A new smartwatch sensor can measure blood sugar, hydration, alcohol and blood pressure levels

Rockley Photonics already supplies Apple with sensors for its eponymous smartwatches, as The Telegraph reported earlier this year. Now, Rockley has presented its most advanced biometric sensor yet, which it refers to as a 'clinic on the wrist'. The term is not hyperbolic either, because the small sensor can collect various data, including body temperature, blood pressure and blood alcohol levels. The same sensor can supposedly check your blood sugar and hydration, too.

Rockley uses optical sensors, akin to those found in contemporary SpO2 sensors. Hence, Rockley's sensor can collect data 24/7 and non-invasively too. Currently, the new sensor is only available in a dedicated wristband that can connect to an app. Rockley will mainly distribute these wristbands for studies on human subjects over the coming months to demonstrate the functionality of its new sensor, though.

However, Rockley emphasises that the sensor module's reference design, including the required firmware, could also be used in consumer-specific products. If its studies are successful, Rockley expects a commercially distributed smartwatch with its new sensor to begin shipping next year at the earliest.

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