In this article which follows upon my participation at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, I take a look at AI in health at the show, delve into the CES award winners, assess the involvement of consumer electronics brands in healthcare, offer product highlights from the French delegation, and share some final standout picks and conclusions. (If you prefer to read the French version, click on the flag).

Amidst the vast showcase of digital health products at CES 2025—the largest annual gathering of its kind—products and companies are naturally presented in their best light by their creators. The question on everyone’s mind is: What is the objective truth about these innovations? How do we identify the innovations that will truly define our future? I picked up the challenge of gleaning useful insights from the ever-expanding Digital Health category, as well as AgeTech & Accessibility, distributed across various locations and discussed in multiple sessions. As a result, most articles feature a unique list of favorites as we saw in my previous post.

AI’s Pervasive Role in Health Tech

Unsurprisingly, as the ability to collect and analyze diverse health data progresses, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly a dominant theme at CES. AI was present in digital health panel sessions, in the CES awards, and as well, in the exhibits of businesses from start-up to big consumer electronic brands.

The “AI for Health” panel, moderated by Colin Rom, the Head of Health policy from the iconic venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, featured three startups with cutting-edge applications  using voice-enabled AI technology  for first line contact. The AI agents answer patient queries, set up appointments, promote medication compliance, send alerts to family members and health systems … Hippocratic AI provided a standout example of utilizing multilingual agents in 15 languages for preventive health campaigns, achieving high patient engagement on the calls, at a cost of under $2.00 per call. Asha AI deploys AI to enhance the feasibility of remote patient participation in clinical trials.

Separately, Figur8, a start-up that emerged from MIT, has developed an FDA-registered platform that transforms musculoskeletal health assessments. Figur8 leverages new sensor technologies and AI algorithms to deliver previously unattainable levels of accuracy in its patient mobility measurements. Their CEO Dr. Nan-Wei Gong, holds 10 patents.

CES Award Winners : a Benchmark

At CES 2025, expert judges evaluated products in the Age Tech & Accessibility and Digital Health categories. Age Tech & Accessibility underscores a growing trend toward innovations aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with  disabilities. To be eligible for the 2025 awards, products had to have been launched after April 1, 2024, or at least scheduled for release by April 1, 2025. This criterion meant that not all products showcased at CES 2025 were eligible to compete.

While CES is a consumer show, many of the 2025  award-winning products in healthcare (digital health, age tech & accessibility or both)  require the initial or continuing intervention of a healthcare professional and some devices are intended for strictly professional use.   

Highlights in the award-winning “professional to patient” devices and products

• ArthronPulse from Entwick (S Korea), improves arthritis management through electromagnetic fields and laser therapy enhanced by AI for personalization. Arthron Pulse is a wearable with wireless technology that enables remote consultation.
• Bio Leg,  from BionicM (Japan), is a state-of-the-art robotic prosthetic knee that improves mobility for above-knee amputees. According to BionicM “Integrating an electrical motor with multiple sensors, Bioleg provides powered assistance to reduce discomfort and improve smoothness of movement. The design prioritizes a natural, human-like appearance, featuring a calf muscle bulge and black carbon material for self-expression… Bio Leg mimics the human knee’s kinetic characteristics, offering both power and flexibility, while transforming prosthetics into a symbol of confidence and style.”
• CLholmes®: AI-based heart disease predictor (S Korea), is a wearable SmartPatch with proprietary AI technology that can diagnose 21 cardiac arrhythmia with cardiologist-level accuracy and predict potential cardiac arrhythmia 6 months in advance.
• CureSilk (S Korea), improves wound care thanks to an app deploying AI to evaluate the wound and recommend a treatment plan and which is accompanied by patches that use spider silk protein to heal the wound.
• FaceHeart CardioMirror (Taiwan),  integrated with the FDA-cleared FaceHeart Vitals™ rPPG solution, is a contactless vital sign measurement technology. It can be used in relation to telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, digital therapy, and decentralized clinical trials by  monitoring user’s health status.
• Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton (ENMS), from Hong Kong Polytechnic University combines the benefits of exoskeletons, soft pneumatic muscles, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), and vibrotactile sensory feedback into a lightweight wearable system, improving user mobility and sensory feedback.  «.. powered by a 9V rechargeable battery, it allows for effective correction of post-stroke footdrop and foot inversion, … …and is easy to use by non-professionals in self-help telerehabilitation.”
• NETRI, (France) creates mini human organs on chip which, coupled with AI treatment, can predict the clinical effect of a drug candidate.
• Withings BPM Pro 2, (France / US) a “next generation cellular blood pressure monitor,” which empowers care teams to scale remote patient monitoring

Highlights in the award-winning consumer products

Among the consumer product honorees, innovation was  often achieved through the creation of a new device as we see below in the visual for CalmiGo, Hormometer, Lingo.

From the highlighted selection, all startups but January AI propose a new device.

• CalmiGo (USA), is a scientifically-validated handheld device designed to quickly reduce stress hormone levels and help users manage anxiety, PTSD, and panic attacks, thanks to lights, a calming scent, sound, and vibration
• Electric Salt Spoon (Japan), attracted much attention for its ability to reinforce the salty taste of food by sending a weak electric current to the user’s tongue.
• Essilor Luxottica  Nuance Audio OTC SaMD Hearing Aid (France), integrates into eyeglasses. This product is for adults with a perceived mild to moderate hearing loss that does not require the assistance of a hearing care professional. The hearing aid is integrated into eyeglasses and works with an app. No pre-programming or hearing test is required.
• Hormometer (Canada), a “consumer biowearable” from Eli Health is an end-to-end, at-home, saliva-based hormone monitoring test. It enables continuous monitoring for menopause, fertility, and general health. « Hormometer™ is here to make hormone health as accessible and routine as checking your heart rate-paving the way for a new era of personalized health.”
• Lingo (USA) Leveraging Abbott’s proven technology from the FreeStyle Libre system, Lingo measures glucose, ketones, and lactate. Utilizing advanced wearable sensors applied to the skin, Lingo measures biomarkers with clinical-grade accuracy, The sensor transmits data via Bluetooth® to a mobile app, where AI-driven algorithms provide personalized feedback and actionable insights.
• January AI (USA), is an app that predicts glucose levels using AI, without a continuous glucose monitor. This technology allows users to anticipate how their body will react to foods before consumption
• Naqi Neural Earbuds (Canada), allows users who require assistive technologies, to control computers, devices, IoT, AI, and wheelchairs without voice, touch, or screens. It provides ‘intuitive control » and is « redefining how humanity interacts with technology. »

Korea‘s investment in innovation

Among the 37 honorees in the digital health category, South Korea, the “Innovation Champion at CES 2025” and represented by 800 startups, stood out with 20 awarded products, making it the most represented country. It was impossible not to notice the importance of the Korean presence, for both exhibitors and visitors at CES 2025. The United States counted 7 of the 37 digital health honorees.

France, the second largest non-US presence

France’s participants represented the second largest non-US delegation at CES 2025. With 110 startups, French companies showcased a wide variety of technologies at CES 2025 that promise to influence the digital health sector.  In addition to the products already referenced above, here are some more highlights from the French start-up community. Many are destined to support people living with disabilities. I have designated them with a (D).

Highlights from the French start-up community at CES 2025

• Aiphonia  : the “Low Voice Headset,” is an AI-powered device that improves communication for people with vocal disorders. (D)
• Apneal: AI-powered medical-grade sleep apnea exam, using a smartphone
• Artha:  For the visually impaired, the device consists of a mini-camera clipped onto eyeglasses, which uses AI and communicates the person’s 3D environment in haptic language, via a lumbar belt that reproduces the image through the sense of touch. (D)
• Baracoda: Having previously received 10 (!) CES awards for its connected health objects, Baracoda presented bconnect, a configurable software platform that has been successfully tested in real time over the past decade, and enabling companies to upgrade or fast-track the development of smart devices, AI algorithms, and mobile apps.
• BeParentalis: A pediatrician-designed app using AI to guide parents with medical questions to the right source of help.
• Circular: The flagship product, the Circular Ring, tracks 140+ derived biomarkers 24/7, delivering  personalized insights via an AI-driven platform to improve  health, sleep, activity,  well-being.
• Enchanted Tools:  specialists of humanoid social robots inspired by imaginary characters and infused with AI technology.
• Galeon: AI and blockchain technology-supported second generation electronic medical records and data management for hospitals.
• Geemarc develops amplified phones, loud TV headphones, vibrating alarm clocks  for the hearing and visually  impaired, senior citizens,  people living with dementia. (D)
• Handi Exceller:  BR’EYE to gamify and facilitate  learning Braille. (D)
• KAPSYS designs digital mobility and communication devices for visually impaired (D)
• MoveR  is a « no headset » immersive experience that helps neurodiverse individuals (age 5 and upward) through play and movement. Based on VR technology with motion sensors, MoveR’s applications are  designed by professional therapists.  Of note: many orthoptists have invested in MoveR for their practices, because it makes a difference in clinical results.
• Phonix Health: AI-powered app to combat depression provoked by excess screen time and sedentariness
• Quantiq measures health and wellness by analyzing the user’s face with his smartphone. B2C and B2B for remote monitoring. Ai-powered.
• Skezi: innovative online solutions for collecting and using health data directly from patients, carers and caregivers for clinical research and patient monitoring.
• Somno Engineering: SleepScan is a medical device combining a miniature EEG recorder, algorithms and an application, designed to monitor and protect the sleep of patients in hospital ICU’s. These companies exemplify the vibrant innovation ecosystem in France and its potential to shape future health technologies.
• Sonaide: Distress sound detector embedded and computed on IoT products, no sound is sent to the cloud.

Virtual reality was present at CES, as in the case of this exhibitor specializing in gaming and all activities involving haptics – the ability to feel touch. However, therapeutic virtual reality was not represented…

On the other hand, there were numerous mixed VR / augmented reality eyeglass offerings from major brands, including Amazon. As those exhibit stands attracted many visitors and given the strength of the brands, these lighter types of glasses may be the innovation that finally helps VR in healthcare be more widely distributed.

Expanding the Horizon: Big Brands and AI Integration

As we turn our attention from these targeted innovations to the broader landscape, major consumer electronics brands like Samsung, LG, and Panasonic bring a global perspective to the integration of AI in health and wellness. At CES 2025, these companies demonstrated how AI is becoming a pivotal element in transforming everyday home environments into spaces conducive to health management and preventive care.

Samsung introduced its “Home for Wellness” zone, demonstrating an innovative AI-driven smart home ecosystem powered by SmartThings. This system is designed to monitor sleep patterns, suggest personalized meal plans, and provide actionable health insights, all integrated with their Galaxy wearable devices. This approach illustrates how home appliances can actively contribute to daily health management through advanced technology.

LG Electronics, a 2025 CES Honoree in Artificial Intelligence and Smart Home  presented its Self-Driving AI Home Hub, powered by what they call “Affectionate Intelligence.” This device combines advanced robotics with empathetic AI technology to offer hyper-personalized support. Equipped with a two-legged wheel design, it moves autonomously and recognizes users via vision, adapting to their emotional states. It responds to environmental risks, such as falls, and manages smart home devices, thereby enhancing safety and emotional well-being through natural voice interactions and generative AI.

Panasonic also stepped into the spotlight with Umi, a digital wellness coach developed in collaboration with Anthropic using the Claude AI model. Umi offers personalized health guidance, wellness plans, and health tracking with the goal of improving healthy habits. Expected to launch in the U.S. in 2025, Umi will further connect users with a community of experts. The Panasonic incubator Panasonic Well gave awards to two of the great companies I met at CES, GuavaHealth, which provides an easy-to-use secure health tracker, and YourCoach, which offers mental health and lifestyle support thanks to a validated human network of health and wellbeing coaches.

While these home hub applications proposed by consumer electronics brands are still in the early stages, they have ignited interest in how health technology can be integrated into our personal spaces to proactively manage well-being. However, these services also prompt questions about privacy. Our devices already track our location and health data; how much more monitoring are we willing to accept? Do we  want to develop a closer relationship with consumer electronics companies? What commitment would we want to make to a non-healthcare brand?”

More Noteworthy Mentions:

DeepSleep (NL) who will be launching in 2025, an innovative, proprietary technology called Closed-Loop Neurostimulation (M-CLNS) to improve sleep.

RetinaScope (NL) affordable, portable fundus camera, for more frequent screening by shifting imaging for diabetes patients to general practitioners, optometrists, and opticians.

Tombot (US)  Robotic Labrador retriever puppy that reacts to commands, thanks to interactive sensors and real puppy sounds,  for patients with dementia, cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, PTSD. See video below.

Vivoo (US) wellness-tech innovation company with an at-home urine test & mobile application to help users boost their wellness, and a smart toilet, on the way.

Navigating Challenges in Digital Health Innovations

While the array of digital health technologies showcased at CES 2025 offers exciting prospects, they also bring significant challenges that innovators must navigate. These challenges are pivotal in understanding the broader impact and sustainability of health technologies.

• Business Model Viability:  Determining a viable business model that also remains adaptable in a fast-evolving market and takes into account regulatory hurdles and high customer acquisition costs, is critical to the success and scalability of these technologies.
• Privacy and Data Security: Innovators must implement robust security measures and ensure compliance to national and international data protection regulations.
• Pace of Technological Change: Staying ahead requires the ability to innovate and pivot swiftly in response to new technological developments and changing consumer expectations.
• Integration and Interoperability: Interoperability  requires standardization across different platforms and cooperation among multiple stakeholders.

Reflecting on the Search for Objective Truth in Digital Health Innovations

Our journey to uncover the objective truth behind eve, a subset of the myriad of digital health innovations showcased at CES 2025 demonstrated the vast potential and diversity of these technologies. Each offering from start-up to major brand, celebrated or simply noted, contributes to our broader understanding of what health technology can achieve. As we reflect on these insights and the dynamics of innovation in digital health, we are reminded of the crucial balance between advancing technology and addressing the pressing issues of integration and large-scale adoption, privacy, basic economics and sustainability.

I hope that this article will ignite further dialogue about what makes technology valuable in enhancing health. TomBot, the robot dog companion is an interesting example!

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