Withings' $500 Toilet Computer Wants To Be WebMD For Your Pee

Withings has already made a name for itself as a maker of ultra-sleek smart scales and activity trackers. Now a French medical technology company is entering the world of medical analytics by developing a device to scan human urine. It was originally envisioned as a way to support decentralized clinical trials, but the company hopes to offer it as a consumer health technology device in the future. Say hello to U-Scan.

The U-Scan is a pebble-like device that hangs from a plastic plate on the edge of your toilet, much like an air freshener. The 90mm diameter fitting is designed to sit on the tile where most people's urine flow ends. The bottom has a collection inlet and a sensor detects the presence of urine and activates a pump that draws a small amount of urine into his body. From there, the sample is pumped into a microfluidic system that causes a chemical reaction.

(This microfluidic system is a bit like the litmus strips you see at the doctor to test urine. As you can see in the picture, they are small, but the reaction changes the color of the paper, which is then read through the device's scanner. , which can produce binary results about substances, for example , your waste.)

Below the U-Scan is a cassette containing the specific test you are looking for The company is currently working with two European medical centers to investigate ways to detect nephrolithiasis and bladder cancer. It is hoped that the system will eventually be used to support mass screening of cancer markers and medical research.

For consumer units, the company has developed the U-Scan Cycle Sync designed for cycle tracking. The idea is to provide detailed and regular testing to ensure accurate cycle tracking without the need for a calendar app. In addition to predicting your menstrual cycle, the system says it will predict your ovulation window, fluid levels and nutrient levels.

Another is U-Scan Nutri Balance, which provides "deep metabolic guidance for hydration and nutrition." Urine fluid balance, nutritional value, fat metabolism and vitamin C content are tested. More importantly, you can track your ketone levels as well as the pH of your urine, which helps determine if you're eating a healthy enough diet.

After processing, the test results are sent to the server via WiFi or Bluetooth, after which the cartridge is reset with a new test module. The company says U-Scan is smart enough to switch between different users, such as B. Separate different family members and test the family accordingly.

Withings also says its system meets the highest security standards and that its data is always stored in a GDPR-compliant configuration in France. The U-Scan is said to work for three months before charging (via USB-C) and replacing cartridges.

In terms of pricing and availability, we understand that any dates announced by Withings may be delayed due to government approvals. The company says the U-Scan will be available in Europe for the first time in Q2 2023 with the Nutri Balance and Cycle Sync cartridges. A starter kit with drivers and cartridges is expected to cost 499.95 euros ($530), while replacement cartridges are expected to cost 30 euros ($31). If the FDA decides to approve the product for consumers, US clearance will follow some time later.