Google futurist Ray Kurzweil predicts that AI could halt aging by 2032. At this year’s CES, 17 Taiwanese digital healthcare startups showcased how cutting-edge technologies are making humans—and even pets—healthier and longer-lived.
Imagine waking up in the morning, looking into a mirror, and within a minute, obtaining vital physiological information like heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, cardiopulmonary function, and respiratory rate—all without the need for bulky devices.
Taiwanese startup FaceHeart demonstrated this "non-contact" technology at CES, with applications ranging from telemedicine to remote care. In the future, this innovation could even be used at home. This technology won the CES Innovation Award for the second consecutive year.
In polluted environments, imagine wearing a stylish necklace that nearly eliminates exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), H1N1 viruses, and pollen. Its effects last up to 28 hours, offering both functionality and fashion.
Or, picture swallowing a digital capsule the size of a fish oil pill that can immediately detect invisible internal pressures and temperatures.
DotSpace, a Taiwanese company, has developed the world’s smallest electronic sensing capsule. The key innovation lies in its patented antenna design and low-power Bluetooth transmission module, allowing it to continuously monitor internal conditions for over 150 hours until naturally expelled from the body.
DotSpace Project Manager Heng-Jui Liu explained at CES that the capsule is activated externally via magnetic induction, instantly transmitting pressure and temperature data. Its applications span patients, astronauts, and professional athletes, targeting specialized markets.
It’s not just physical health that benefits—modern technology is also poised to address mental health issues.
Bamboo Technology, a Taiwanese company, integrates the expertise of psychiatrists and psychologists into AI models to create an AI psychologist. This solution, already adopted by Taiwan’s military, addresses the shortage of mental health professionals.
Bamboo Technology CEO Lynia Huang, who previously managed psychological counseling for military personnel, noted that "over half" of individuals suffering from psychological distress do not seek treatment. This reluctance often stems from stigma and fears of societal judgment. Virtual therapy, she said, could encourage more people to seek help.
For those who prefer speaking with a real therapist, the website TalkRoom functions like an Uber for mental health. It connects users to psychologists through an integrated online payment system, helping them find therapists suited to their needs.
TalkRoom CTO Ruei-Min Jiang emphasized the importance of emotional connection in mental health care. “Human-to-human communication remains vital,” he said, explaining why the platform continues to offer services from real psychologists.
This year’s CES featured over 600 companies in the "Digital Health" category, with 17 Taiwanese teams participating. From health monitoring and daily wellness to early disease detection and psychological care, AI and technology are transforming how we approach life, health, and mortality.
Resource: 台灣新創數位膠囊、AI 心理師，形塑未來世界醫療場景
