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.
History
Pavlok is a Behavioral Technology Group product, created by Maneesh Sethi, an author and television personality. Sethi was previously known for his writing as Editor-in-chief of Hack The System, a series of articles and guides on establishing a passive income and being productive. 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. Impressed with the observable effects of operant conditioning, Sethi founded Behavioral Technology Group in July of the following year.
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 with silicone. As of July 2015, Pavlok offers colored wristbands for separate purchase in blue, red, pink, and gray.
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 unit and a rechargeable battery. Pavlok synchronizes data with the user's cellphone via BLE. The battery is specified to typically last around 3-6 days on a single charge and is charged via a micro USB port. The zapping voltage is adjustable from 150 to 450 Volt.
In 2014, Pavlok established its own digital currency. Users can earn Volts for their activity on the Pavlok application, such as completing an audio course or reaching a goal. Volts are an internet-based medium of exchange, and can be redeemed for additional in-app courses and modules. Pavlok uses this payment system to leverage behavioral economics and improve its capacity to modify behavior, as financial incentives have been shown to enhance success in smoking cessation, grade performance, and other endeavors.
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. Fellow Shark Robert Herjavec tells Kevin not to feel bad about it.
