Rena Goldman, Editorial Director, Everyday Health

I’ve spent more than a decade covering health and wellness, but this was my first time attending CES. It was a chance to see and test the latest products and the latest versions of existing health products. The show also offered a window into the future of health tech.

The biggest takeaway from CES was that as people turn to tech to understand how our bodies work, companies are trying to go beyond just tracking data. Brands are unveiling devices that aim to improve access to health information, help us make sense of the data being collected, and help us understand how we can use it to live better.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

AI had a strong presence, and even when it wasn’t promoted as a main feature, it was often incorporated into products. In some wearables and other biometric scanning devices, AI analyzed user data and compared it with studies or medical data to identify patterns. This analysis was delivered to users in a more digestible way, either through visuals in an app or in conversation, and often included personalized recommendations based on their data.

Exoskeletons

Exoskeletons were a popular item this year. There were several companies debuting different models. Some focused on the hips, some on the knees, and others on the ankles. None of the companies I spoke with said the devices were intended for medical use. Most devices were being marketed to people who want to extend their endurance and distance on a run, walk, hike, or bike ride without being exhausted. For some, the potential to evolve into medical devices was there.

Aging tech

Aging tech was another significant category. Included in this group were products to support longevity, caregiving, brain health, and independent living. There were remote monitoring systems, robot companions for people with dementia, diagnostics aiming to detect health issues early, and personalized care support. This category will likely continue to grow and evolve as generations who used tech early in life begin to age.

Biometrics

Biometric devices are moving beyond basic wearables, and not everything needs to be on your body at all times. While there were still plenty of wearables on display, many of which were trying to integrate clinical-grade data into daily life, there was a noticeable shift away from devices that have to be worn to gather information. Examples include smart scales you can stand on and hold, mattress frames with biometric sensors, and other discrete devices that sit in your room to monitor the environment and the user. The non-wearable approach offers alternatives for those who don’t want something on them at all times and for older adults who may forget to charge or wear devices.

Glucose Monitors

Multiple companies were showing glucose monitors. Some were aimed at people living with diabetes, and others were for those without diabetes who were interested in tracking their blood sugar. The continuous glucose monitors offer real-time glucose data that can be used to adjust lifestyle habits. It’s another example of tech that can collect patterns and trends to help users see how behaviors impact health.

Health tech certainly has come a long way from counting steps. While it shouldn’t replace medical tests or conversations with healthcare professionals, it’s getting better at alerting us earlier and helping us have those conversations.