human sensory augmentation.

How did Andy initially engage with the concept of self-tracking?

Andy became interested in self-tracking by analyzing his sleep data from a Fitbit in relation to his Tetris performance, leading him to explore the effects of sleep on cognitive function.

What limitations does Andy highlight regarding current implantable devices?

Current implantable devices often have limited functionality and require external power sources, leading to bulky designs that are not practical for everyday use.

What alternative energy sources does Andy propose for implants?

Andy proposes energy harvesting techniques, such as solar power, thermoelectric generation, and RF harvesting, as viable alternatives to traditional batteries for powering implants.

What were the findings of the Korean study on subdermal solar cells?

The study found that subdermal solar cells could generate power through the skin with only 80% attenuation, suggesting that sunlight could be a substantial energy source for implants.

What is the significance of duty cycling in energy-efficient devices?

Duty cycling allows devices to reduce power consumption by alternating between active and sleep states, thereby conserving energy and extending battery life.

How does Andy's research address the integration of multiple functions in implants?

Andy aims to create a platform that combines energy harvesting with programmable microcontrollers, allowing users to customize and add functionalities to their implants.

What are some potential applications for Andy's implant technology?

Potential applications include continuous health monitoring, neurocontrol for prosthetics, and personal tracking devices that enhance human capabilities.

What challenges does Andy face regarding encapsulation of implants?

Andy acknowledges a lack of knowledge about encapsulation techniques for implants, which is crucial for ensuring biocompatibility and protecting electronic components.

What considerations must be made for implants when undergoing an MRI?

Implants with magnetic components may be affected by MRI machines, causing discomfort due to magnetic fields, but most implants will likely not pose significant concerns if designed properly.