Low-power monitoring and emergency heating to prevent frostbite
Frostbite is devastating and costly. Individuals living in cold climates have up to a 20% lifetime
incidence of frostbite. Individuals working in the cold have greater risk, with lifetime incidences up to
44%. Treatment for frostbite is essentially non-existent; upwards of 30% of frostbite cases result in
amputation and cost ~$300,000 per incident. A recent Army survey from 2017 - 2022 claims the branch
sees ~400 cases per year, costing ~$120 million annually in operational costs and medical costs.
Frostbite incidences are expected to rise in the coming years given geopolitical tensions and growing
interest in arctic resources.
Existing cold-weather gear is ineective. Once fingers/toes become numb, the line between “cold” and
“frostbite” is indiscernible. Wearing warmer gloves/socks helps, but there is an inherent tradeo between
warmth and dexterity, and dexterity is often prioritized for those living, working, and recreating in the cold.
Numerous heated gloves exist, but commercial solutions have failed to become staples of cold-weather
uniforms because they have limited battery life, are not durable for extended use, and require additional
eort by the user (e.g., charging batteries, turning on the heating).
We are developing FrostByte, a lightweight glove liner with temperature monitoring and emergency
heating elements that prevent frostbite and preserve dexterity. The University of Utah has awarded us
a $100k to develop a prototype which we have accomplished. FrostByte is innovative because it is
designed for maximum compatibility, durability, and longevity. There is no user interface. After the user is
notified (to prompt evacuation), heating is activated if/when tissue temperature is at risk of frostbite.
Additionally, heating is activated at the minimal amount necessary to prevent frostbite on a digit-by-digit
basis. The electronics are entirely passive with low RF interference and EM footprint. This technological
innovation allows FrostByte to serve as an emergency backup for months, only needing to be replace or
recharged after use. Emergency heating can last ~1 week to support austere conditions where cold
exposure cannot be avoided quickly. Monitoring systems last 2 months on a single, replaceable watch
battery.
FrostByte sets the standard for arctic gear. FrostByte is designed to fit under cold-weather uniforms
used by the military, utility workers, construction workers, ski patrollers, etc. Integrating within existing
cold-weather uniforms supports commercialization and compliance with wearing the glove liner. The
unique durability, longevity, and technology of FrostByte will help prevent irreversible damage of frostbite
in our soldiers.
Jakob W. Travis
CEO
jtravis@frostbytedefense.com
Scott E. McIntosh, MD, MPH
CMO
smcintosh@frostbytedefense.com
Jacob A. George, PhD
CTO
jacob.george@utah.edu
