In 2018, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicked off in Las Vegas, USA, drawing over 4,000 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge innovations. Among the highlights was a strong focus on health and wellness, with several groundbreaking medical devices making their debut. This year, the event featured four key themes: convenience, digital health, fitness, and wearable technology, as well as sleep innovation. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most intriguing medical health products that made an impression.
One standout product was the **Philips SmartSleep** headband, designed to monitor brain activity and help users achieve better sleep. The device syncs with a smartphone app, allowing users to track their sleep patterns and receive personalized insights. When it detects deep sleep, the headband plays soft white noise to enhance restfulness. Priced at $399.99, it was expected to be available in the U.S. during spring 2018.
Another notable innovation was the **Nokia Sleep** sensor, which is placed under the mattress to track sleep behavior. It connects to Wi-Fi and syncs with Nokia’s Health Mate app, offering detailed sleep scores and even monitoring for nighttime awakenings. The sensor also integrates with IFTTT, enabling smart home automation—like turning off lights or adjusting room temperature based on the user’s sleep cycle. Priced at $99.95, it was set to ship early in 2018, and the app would soon support Amazon Alexa.
For athletes and active individuals, **Prevent Biometrics** introduced a head impact detection system. This wearable device alerts users and caregivers in real time when a potential concussion occurs, providing critical safety features for sports, military, and school settings.
The **GoBe2** calorie-tracking bracelet by Healbe offered a revolutionary way to monitor food intake without manual input. Using patented FLOW technology and impedance sensors, it automatically tracks calories, water, and nutrients throughout the day. Ideal for weight management, it was priced at 1,899 yuan in China.
Omron unveiled the **HeartGuide**, the world’s first smartwatch with built-in blood pressure monitoring. Designed for people with hypertension, it uses oscillometric technology to measure blood pressure and syncs with a mobile app for data sharing with doctors. It also includes heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and automatic nighttime readings to detect risks like stroke. Priced at $349, it aimed to compete with high-end wearables like the Apple Watch.
Valencel showcased its **Benchmark 4.0** biometric sensor system, promising up to 50% power savings and greater design flexibility for future wearable devices.
In a more emotional and therapeutic category, **My Special Aflac Duck** was introduced as a comforting companion for children undergoing treatment. This interactive duck responds to touch, light, and sound, and allows kids to choose different “moods†using RFID cards. It also features a chest-mounted sensor that helps children visualize their treatment experience. While each duck costs around $200, Aflac donated them to children newly diagnosed with cancer.
Finally, Israeli company **ICI** presented prototype glasses designed to assist those with retinal diseases. Combining cameras, eye-tracking software, and projection tech, the glasses aim to redirect vision to healthier parts of the eye.
From smart wearables to AI-powered health tools, CES 2018 highlighted the growing integration of technology into healthcare, offering solutions that are not only innovative but also deeply personal.
Cixi Xinke Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.cxxinke.com