Why We’re Building the Next Generation of Wearable Sensors
Powering faster, smarter, and more precise chemical detection for the future.
In the world of wearable and digital health technology, heart rate sensors have long been the standard. They are widely available, easy to integrate, and provide useful physiological data. But heart rate alone tells only part of the story.
At Perfrormr, we are focused on developing electrochemical sensors, a technology that goes deeper, measures more precisely, and opens the door to truly personalised, real time biochemical monitoring.
Let’s discuss what electrochemical sensors are, how they work, and why we believe they represent a major leap forward beyond traditional heart rate sensors alone.
What Is an Electrochemical Sensor?
An electrochemical sensor measures the concentration of specific chemical compounds by detecting electrical changes generated during chemical reactions.
Rather than estimating physiological strain indirectly, as heart rate does, electrochemical sensors directly measure biomarkers such as:
Glucose
Lactate
Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium
Cortisol
Progesterone
Testosterone
And more
At their core, these sensors include:
A working electrode
A reference electrode
A counter electrode
A biochemical recognition layer (such as an enzyme or aptamer)
When a target molecule interacts with the sensing surface, it produces a measurable electrical signal proportional to its concentration. This enables direct biochemical insight instead of secondary physiological estimates.
By comparison, most heart rate sensors use optical technology called photoplethysmography (PPG) to detect changes in blood flow. They are effective for tracking exercise intensity and general wellness trends, but heart rate is a delayed response. Biochemical changes such as rising lactate or electrolyte imbalance often occur before heart rate shifts, meaning the underlying cause appears earlier than the cardiovascular signal.
Why Electrochemical Sensors Offer a Stronger Solution
Direct measurement of specific biomarkers, not just estimates.
Earlier detection of metabolic and hydration changes, providing more depth and texture for other data like pace, power and heart rate.
Deeper personalisation at the molecular level
Greater potential for predictive health insights
Scalable integration into next generation wearables
Two individuals may have identical heart rates during exercise but very different metabolic states. Electrochemical sensing captures those differences, enabling more precise feedback and smarter decision making.
Our development work focuses on miniaturization, multi analyte capability, signal stability, and long term wearability. Our goal is to bridge laboratory grade biochemical analysis with everyday wearable technology.
Heart rate sensors show how hard the body is working. Electrochemical sensors show what is actually happening inside it. That difference defines the future of intelligent health monitoring.