AI Health Gadgets: Are They Really Helpful or Just Hype?

At the recent CES trade show, a variety of AI-powered health gadgets were showcased. These gadgets promised to improve health in unique ways, like a smart scale that scans your feet to monitor heart health and an egg-shaped device that tracks hormones to help with conception. However, experts are raising concerns about the accuracy of these gadgets and the potential risks to data privacy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to ease regulations on low-risk wellness products, such as heart monitors and wheelchairs. This move is part of a broader effort by the federal government to reduce barriers to AI innovation. The White House has also taken steps to expand the use of AI in healthcare, despite warnings from experts about the potential risks. Many of the gadgets at CES were designed to address specific healthcare needs, such as improving access to healthcare in rural areas, advancing research into women’s health, and assisting people with disabilities. While these goals are commendable, experts caution that AI technologies can also promote biases and provide incorrect information.One major concern is the lack of privacy protections for data collected by consumer devices. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) does not cover information collected by these gadgets, which means companies could be using the data to train their AI models or selling it to other businesses. Experts urge consumers to be cautious and to carefully review the fine print before using these devices. Despite these concerns, the creators of these gadgets maintain that their products fill important gaps in healthcare. For example, the founder of Mira, an egg-shaped hormone tracker, created the device because she noticed a lack of knowledge about hormonal health among women trying to conceive. The device uses AI to analyze hormone data and provides personalized insights. Other gadgets at CES focused on improving access to healthcare information. For instance, a free AI chatbot called 0xmd helps people in areas with doctor shortages by providing medical information and translating doctors’ notes into easier-to-understand language. However, experts caution that these tools should not be seen as a replacement for professional medical advice. In summary, while AI health gadgets offer promising innovations, consumers should approach them with caution. It is important to critically evaluate the accuracy and privacy implications of these devices before incorporating them into daily life.