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Wearable devices have become a ubiquitous part of daily life, with adoption surging among health-conscious consumers especially in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.
These devices, colloquially known as wearables, have ushered in an era where personalised data-driven insights are now within everyone’s grasp. From continuous glucose monitors to smart rings and adhesive patches, wearable devices in healthcare are enabling real-time data collection that empowers both patients and supports clinicians.
Ireland, home to 14 of the world’s top 15 medical technology (medtech) companies, is playing an outsized role in this global transformation.
The impact of wearables in healthcare is already visible. People living with diabetes benefit from real-time glucose readings, cardiac patients can detect abnormal heart rhythms through smart monitors, and athletes track recovery and injury risk using AI wearables.
On a wider scale, wearables can ease pressure on overstretched health systems by supporting remote monitoring that eventually reduces unnecessary hospital visits.
US medtech giant Abbott recently opened a new manufacturing facility producing diabetes technology in Kilkenny as part of €440 million investment in Ireland, creating more than 800 jobs. The site produces FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors, which are among the world’s smallest to monitor glucose for people living with diabetes.
Dexcom, another leader in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), is building its first European manufacturing site in Galway’s Athenry with an investment of $300 million. The new site will produce millions of CGM sensors annually for patients with diabetes worldwide. Last year, Dexcom introduced an AI feature to its over-the-counter biosensor Stelo, offering more personalised content based on glucose levels, sleep, and physical activity.
A key innovator in AI wearables in healthcare, Dublin-headquartered Peri has developed a first-of-its kind AI-powered tracker designed for women to track perimenopause symptoms. Worn discreetly under the breast, the device not only provides data on their symptoms, lifestyle and sleep, but also delivers actionable insights to help better understand the changes a woman’s body is going through.
Ireland also has some of the world-class digital and data research centres suited to medtech needs.
In collaboration with researchers from Tyndall National Institute in Cork and professional services firm PA Consulting, Irish arm of medtech group West Pharmaceuticals has developed a prototype device that can painlessly deliver medication through the skin to treat a range of chronic conditions including cancer and autoimmune disorders. The wearable drug delivery concept, for which patent applications have been submitted, uses microneedle tech designed to give patients the ability to self-manage their medication in an at-home setting.
US medical device maker Medtronic, which has been operating in Ireland since 1982, forayed into the wearable healthcare space following its partnership with BioIntelliSense for its continuous monitoring wearable device. BioButton, worn on the chest, gathers up to 1,440 vital signs per day, including skin temperature, resting respiratory and heart rates, enabling early detection of patient deterioration or confirming patient stability for earlier discharge.
Movano Health, which recently expanded in Cork, is the maker of Evie Ring and positions as a formidable competitor to the Finnish smart-ring pioneer Oura Health. Unlike its competitors, Movano’s Evie smart ring is designed specifically for women that not only measures critical vitals like heart rate and oxygen saturation but also tracks mood and menstrual symptoms.
That ecosystem now fuels innovation in healthcare wearable devices.
Multinationals are drawn to Ireland due to its strategic location within the EU that give them full access to European markets while remaining close to the US. On top of that, Ireland offers a range of other compelling advantages such as a favourable tax environment, a skilled English-speaking workforce, R&D tax credits, and a robust regulatory framework.
Universities and innovation hubs are producing advances in AI research, digitalisation and materials science that directly support medtech needs. Moreover, the country has the highest per-capita rate of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates in the EU among 20–29-year-olds.
Firms also stand to benefit from specialised innovation clusters in sectors like MedTech, Life Sciences, SportsTech, and digital health, particularly in regions like Galway, Limerick, and Dublin, that enable collaboration between industry and researchers.
Irish consumers are particularly open to these technologies. As per the 2023 EY Ireland Consumer Health Survey, around 70% of those surveyed in Ireland said they would be willing to use wearable devices to monitor and share their health data with doctors.
A high degree of openness to the use of digital tools was recorded among the older respondents. According to the survey, around 80% would allow wearable devices in healthcare to collect and transmit their health data and 75% are amenable to being treated in non-traditional settings.
Data from wearable devices in healthcare can deliver significant benefits with AI augmenting its potential. However, they are not without their share of challenges like data privacy, governance and infrastructural hurdles.
Devices such as blood pressure monitors and glucose meters often entail an increased regulatory burden as fall under EU regulations such as the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Complying with GDPR can be challenging, according to law firm Mason Hayes & Curran, as these devices collect, process, store and share a considerable amount of personal data, including sensitive information such as precise geolocation or health data.
Within the EU, manufacturers and developers also need to ensure their products are compliant with an array of overlapping regulatory frameworks, including the EU Data Act and the AI Act.
They provide continuous health monitoring to support prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient self-management.
Does wearable technology actually improve health?
Studies show improved outcomes in diabetes, heart health, and activity levels, though results depend on accuracy and user engagement.
What are some examples of wearable devices in healthcare?
Smartwatches, glucose monitors, smart rings, ECG patches, and microneedle sensor patches.
Are wearables considered medical devices?
Only if intended for diagnosing, monitoring, or treating health conditions—then they fall under medical device regulations.
These devices, colloquially known as wearables, have ushered in an era where personalised data-driven insights are now within everyone’s grasp. From continuous glucose monitors to smart rings and adhesive patches, wearable devices in healthcare are enabling real-time data collection that empowers both patients and supports clinicians.
Ireland, home to 14 of the world’s top 15 medical technology (medtech) companies, is playing an outsized role in this global transformation.
Role of wearables in healthcare
At their core, wearable devices in healthcare constantly track vital metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep patterns, glucose levels and activity levels. Unlike one-time check-ups, they provide continuous streams of data, offering richer insights that support prevention, early intervention and chronic disease management.The impact of wearables in healthcare is already visible. People living with diabetes benefit from real-time glucose readings, cardiac patients can detect abnormal heart rhythms through smart monitors, and athletes track recovery and injury risk using AI wearables.
On a wider scale, wearables can ease pressure on overstretched health systems by supporting remote monitoring that eventually reduces unnecessary hospital visits.
Key players in wearable healthcare space in Ireland
Ireland’s medtech ecosystem has attracted some of the biggest names in global healthcare technology while also nurturing innovative local companies.US medtech giant Abbott recently opened a new manufacturing facility producing diabetes technology in Kilkenny as part of €440 million investment in Ireland, creating more than 800 jobs. The site produces FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors, which are among the world’s smallest to monitor glucose for people living with diabetes.
Dexcom, another leader in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), is building its first European manufacturing site in Galway’s Athenry with an investment of $300 million. The new site will produce millions of CGM sensors annually for patients with diabetes worldwide. Last year, Dexcom introduced an AI feature to its over-the-counter biosensor Stelo, offering more personalised content based on glucose levels, sleep, and physical activity.
A key innovator in AI wearables in healthcare, Dublin-headquartered Peri has developed a first-of-its kind AI-powered tracker designed for women to track perimenopause symptoms. Worn discreetly under the breast, the device not only provides data on their symptoms, lifestyle and sleep, but also delivers actionable insights to help better understand the changes a woman’s body is going through.
Ireland also has some of the world-class digital and data research centres suited to medtech needs.
In collaboration with researchers from Tyndall National Institute in Cork and professional services firm PA Consulting, Irish arm of medtech group West Pharmaceuticals has developed a prototype device that can painlessly deliver medication through the skin to treat a range of chronic conditions including cancer and autoimmune disorders. The wearable drug delivery concept, for which patent applications have been submitted, uses microneedle tech designed to give patients the ability to self-manage their medication in an at-home setting.
US medical device maker Medtronic, which has been operating in Ireland since 1982, forayed into the wearable healthcare space following its partnership with BioIntelliSense for its continuous monitoring wearable device. BioButton, worn on the chest, gathers up to 1,440 vital signs per day, including skin temperature, resting respiratory and heart rates, enabling early detection of patient deterioration or confirming patient stability for earlier discharge.
Movano Health, which recently expanded in Cork, is the maker of Evie Ring and positions as a formidable competitor to the Finnish smart-ring pioneer Oura Health. Unlike its competitors, Movano’s Evie smart ring is designed specifically for women that not only measures critical vitals like heart rate and oxygen saturation but also tracks mood and menstrual symptoms.
Why Ireland for healthcare wearable investment
Recognised as a global medtech hub, Ireland hosts over 300 companies employing more than 50,000 people. MedTech sector accounts for nearly €15 billion in annual exports, representing 8% of the country’s total exports.That ecosystem now fuels innovation in healthcare wearable devices.
Multinationals are drawn to Ireland due to its strategic location within the EU that give them full access to European markets while remaining close to the US. On top of that, Ireland offers a range of other compelling advantages such as a favourable tax environment, a skilled English-speaking workforce, R&D tax credits, and a robust regulatory framework.
Universities and innovation hubs are producing advances in AI research, digitalisation and materials science that directly support medtech needs. Moreover, the country has the highest per-capita rate of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates in the EU among 20–29-year-olds.
Firms also stand to benefit from specialised innovation clusters in sectors like MedTech, Life Sciences, SportsTech, and digital health, particularly in regions like Galway, Limerick, and Dublin, that enable collaboration between industry and researchers.
Wearable devices in healthcare: Trends, outlook and challenges
According to Grand View Research, the global wearable tech sector is projected to reach $186 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 13.6% between 2025 and 2030. Rising adoption in medtech and sportstech, combined with increasing consumer comfort with digital health tools, will drive this expansion.Irish consumers are particularly open to these technologies. As per the 2023 EY Ireland Consumer Health Survey, around 70% of those surveyed in Ireland said they would be willing to use wearable devices to monitor and share their health data with doctors.
A high degree of openness to the use of digital tools was recorded among the older respondents. According to the survey, around 80% would allow wearable devices in healthcare to collect and transmit their health data and 75% are amenable to being treated in non-traditional settings.
Data from wearable devices in healthcare can deliver significant benefits with AI augmenting its potential. However, they are not without their share of challenges like data privacy, governance and infrastructural hurdles.
Devices such as blood pressure monitors and glucose meters often entail an increased regulatory burden as fall under EU regulations such as the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Complying with GDPR can be challenging, according to law firm Mason Hayes & Curran, as these devices collect, process, store and share a considerable amount of personal data, including sensitive information such as precise geolocation or health data.
Within the EU, manufacturers and developers also need to ensure their products are compliant with an array of overlapping regulatory frameworks, including the EU Data Act and the AI Act.
Essential related reads:
- Ireland’s pillar of trust: the role of the regulator - HPRA
- Where next for MedTech - Key considerations for the factory of the future
- From IBM to OpenAI: The rise of AI in research across Ireland
FAQs: Wearable devices in healthcare
What is the role of wearables in healthcare?They provide continuous health monitoring to support prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient self-management.
Does wearable technology actually improve health?
Studies show improved outcomes in diabetes, heart health, and activity levels, though results depend on accuracy and user engagement.
What are some examples of wearable devices in healthcare?
Smartwatches, glucose monitors, smart rings, ECG patches, and microneedle sensor patches.
Are wearables considered medical devices?
Only if intended for diagnosing, monitoring, or treating health conditions—then they fall under medical device regulations.