Articles tagged with "health-tech"
7 CES 2026 technologies that make dystopian sci-fi feel oddly practical
At CES 2026, several emerging technologies revealed a trend toward deeply personal and intimate AI devices that blur the line between science fiction and reality. These innovations focus on monitoring and interacting with users in private spaces—such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and even the mind—addressing needs like health tracking, cognitive performance, emotional connection, and memory preservation. While individually these products target familiar wellness or productivity goals, collectively they evoke dystopian sci-fi themes reminiscent of shows like Black Mirror, highlighting how close current technology is to concepts once considered speculative. Key standout technologies include NuraLogix’s Longevity Mirror, a $900 bathroom mirror that uses facial blood flow analysis and AI to predict long-term health risks and physiological aging, turning a daily routine into a constant biological assessment. Neurable and HyperX’s EEG headset tracks brain activity to measure cognitive processing speed and mental fatigue, offering real-time biofeedback to improve focus and reaction times, hinting at future cognitive optimization tools. Vinabot’s AI picture frame
IoTAIhealth-techwearable-devicesbrain-computer-interfacesmart-homebiometric-sensorsNerve-stimulating wearable targets heavy menstrual bleeding
Spark Biomedical has introduced OhmBody, a neurostimulation wearable designed to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding without drugs or hormones, debuting at CES 2026. Building on the company's prior FDA-cleared device for opioid withdrawal, OhmBody uses transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation to stimulate the vagus and trigeminal nerves around the ear. This nerve stimulation regulates the nervous system and influences blood flow by activating platelets in the spleen, thereby reducing menstrual blood loss. A recent peer-reviewed pilot study with 16 participants, including women with von Willebrand Disease and unexplained heavy bleeding, showed that daily use of OhmBody during menstruation reduced blood loss by over 50% and shortened periods by nearly 20%, alongside improvements in cramping, fatigue, and quality of life. Currently positioned as a non-invasive, hormone-free wellness device, OhmBody is not yet FDA-cleared but is moving toward medical approval, with further clinical trials planned. Spark Biomedical emphasizes the device’s
wearable-technologyneurostimulationhealth-techbioelectronic-medicinemedical-deviceswellness-wearablenerve-stimulationWorld's first AI-powered wireless boots offer pro-level muscle therapy
Chinese company UREVO has launched the world’s first AI-powered wireless recovery boots designed to provide professional-grade leg muscle therapy for athletes without the need for clinics or cables. These boots integrate AI Smart Massage technology, pneumatic compression, and heat therapy into a portable system, featuring 32 intelligent recovery modes tailored for warm-ups, post-training recovery, or relaxation. The AI algorithms analyze muscle condition in real time, automatically adjusting pressure levels between 80 and 180 mmHg and offering three heat settings (38°C, 43°C, and 48°C) to promote circulation and muscle relaxation. The boots target calves and thighs using a matrix airbag system with eight adjustable deep-massage nodes and are controlled via a companion mobile app that manages pressure, intensity, temperature, and massage zones. The app also provides real-time muscle recovery visualization and supports over-the-air firmware updates. Designed for a wide range of athletes—including runners, cyclists, skiers, and team sports players—the boots feature a detachable wireless controller
IoTAI-technologywearable-devicessmart-fitness-equipmentwireless-recovery-bootsmuscle-therapyhealth-techThis startup built a Fitbit for your brain to combat chronic stress
Antonio Forenza, formerly head of R&D at Rakuten Symphony, identified a gap in the consumer health market for a wearable device that tracks stress, similar to how devices like the Apple Watch track physical activity. Leveraging his engineering expertise, he developed Awear, a wearable that uses electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to monitor brain activity—specifically high-frequency beta waves associated with psychological stress. Persistent beta waves can lead to chronic stress, exhaustion, and mental health issues, and Awear aims to help users detect and manage stress proactively before it escalates. Awear, which recently won the health category pitch competition at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 and is a Startup Battlefield 200 finalist, is currently being tested by Stanford’s psychiatry department for detecting confusion and disorientation in elderly post-surgery patients. However, Forenza’s primary target market is individual consumers, positioning Awear alongside other popular health wearables like the Oura ring. The device is available through an early
IoTwearable-technologybrain-computer-interfaceEEGstress-managementhealth-techconsumer-electronicsFitbit’s revamped app, with Gemini-powered health coach, rolls out to Premium users
Fitbit has launched a revamped app featuring a new AI-powered health coach called "Coach," driven by Google's Gemini AI, now available to Fitbit Premium subscribers in the U.S. on Android, with an iOS rollout planned later this year. Coach acts as a comprehensive fitness trainer, sleep coach, and wellness advisor, creating personalized workout routines based on user goals, preferences, and equipment availability. It dynamically adjusts exercise plans in real time based on user feedback and can modify routines if injuries occur. Additionally, Coach analyzes sleep patterns and offers insights to improve sleep quality over time. The updated Fitbit app has a redesigned, user-friendly interface organized into four main tabs: Today, Fitness, Sleep, and Health. The Today tab provides a customizable overview of key metrics and weekly cardio load, while the Fitness tab contains workout plans and key exercise statistics, though some features like nutrition tracking and cycle logging are not yet available. The Sleep tab offers detailed sleep tracking with AI-driven coaching insights and a summary of sleep quality,
IoTwearable-technologyhealth-techAI-assistantfitness-trackingsleep-monitoringdigital-healthSmart ring maker Oura raises $900M from Fidelity
Finnish health tech company Oura has secured $900 million in new funding led by Fidelity Management & Research Company, with participation from ICONIQ, Whale Rock, and Atreides. This round values Oura at approximately $11 billion, more than doubling its previous valuation. CEO Tom Hale emphasized that the funding reflects the company's strong business and the trust of its millions of users. Oura plans to use the capital to advance AI capabilities, innovate production, introduce new health features, and expand global distribution. Since its launch, Oura has sold over 5.5 million smart rings, with more than half sold in the past year alone. The company more than doubled its revenue in 2024, reaching $500 million, and expects sales to exceed $1 billion this year. Holding over 80% of the smart ring market, Oura is attracting a diverse customer base. Recently, it introduced ceramic ring versions and a charging dock, and launched a new app feature called Health Panels, allowing
IoTwearable-technologysmart-ringshealth-techAI-integrationproduction-innovationhealth-monitoring-devicesOura is winning young women and losing gym rats, and it’s fine with that
Oura, a Finnish health tech company that pioneered the smart ring market, currently dominates with 80% market share and has built a strong user base primarily among high-performing professionals—dubbed “corporate athletes”—who use the device to optimize sleep, exercise, and metabolic health. This demographic, largely millennials and Gen Xers with disposable income, has driven Oura’s rapid revenue growth, doubling last year and on track to double again, with exceptional user retention rates in the high 80% after 12 months, far surpassing other wearables. However, Oura faces increasing competition from brands like Samsung, Whoop, and Ultrahuman, which appeal more to younger, fitness-focused consumers, especially young men interested in athletic performance and recovery. While competitors often offer subscription-free models or target price-sensitive buyers, Oura remains confident in its subscription value and polished design. Rather than trying to capture every demographic, Oura is focusing on satisfying its core users while organically expanding into new segments
IoTwearable-technologysmart-ringshealth-techfitness-trackingsleep-monitoringwearable-devicesOura ring maker raising $875M Series E, bringing valuation to $11B, report says
Oura Health Oy, the maker of the Oura health and fitness ring, is raising $875 million in a Series E financing round that values the company at approximately $10.9 billion, nearly doubling its previous $5 billion valuation. The funding round is expected to close by the end of September 2025 and could potentially exceed $900 million. Since June 2024, Oura has increased its total ring sales from 2.5 million to 5.5 million units, reflecting significant growth. The company projects revenue to surpass $1 billion in 2025, doubling its 2024 revenue of $500 million, with forecasts for 2026 sales to exceed $1.5 billion. Oura plans to use the new capital to scale production, expand internationally, and invest in product development. Bloomberg highlights that recent growth has been driven by female consumers, retail store sales, purchases via health savings accounts, and international market expansion.
IoTwearable-technologyhealth-techsmart-ringfitness-trackingSeries-E-fundingproduct-developmentThis headband uses electrical signals to help ease stress, balance mood
Studio Beyond, a Cambridge-based design firm led by Paul Gibson and Matt Maitland, has introduced Sometimes, a conceptual wearable headband designed to help users manage stress and balance mood through gentle electrical signals delivered to the nervous system. Drawing on research indicating that electrical stimulation can influence brain activity, the device uses electrodes to send carefully regulated pulses aimed at lowering stress without causing discomfort. Integrated sensors and a small processor continuously monitor and adjust these signals to ensure safety and user comfort. The Sometimes headband features an adjustable elastic band with electronic modules positioned likely over the temples or forehead, combining functionality with a consumer-friendly design that resembles familiar wearable products rather than clinical devices. It is intended for daily use without the need for surgery or medical training, reflecting a broader trend toward accessible, at-home neurotechnology solutions. However, it remains a concept at this stage, with no current plans for commercial release until further development transforms it into a functional product.
wearable-technologyneurotechelectrical-stimulationconsumer-electronicshealth-techsensorsbrain-activity