Two years ago, the Dutch Department of Defense approached Evalan to help develop a wearable device that prevents heat injuries. Since then, the technology has been refined, the device tested in various training situations and the product has been improved. On 1 February 2020, Evalan delivered the first thousand ARMOR sensors to the Dutch army.
In preparation for realistic combat situations, soldiers continuously train to improve their physical and mental skills. During these strenuous trainings, the human body generates heat that is drained through the skin directly or indirectly by sweating. When soldiers wear insulating clothing and practice in high temperature locations or when the training intensity is very high, the drainage of body heat through the skin may not be enough to regulate the body core temperature. The core temperature can then rise to unhealthy levels. Heat injuries can have serious consequences, such as disorientation, seizures and brain damage.
In order to improve monitoring the health of soldiers, the ARMOR device has been developed. ARMOR monitors the body’s core temperature during a training routine and helps military trainers and recruits detect heat strain on time. The device helps to identify the first indications that cause heat strain and serve as an incentive for a medical check to prevent this.
Evalan supplies 1,000 sensors in 70 systems to the Ministry of Defence. The ARMOR device is the first heat monitor worldwide to be used on such a scale by the army. The implementation of this device underlines how technology can add value to the safety and well-being of military personnel.
