Embrace
Overview
Embrace, developed by Empatica Srl, is a groundbreaking wearable biosensor device designed for seizure monitoring, particularly for individuals living with epilepsy. It is worn on the wrist and utilizes advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect patterns in motion and physiological signals that may be associated with generalized tonic-clonic seizures. These signals include electrodermal activity (EDA), temperature, gyroscope, and accelerometer data.
When a likely convulsive seizure is detected, the Embrace device wirelessly transmits data via Bluetooth to a paired smartphone application (Alert App), which then contacts designated caregivers through calls and text messages, including the user’s location, for prompt assistance.
Beyond seizure detection, Embrace also provides continuous monitoring and analysis of an individual’s sleep, rest, and physical activity, offering valuable insights into their lifestyle and overall well-being. This data is stored and accessible through a companion application (Mate App).
The Embrace device (specifically Embrace2) was the first smartwatch to receive FDA clearance in neurology for detecting epileptic seizures in adults and later for children aged 6 and up.
While Embrace2 is no longer available for purchase, its services (Alert App, Mate App) remain active for current users. Empatica has launched EpiMonitor, which utilizes the EmbracePlus wearable, as its newest epilepsy monitoring solution with enhanced features and extended battery life.
Reviewed by Pouyan Golshani, MD — Interventional Radiologist
Key Features
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizure detection
- Automated caregiver alerts (calls and SMS)
- Electrodermal activity (EDA) monitoring
- Accelerometer and gyroscope for motion tracking
- Skin temperature sensing
- Sleep tracking and analysis
- Physical activity monitoring
- Seizure history logging
- Water-resistant design
- AI-powered advanced machine learning algorithms
Use Cases
- Epilepsy monitoring for patients (adults and children 6+)
- Caregiver support and immediate alerts
- Remote patient monitoring
- Clinical trials and academic research (via Empatica Health Monitoring Platform)
- Digital biomarker development
- Tracking sleep and physical activity patterns
What Physicians Need to Know
Embrace and its successors, EpiMonitor and EmbracePlus, are FDA-cleared wearable devices primarily for the detection of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, offering continuous, remote physiological monitoring. It is crucial to emphasize that this device serves as an adjunct to existing seizure monitoring practices and should not replace them or be used as a standalone tool for guiding medical therapy decisions. The system provides valuable data on sleep, rest, and physical activity, which can be reviewed and discussed with patients to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their condition and lifestyle. Empatica is also actively developing AI-based seizure forecasting algorithms, which could offer future benefits in personalized patient management. For patients with Parkinson's disease, the broader Empatica Health Monitoring Platform, particularly with EmbracePlus and EmbraceMini, now offers advanced digital biomarkers and reports for monitoring movement disorders.
The Embrace system requires a compatible smartphone with the dedicated companion app (Alert App for Embrace2 or EpiMonitor app for EpiMonitor/EmbracePlus) and a stable internet connection for full functionality. The device connects to the smartphone via Bluetooth. Data collected by the wearable is securely stored in the cloud. The Empatica Health Monitoring Platform provides an SDK, enabling integration of medical-grade data, including raw physiological signals and digital biomarkers, directly into existing healthcare provider infrastructure and Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems. Caregivers receiving alerts do not need to have the app installed on their phones, as notifications are sent via standard phone calls and SMS.
Details
| Category | Neurology AI, Wearables & Remote Monitoring (RPM) |
| Pricing |
Subscription-based for services, device purchase required.
|
| Deployment | Wearable device (wrist-worn), mobile application (iOS/Android), cloud-based platform for data storage and analysis. |
| Compliance | |
| BAA Available | Unknown AI-estimated |
| HIPAA Compliant | Unknown AI-estimated |
| FDA Status |
1 AI-estimated Embrace (K181861) received FDA 510(k) clearance for seizure monitoring in adults on February 5, 2018, and for children aged 6 and older on December 20, 2018. It is indicated as an adjunct to seizure monitoring in home or healthcare facilities during periods of rest, sensing electrodermal activity and motion data to detect patterns associated with generalized tonic-clonic seizures. |
| Integrations | |
| EHR | Not specified |
| Specialties | Neurology, Sleep Medicine |
What the Web Says
Empatica's Embrace watch is a wearable device designed to detect generalized tonic-clonic seizures and alert caregivers. It has received FDA clearance for both adults and children aged 6 and up. Users and their families often report a significant increase in peace of mind and freedom due to the device's ability to provide timely alerts and location tracking during seizures. However, some users have noted issues with false alarms and connectivity, and its effectiveness is primarily for convulsive seizures.
Overall: PositiveStrengths
- Provides peace of mind for users and caregivers by detecting seizures and sending alerts.
- Sends automated phone calls and texts with accurate GPS location to caretakers.
- FDA-cleared for seizure monitoring in adults and children aged 6 and up.
- Helps doctors track seizure frequency and identify triggers through the Mate app.
- Comfortable to wear and discreet design.
- Durable and water-resistant for everyday use.
Limitations
- Can have false alarms, especially with repetitive movements.
- Primarily effective for tonic-clonic seizures, not other seizure types.
- Potential for connectivity issues between the watch and smartphone.
- Band is not easily replaceable or cleanable, leading to potential discomfort.
- Some users experienced delays in product rollout and customer support issues in the past.
- Requires a dedicated smartphone or compatible device for optimal use.
Based on reviews from: Reddit, Empatica, Keystone First, G2, Mayo Clinic Connect
Last updated: 2026-07-20
