Samsung Research Institute-Noida (SRI-N) is contributing to health and wellness capabilities on the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 while testing wearable software under Indian conditions. The centre also works on services that connect Samsung Health with India’s digital health ecosystem, aligning with the government’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) initiative.
Established in 2007, SRI-N works in collaboration with Samsung’s global R&D organisations across Galaxy mobile devices, wearables, tablets and software development. For Galaxy Watch users, its localised work translates sensor data into health and wellness insights through Samsung Health.
Researched and tested in India
SRI-N’s work includes contributions to Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 capabilities such as:
- Vital Tracker: Measures heart rate, heart-rate variability, skin temperature, respiratory rate and blood oxygen during sleep. When measurements move outside a user’s usual range, it provides explanations and recommendations.
- Daily Cardio Load: Combines activity and recovery data, including sleep, to give users a more personalised view of exercise intensity.
- Trail Running: Provides navigation and uphill guidance, while hydration alerts use information about sweat during a trail to prompt users to drink water.
- Hearing Health: Also among the capabilities to which the centre has contributed.
Beyond developing these features, the centre conducts user trials and validates software under local conditions to identify issues that may not emerge in other markets. During testing of auto-cycle detection in India, for example, the system initially interpreted movement from auto-rickshaws travelling on bumpy roads as bicycle rides. Indian engineers investigated the false positives and refined the algorithm.
According to Dr Thapliyal, the development process considers “demographic profiles and regional behaviours” to address diverse needs. He also said “R&D engineers in India enhanced our sensor technology”, with those improvements incorporated into the global product. As a result, SRI-N works on technology for Samsung’s global portfolio while also testing it against conditions and behaviours found in India.
Developed for India
SRI-N has also developed an India-specific connected health ecosystem around Samsung Health. The work includes:
- An ABDM-compliant health record developed with Eka Care.
- Medication tracking with Tata 1mg.
- Find Care services with Tata 1mg and PharmEasy for doctor consultations, medicine orders and lab-test bookings.
With user consent, the ABDM integration allows health records to be shared with ABDM-compliant healthcare providers. Meanwhile, Find Care connects consultations, prescriptions, medicine orders and lab tests within Samsung Health.
For example, a consultation can generate a digital prescription. Samsung Health then uses AI to extract medication information and feed it into the Medication Management tracker. The resulting information can be stored in the user’s health record and, through ABDM integration, in their Ayushman Bharat Health Account. Medication schedules can also continue through the Galaxy Watch.
Dr Thapliyal said Find Care “facilitates this process” by enabling users to connect with doctors for consultations directly through Samsung Health. The centre also uses health data to provide personalised recommendations that can help users make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
The approach reflects SRI-N’s software-led R&D role, with Dr Thapliyal describing the work as “personalised intelligence” aimed at helping users improve their health and well-being. Roo also said Samsung wants to leverage “the exceptional talent in India” for Samsung Health and the AI domain.
For SRI-N, the work combines R&D for Samsung’s global products with development addressing specific requirements of Indian consumers. Its India contribution spans Galaxy health software, local testing under Indian conditions and services connecting Samsung Health with the country’s digital healthcare infrastructure.
Speaking on the development, Kyungyun Roo, Managing Director, Samsung Research Institute-Noida, said,
Digital health, including watch-related features, is a key focus area. Over the past three to four years, we’ve introduced India-specific services.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Amitabh Thapliyal, Vice President, Service Development, Samsung Research Institute-Noida, said,
Our platform connects wearable data with smartphones and supports capabilities across activity, sleep, nutrition, mindfulness and vital health indicators. We also contribute to health-tracking applications focused on wellness and preventive care.