#South Korea #Seoul #Apple Watch #CART-I #Sky Labs

Sky Labs' CART-I and Apple Watch: A Comparative Study on AFib Detection

In the realm of health technology, Sky Labs, a health-tech startup firmly rooted in South Korea, has made a significant breakthrough with its innovative ring-shaped medical device, CART-I (Cardio Tracker). The findings of a recent clinical study have sparked considerable interest within the medical community, revealing that CART-I exhibits superior sensitivity for detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib) compared to the esteemed Apple Watch.

Published in the reputable international journal, Heart Rhythm O2, this research underscores the capability of CART-I to provide more accurate readings for AFib, achieving a sensitivity rate of 84.6%. In contrast, the Apple Watch, which is regarded as a frontrunner in wearable health technology, recorded a sensitivity of 69.1% under the same clinical conditions. This revelation positions CART-I as a potentially game-changing tool in cardiovascular health monitoring.

Jack Lee, CEO of Sky Labs, expressed optimism about these findings, highlighting them as a significant validation of CART-I's effectiveness. He stated, “This study offers strong external validation of CART-I's performance in detecting atrial fibrillation. Together with CART BP, which focuses on hypertension management, these results demonstrate CART-I's potential to support broader cardiovascular monitoring in the future.”

The comparative clinical study was methodologically rigorous, conducted across three prominent hospitals in the UK: Oxford University Hospital, University Hospital Southampton, and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Approximately 500 patients participated, undergoing assessments that evaluated the automatic AFib detection algorithms of both CART-I and the Apple Watch based on single-lead electrocardiograms (SL-ECG), which were then analyzed by trained physicians.

Beyond the sensitivity findings, the study also noted impressive results in terms of the performance of both devices during physician-led interpretations of SL-ECGs. The Apple Watch achieved a sensitivity of 95.4%, while CART-I closely followed with a sensitivity of 94.3%. However, it's noteworthy that prior research predominantly centered on AFib detection; this study delved deeper, encompassing a broader spectrum of arrhythmias such as atrial flutter and atrial tachycardia.

Despite these encouraging figures, researchers were careful to emphasize the limitations of wearable technology. They insisted that while CART-I and the Apple Watch provide valuable insights, they should not be viewed as definitive diagnostic tools for specific arrhythmias. The necessity for physician interpretation of the results underscores the importance of healthcare professionals in the diagnostic process.

In a separate yet equally significant development, Sky Labs' cuffless ring-type blood pressure monitor, CART BP, garnered recognition by winning the coveted Prime Minister’s Prize at the 2024 IR52 Jang Young-sil Awards, a prestigious technology innovation accolade in Korea. CART BP has effectively transformed the landscape of blood pressure monitoring, departing from traditional cuff-based methods to offer continuous finger-based measurements over a 24-hour duration. This innovation not only enhances patient comfort but also aligns with current trends in remote patient monitoring.

The device has received the requisite regulatory approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2023 and has been granted national health insurance reimbursement in 2024. As of April 2025, CART BP has found its place in over 1,300 hospitals and clinics throughout South Korea, marking a significant advancement in the management of hypertension.

Founded in September 2015, Sky Labs has consistently pushed the boundaries of healthcare technology. The company’s journey commenced with the development of CART, a ring-shaped medical device that leverages optical sensors to monitor heart signals and provide critical health data. Following this, the successful introduction of CART BP showcased their commitment to innovating patient care.

In addition to the accolades for CART BP, Sky Labs is preparing to expand its operations further with an exclusive domestic distribution agreement in partnership with Daewoong Pharmaceutical. This strategy aims to enhance the availability of CART BP pro in hospitals and clinics as well as to general consumers.

The landscape of wearable health technology is evolving rapidly, and with continuous advancements like those from Sky Labs, the potential for enhancing cardiovascular health monitoring appears promising. As the healthcare industry grapples with innovative technologies, the significance of devices like CART-I and CART BP becomes increasingly crucial for enabling patient-centered care and improving health outcomes.