Get diagnosed while you go…
Most people don’t like dealing with upset stomachs and gastrointestinal problems. But sometimes getting early treatment can help relieve symptoms quicker. Sadly, this often requires a stool sample…
Thankfully, these scientists are working on a way to make the unpleasant experience a bit more convenient for everyone.
The porcelain throne is getting an upgrade!
Scientists from the Duke Smart Toilet Lab at Duke University’s Centre for Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Infectious Disease (WaSH-AID) are working on an AI-enabled stool analysis system.
This system will gather information about the individual and public’s health… and all they have to do is flush.
The team is working on creating an AI camera that’s located in the plumbing of the toilet to automatically track the stool samples. They’re also looking for a way to connect multiple toilets to create a property-wide surveillance system of everyone’s health.
Having the system installed through the building would allow researchers to quickly identify infections and manage contagious outbreaks in vulnerable places like nursing homes.
Number two troubles are becoming number one
The developers view this type of AI-based technology in the loo as a crucial necessity. The annual healthcare costs for gastrointestinal problems are outpacing the annual cost of heart disease, which is currently the most expensive disease in the healthcare industry.
By incorporating this tech in the can, the waste could not only reduce the cost of treatment, it could also help people get diagnosed quicker and more accurately.
It would take away the often-hesitant self-reporting from patients and allow for more effective medications to be administered.
Don’t get too flushed
It might take some time to see a Smart Toilet at work – it’s still just a prototype in development.
The researchers are requesting that the public send in photos of their fecal waste to help build upon the analytic abilities of the AI technology.
So far, they’ve collected over 3000 images.
With more people getting diagnosed over the internet due to telemedicine, this technology seems like a more efficient and comfortable way to monitor people’s health remotely as well.
Are these available in Western Australia yet? If so, where are they able to be found?
This is the kind of thing that should be given a high priority because it has the potential to save lives. Depending on cost I would want it in my home or any dwelling I occupy. If the technology is available and works economically then let’s use it.
They’ve been tracking the progress of Covid by testing the amount of the virus in the waste water.It’s been very useful in determining which variants are in the community and whether it’s rising or dropping. I live in Ontario Canada so this might not be available every where.
Well this is certainly interesting…..and if it can help people it is even better. I hope they have success in their studies of this. AI is very interesting and I think we have only scratched the surface of what it can do for us. Very interesting indeed. Good luck!!!
Great idea, when will it be available?
I was just talking to somebody about this two days ago. With the analysis that they do currently at waste water treatment plants, I envisaged that one day they will have the senses it will isolate not only subdivisions or buildings but go even further to new construction when sewer is going in That some kind of sensor would be installed.
What a wonderful idea! I wish you all of the luck in developing the
Smart Toilet!!
Brilliant idea. I’m someone who as a Type 1 63 plus year diabetic has recently succumbed to GastroParesis so the AI loo would be a great help.
I’d be happy to trial the system at home if requested and it might help your research.
Thank you
Sorry, when you talk about something as private as using the bathroom and cameras, this is not a good idea, sorry. If you want to use them at Dr’s offices or hospitals, SPECIFICALLY labeled bathrooms for the drs to use to diagnose an illness. Well, that’s one thing but toilets everywhere. No way, that is just too over the top. What next, toothbrushes that can analyze DNA??
Very interesting, I would be very excited to recommend it to my associates in the eldercare business (if the price isn’t too steep. Looking forward to seeing the final product.
Why not just bring the Japanese toilets over? They’ve been doing the same thing for several years now.
Do they have this technology at Wastewater Treatment plants to detect outbreaks of diseases by region?
This is a great use of AI. PLEASE keep up your good work.