ICT Geelong has launched an initiative to get people interested in wearable sensors and computing technologies in the regional area.

The peak IT industry advocacy body for regional Victoria has announced plans for a collaborative initiative between universities, research and private organisations in the Geelong area, as well as industry experts from across Australia. The group is keen to inspire locals to wear sensors and embrace mobile computing.

ICT Geelong’s Manager, Craig Hill says, “not only do the two technologies [sensors and computers] represent the greatest potential return for commercialisation but they leverage the strengths of the Geelong region... disruptive technologies improve a product or service in ways that the market does not expect, typically first by designing for a different set of consumers in the new market and later by lowering prices in the existing market.”

Integrated sensor monitoring has a wide range of applications. It can enhance rehabilitation, disease management and athlete performance by measuring statistics such as movement (acceleration, location and distance) and vital signs (blood pressure, glucose and lactic acid).

The local group is also interested in the potential for the region to develop and commercialise the latest generation of virtual reality and simulation technology, based on the expertise at Deakin University’s Centre for Intelligent Systems Research (CISR).

With developments such as the recent Google Glass project shining new light on wearable and ultra-mobile technologies, ICT Geelong could see the city become Australia’s centre for the burgeoning new technological scene.