Withings presented a curious but interesting product at CES 2023: U-Scan. According to the manufacturer, it is “a groundbreaking platform for the analysis of biomarkers in urine for home use”. It might be a nightmare for some: technology that spies on you down to the toilet. But the other thinks: Great if I know exactly whether everything is fine with my health.
Four years of research are said to have been put into this platform. The idea behind Withings U-Scan: With more than 3,000 metabolites, human urine is a particularly insightful source for assessing and monitoring an individual’s health. Normally, you have to see a doctor to find out more about it. But via U-Scan you can also do this privately and at home.
The market launch is planned with two health cartridges for consumers. Other versions, including ones for medical evaluations, are to follow in the future. A cartridge provides readings for three months. The first two cartridges planned are U-Scan Cycle Sync for tracking and synchronizing a woman’s monthly cycle, and U-Scan Nutri Balance, which aims to provide a detailed metabolic evaluation. By synchronizing with the Health-Mate app, the device then provides insights based on the daily readings.
Withings already advertises that the Consumer Technology Association has already awarded U-Scan the CES 2023 Innovation Award in three categories: Smart Home, Fitness & Sports and Digital Health. The rechargeable U-Scan reader is 90mm in diameter, and can distinguish between external fluids and urine, and funnel samples automatically for analysis. If a temperature sensor detects the presence of urine, a pump is activated. After collection, the urine sample is fed into a test capsule where the chemical reaction is read by an optical module. At the end of each measurement, the circuit returns to rest and the remaining liquid is drained through a drain. The system is then cleaned with each flush.
U-Scan can differentiate between different users. Low-power radar sensors embedded in the reader measure multiple variables to identify a person’s unique urine stream signature (Stream ID), e.g. B. detect the movement and distance of the beam. The information can be confirmed in the app.
U-Scan Nutri Balance then shows e.g. For example, in-app analysis of specific gravity, pH, vitamin C, and ketone levels. This is to help monitor metabolic uptake and optimize daily fluid and nutrient intake. The app not only shows results such as carbohydrate balance and pH, but also gives training recommendations, diet suggestions and recipes to achieve specific goals.
U-Scan will be available in Europe from the second quarter of 2023. Users can buy a starter kit for 499.95 euros, which contains a U-Scan reader and a cartridge for three months of tests – Nutri Balance or Cycle Sync. Additional U-Scan medical cartridges will be available in Europe in the future pending regulatory approvals.
This article contains affiliate links, so we’re marking it as advertising. Clicking on it will take you directly to the provider. If you decide to make a purchase there, we will receive a small commission. Nothing changes in the price for you. Thank you for your support!
