Artificial intelligence technologies are poised to transform healthcare by providing tools for self-monitoring and early disease detection. These tools extend beyond smartwatches and rings to include headphones that monitor brain activity and apps that analyze iris images to detect early indicators of serious illnesses.
"Preventive medicine isn't achieving its desired results today because many people are reluctant to visit a doctor regularly for checkups," says Ramses Alcaid, CEO of the startup Neurabel. "What if people knew exactly when they needed to?" he adds.
Smart Health Monitoring Devices
The recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas showcased a wide array of smart rings, bracelets, and watches capable of monitoring health indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels with varying degrees of accuracy.
These devices appear to be meeting a growing public demand. A recent study published by OpenAI revealed that over 200 million internet users consult ChatGBT weekly regarding health issues.
In this context, the company headed by Sam Altman launched the "Chat GBT Health" application, which relies on the user's medical records—with their consent—in addition to data collected by connected device applications.
A representation of brain focus as a pattern of dots is displayed by the Prime application as the Neurable and HP Inc.'s HyperX collaboration brain-computer interface and gaming audio headset is demonstrated for neurofeedback to measure brainwave activity (EEG) and improve brain function during the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 7, 2026. The recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas showcased smart devices capable of monitoring health indicators (French).
Headphones that monitor brain activity
Based on electroencephalography (EEG), Neurable developed a headset capable of recording and analyzing brain activity. The currently available model can detect a slowdown in brain activity and suggest rest periods for the user.
The company is also developing another version aimed at improving the performance of esports players, along with a feature that compares current data with the user's health history, potentially revealing any deviations that might indicate a possible health problem.
Alcaid points out that some devices, such as the Apple Watch, can diagnose Parkinson's disease, "but often only after physical symptoms like tremors appear," while electroencephalography (EEG) can detect signs of the disease before symptoms manifest.
He emphasizes that this technology does not provide a medical diagnosis, but rather an early warning that may alert the user to the possibility of developing depression, Alzheimer's, or other diseases.
Scientific Concerns and Military Applications
Some experts express reservations about the reliability of EEG devices intended for personal use. Anna Wexler, a professor specializing in consumer diagnostic products at the University of Pennsylvania, says she doesn't believe there is currently "sufficient confidence" in detecting signs of these diseases, but acknowledges that artificial intelligence has "expanded the capabilities of these devices."
In the same vein, Neurabel is collaborating with the Ukrainian army to assess the mental health of soldiers returning from the front lines, as well as prisoners of war, and to detect the potential for post-traumatic stress disorder. Neurable research scientist Dr. Alicia Howell-Munson demonstrates the Neurable and HP Inc. HyperX collaboration brain-computer interface and gaming audio headset with the Prime application for neurofeedback to measure brainwave activity (EEG) and improve brain function during the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 7, 2026. (French)
Devices for Epilepsy and Alzheimer's Patients
The French startup Naox has developed headphones that use electroencephalography (EEG) and are connected to a small device designed for epilepsy patients.
Dr. Marc Vaillot, head of innovation at Naox, explains that the device detects short, abnormal electrical impulses in the brain known as "spikes," which are indicators of epilepsy and are often more difficult to detect than the seizures themselves.
Naox headphones have received FDA approval and are primarily used at night to collect data. The company is also collaborating with Rothschild and Lariboisière hospitals in Paris to study the relationship between these brainwaves and Alzheimer's disease.
Neurable CEO Ramses Alcaide demonstrates the Neurable and HP Inc. HyperX collaboration brain-computer interface and gaming audio headset with the Prime application for neurofeedback to measure brainwave activity (EEG) and improve brain function during the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 7, 2026.
Neurable CEO Ramses Alcaide at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (AFP)
Iris Scan
In related news, AirHealth is preparing to launch a small smartphone accessory, priced at around $50, designed for iris scanning.
The device relies on iridology, a technology that is the subject of scientific debate. However, the company's founders assert its effectiveness in detecting colon disorders, with future plans to expand its use to include the lungs and liver.
Company spokesperson Tommy Van says that tests conducted by AirHealth showed an 81% accuracy rate in patients previously diagnosed with colon cancer.
Experts believe that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence have contributed to miniaturizing medical diagnostic devices and eliminating the need for heavy equipment used in clinics and hospitals, while also making them more affordable. This could pave the way for widespread early disease detection.