Digital health market promising

An increasingly large array of vendors providing digital-based health services and products, including many from China, presented their innovations at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, in Las Vegas.

"I think the prospects for the future of China's digital market are pretty bright," said Tan Huan, a co-chief technology officer of Ubtech Robotics.

This year, the health and wellness category at CES－which ended on Friday－featured 145 exhibitors, a 25 percent increase over 2019, according to the Consumer Technology Association, which organized the show in the US city.

The global digital health market, which was valued at $144.2 billion in 2018, according to market research company Imarc, has more companies showcasing their innovations every year－whether it's fitness trackers, health monitors or sleep technologies.

With China's aging population becoming a serious social issue, Chinese innovators are increasingly focusing on technology to improve senior citizens' health.

Tan said that the medical field is where artificial intelligence and robotics products from Ubtech could become useful. There are several issues that Chinese society faces: The slow depletion of the labor force, a lack of professionals, and growth in demand.

Tan said the medical field is ever-evolving. The company has been exploring several uses for its products, including using robots as companions for people.

AI, robotics

AI and robotics could provide precision services for the medical industry, based on an ability to determine exactly what people need, said Tan, adding that there will be some new products next year from Ubtech geared toward the medical and wellness sector.

Neural FLEX Technology, a Shenzhen-based company that researches brain-computer interface techniques, has developed an intelligent noninvasive EEG headband called Soulink.

The product can detect brain activity in elderly patients indicating when their need to urinate arises, giving carers early notice, Charles Feng, CEO of the company, told China Daily on Wednesday.

The technology also can detect signs of brain fatigue in long-distance drivers, thus preventing potential tragedies.

Feng said that in China he sells his products directly to companies and usually engages in the business-to-consumer format when conducting overseas business.

Mavis Kang, director of Fitpolo sales at Moko Technology Ltd, a Shenzhen-based company, said digital health is growing in China because Chinese are becoming more health-conscious.

The company produces Fitpolo, a smart wristband that can be used to detect people's exercise and sleep patterns.

Omron Healthcare, a leading Japanese brand, showcased a wearable blood pressure monitor at CES 2020.

Other highlights of the show included a virtual reality game from Evolv Rehabilitation Technologies that helps stroke survivors regain physical coordination in a fun way; the Pivot app, which helps people quit smoking; and Singfit, a platform designed to help seniors access music as therapy.