Machine Learning and Sensor Fusion for Estimating Continuous Energy Expenditure

Abstract

In this paper we provide insight into the BodyMedia FIT® armband system— a wearable multi-sensor technology that achieves the goals of continuous physiological monitoring (especially energy expenditure estimation) and weight management using machine learning and data modeling methods. This system has been commercially available since 2001 and more than half a million users have used the system to track their physiological parameters and to achieve their individual health goals including weight-loss. We describe several challenges that arise in applying machine learning techniques to the health care domain and present various solutions utilized in the armband system. We demonstrate how machine learning and multi-sensor data fusion techniques are critical to the system’s success.