LAS VEGAS – From smart rings and AI-powered massage chairs to robots that promise to keep your grandparents company – you name it and it was probably on display at CES 2026.
world’s largest annual tech trade show
was held in Las Vegas recently, where digital health products highlighted the massive four-day event that spanned an impressive 2.6 million square feet – roughly the size of several convention centers and hotels.
Amid the vast array of innovations, Straits Times tech reporter Sarah Koh showcased five digital health products that could soon become integral to our healthcare arsenal.
The 1.6kg exoskeleton by Chinese company Dnsys gives users the extra push they need to lift their thighs when moving, reducing pressure on knees and hips.
PHOTO: AFP
Among the most popular displays was the exoskeleton from Dnsys, which attracted long queues of eager participants at the show. The Dnsys X1 model stood out for its sleek design, being notably less bulky than competitors. It features straps that wrap around the user’s waist and thighs, alongside curved carbon rods that allow comfortable bending and rotation of the knees.
Weighing in at just 1.6kg, this exoskeleton is among the lightest in the market. A control device located at the side recognizes the user’s gait and intent in real time, ultimately assisting in lifting the thigh while also pushing the leg through the swing phase of walking.
By lightening the load for the knees during activities like walking, running, or hiking, the device claims to conserve up to 50% of the energy exerted and significantly reduce joint pain. Since Dnsys started in 2021, the company has sold over 10,000 units of the X1, each priced at approximately USD 1,000 (SGD 1,280). Their initial focus was on selling to businesses such as hospitals, but a poignant experience with a young patient led them to pivot toward the consumer market.
The notion that technology can rekindle mobility in those facing challenges due to illness is a driving force behind Dnsys’s approach. Beyond facilitating movement, studies suggest the device can aid in recovery from injury by strengthening muscles through adjustable resistance levels.
Though the device can test for only two allergens currently, the team is working towards expanding this to the “big nine” – which includes wheat, soya, fish, shellfish, eggs, sesame, peanuts, and tree nuts.
ST PHOTO: SARAH KOH
Food allergies are a concern for many, and one innovator, Mr. Benedicte Astier, has created the Allergen Alert device to aid those affected. This handheld gadget enables users to instantly test food items for common allergens like gluten or lactose. The process is as simple as dropping a small food sample into a single-use pouch and inserting it into the device, with results available within minutes.
Developed using patented technology from bioMerieux, a firm linked to diagnostic instruments, the Allergen Alert operates similarly to a mini laboratory. With roughly 220 million people globally living with food allergies, this innovation is crucial. The device is set for launch in France later in 2026, with testing already ongoing in restaurants.
Despite currently testing for only two allergens, the team plans to expand its capabilities to the “big nine.” In addition to food allergies, they are exploring allergen testing for cosmetic products as well.
Sensura’s smartwatch is slated to launch later in 2026 after the Singapore-headquartered firm has completed further clinical testing.
ST PHOTO: SARAH KOH
Next on the list is Sensura, a Singaporean firm set to launch a smartwatch that aims to measure blood glucose levels non-invasively. Utilizing optical sensing technology, the smartwatch shines light into the veins of the user’s wrist. Different substances, such as glucose, reflect unique electromagnetic spectrums that the device’s AI analyzes.
Having undergone initial clinical trials in China, the device has shown positive outcomes. The firm is now working on additional validations with Southeast Asian populations, ensuring its wide applicability across various demographics.
This innovative monitoring solution allows users to keep continuous track of their glucose levels, making it a preferable option to traditional methods like finger pricking. Sensura plans to launch the smartwatch later in 2026 after completing further clinical validation.
The company is in talks with several hospitals in Singapore to trial the handheld device, which can also detect blood glucose levels.
ST PHOTO: SARAH KOH
Also in the pipeline for Sensura is a handheld device utilizing the same glucose detection technology. While details remain under wraps, the company is already discussing trials with hospitals in Singapore.
Among the smart mirror’s capabilities is giving users a prediction of their risk of developing cardiovascular heart disease.
ST PHOTO: SARAH KOH
In a blend of technology with self-care, NuraLogix unveiled its Longevity Mirror at CES 2026. This innovative mirror captures a 30-second video of the user’s face and analyzes changes in blood flow across key facial areas. The result? Comprehensive health readings including blood pressure, heart rate, stress levels, and even predictive measurements for potential cardiovascular issues.
By coordinating user data such as age and medical history, the mirror can deliver a tailored health score. Priced at USD 899, users can opt for an annual subscription to connect with health professionals for deeper insights.
The patches are stuck on the front and back of one ear, where the vagus and trigeminal nerves are located.
ST PHOTO: SARAH KOH
For women grappling with the challenges of heavy menstrual bleeding or painful cramps, another innovative solution has emerged. OhmBody’s device uses low electrical pulses delivered through hydrogel patches attached to the ear to alleviate discomfort. Positioned strategically on the vagus and trigeminal nerves, users are encouraged to utilize the device for two hours daily during their menstrual period to experience its benefits.
The device, priced at USD 599, demonstrated significant results in clinical trials – with a reported 50% reduction in blood loss, a decrease in menstrual duration by 20%, and a notable reduction in discomfort from cramps. Presently, the product is being positioned as a wellness tool, with plans for further validation studies planned for the future.
These developments underline a seismic shift in the landscape of digital health solutions at this year’s CES. Major firms and dynamic startups alike are focused on creating unobtrusive technology that caters to consumers’ specific health needs.
Steve Hummel, the Consumer Technology Association’s director of market research, noted that the offerings seen at CES are a testament to the democratisation of health technology. As health-centric devices become increasingly sophisticated and user-friendly, the integration of assistive robotics could further transform how we approach caregiving, especially in light of aging populations around the globe.
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