Microsoft Smart Bra Is Being Developed: 4 Things To Know About Mood-Sensing Undergarment

Microsoft is on a mission to build a better bra. Specifically a bra that will measure stress levels to combat "emotional eating." A research paper published online details an undergarment device that will perform the usual bra functions in addition to containing a number of sensors aimed at gauging mood in real time. The bra will be able to read moods, electrocardiogram (EKG) readings and perspiration in a attempt to make the wearer happier and less stressed.

A spokesperson for Microsoft talked with CNN to discuss the project emphasizing affective computing. "The bra sensing system is just one instance of a class of work from a group of Microsoft researchers that is focused on the broader topic of affective computing, or designing devices and services that are sensitive to people's moods and react accordingly," a Microsoft spokesperson told CNN. "While we will continue our research in affective computing, Microsoft has no plans to develop a bra with sensors."

1. Depending on a woman's condition the bra will detect that and send a message via a smartphone app. The message is supposed to help the user avoid making bad eating decisions, which is something that commonly happens when someone is stressed. The device can also send a message to a smartphone advising the wearer to take a few deep breaths to calm down.

2. The Bra is equipped with multiple sensor. One sensor is to track a woman's heart activity and the second to check perspiration, which are then used to detect her emotional changes. The main circuit board also contains a gyroscope and accelerometer.

3. The bra was tested and Microsoft reports about 75 percent accuracy in detecting basic emotional states. Microsoft enlisted the help of women to help test out the high-tech bra over a four day period. During the trial they recorded their emotions for comparison to the sensor data.

4. The bra only has a battery life of three to four hours, which is unacceptable seeing how women wear undergarments much longer. The research study showed that the smart bra effectively determined variations in its user's emotional moods but died out in battery life within three to four hours.

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