Japanese apparel maker D.O.N Co. Ltd., known for its TAION brand, unveiled the Vital Belt positioning it as the world’s first belt-type sensing wearable. The device leverages millimeter-wave technology to continuously track respiration, pulse, and body movement—without requiring direct skin contact. Its waist-mounted design expands the scope of wearable health monitoring beyond traditional wrist or finger-based devices.
Unlike smartwatches, the Vital Belt operates seamlessly over clothing, marking a novel use of millimeter waves for detecting human movement at the belt position. The detachable buckle unit, connected via neodymium magnets, enables easy charging while maintaining the belt’s everyday function as apparel. This design reflects TAION’s focus on comfort and integration into daily wear.
Developed in Nagoya, Japan, the product responds to an increasing societal demand for continuous health tracking amid an aging population and growing self-care awareness. D.O.N. plans to release the Vital Belt in 2027 with a retail price between ¥30,000 and ¥50,000 (approximately $200–$330).
A companion app will provide calibration, authentication, and health insights based on real-time data. Future applications could include fetal activity monitoring, stress detection, and elder safety alerts. The company noted ongoing technical work around signal noise and communication systems, with proof-of-concept testing and OEM trials scheduled before commercial rollout.
