Pavlok

Pavlok is a wearable device that uses operant conditioning through haptic feedback to modify behavior. Users are said to be able to break bad habits by pairing the behavior with up to 150 volts of "zaptic feedback", and can establish new routines by pairing the behavior with vibration.[1]

DeveloperBehavioral Technology Inc.
ConnectivityBluetooth 4.0, Micro USB
Websitepavlok.com

History

In 2012, Sethi was featured on NY Daily News, CNET, Huffington Post, and other news outlets for hiring a woman off of Craigslist to slap him across the face whenever he was distracted from his work.[2][3][4] Impressed with the observable effects of operant conditioning, Sethi founded Behavioral Technology Group in July of the following year.[5]

Hardware

Pavlok has two main hardware components: the wristband and the removable module.

Wristband

Pavlok's wristband is one size fits all, and is made of silicone.

Module

The module is made to fit inside the wristband, and is constructed to prevent accidental disassembling. Inside of the module is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) unit and a rechargeable battery. The module also includes an inertial measurement unit for activity tracking, a vibration motor, a dynamic buzzer, serial flash memory and several LEDs. [6].

Pavlok synchronizes data with the user's cellphone via BLE. The battery is specified to typically last at least 7 days on a single charge and is charged via a micro USB port. The zapping voltage is adjustable from 150 to 450 Volt.[7]

Software

Pavlok currently offers an app for iOS and Android, acting as a remote control for the device via Bluetooth. The app includes a five-day audio course in aversion conditioning.

Pavlok is built with an open API in order to encourage users to synchronize their data with third-party health and fitness apps. Interaction with original and third-party applications is incorporated with Pavlok's unique payment system, referred to as "Volts". No one accepts this payment system, nor does it integrate with any major health applications such as Apple Health.

Shark Tank Controversy

In May 2016, Pavlok was featured on ABC's Shark Tank Season 7 Finale. Maneesh Sethi asked the sharks for $500,000 for 3.14% equity, valuing Pavlok at nearly $16 million. Kevin O'Leary offered Maneesh $500,000 for 3.14% of Pavlok by way of a 2-year balloon loan at 7.5%. Sethi declined the offer claiming that he'd take an offer from any of the other sharks. Kevin replied with "Maneesh, you're an asshole. Get the f*** out!" after being told by Sethi he didn't want to work with Kevin. Maneesh asked again if they were all out, and Kevin cursed at him again. During the Pitch, Mark Cuban called Pavlok a scam because Sethi didn't have his own clinical research to back up his claims on the effectiveness of the bracelets. After Sethi left, Mark tells Kevin that Sethi was not really here to make a deal and he was a conman. [8]

gollark: Ahoi-hoi!
gollark: Whiy?
gollark: For Most Uses.
gollark: <@282843668228997120> Rust Is Better Than C.
gollark: Rust >>> C.

References
  1. Pavlok: Frontpage, archived from the original on 2015-08-10, retrieved 2015-08-05
  2. Roberts, Christine (October 18, 2012), "Blogger hires woman to slap him when he procrastinates", Daily News (New York)
  3. Matyszczyk, Chris (October 18, 2012), "Man hires woman to slap him every time he's on Facebook", CNET
  4. Bennett-Smith, Meredith (October 18, 2012), "Maneesh Sethi, San Francisco Blogger, Hires Craigslist Slapper To Hit Him For Productivity", Huffington Post
  5. Sethi, Maneesh (May 26, 2014), Pavlok Revealed: Beta-test the first habit-training device
  6. Stern, Becky, Pavlok Teardown
  7. Pavlok instructions https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/810wmdhDgrS.pdf
  8. "Shark Tank: Episode 29 - Watch Season 7 Episode 29". ABC. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
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