Internet of Things

​Essentially cheap, battery-less, sticker-type devices, RFID tags transmit a signal when temporarily powered up by the electromagnetic signal from a reader device. Now, thanks to experimental new technology, they could be used to bring "smart" functionality to plain ol' analog objects.

​Airthings, the company behind digital sensors that detect radon gas, has built a global map based on frequently updated data pulled from its distributed network of devices installed in customers' homes.

​Developed by L’Oréal, Kérastase and Withings, the Hair Coach smart hairbrush uses a microphone and sensors to detect brushing patterns and signs of excessive force, presenting users with insights and recommendations through a companion smartphone app.​

​Watson, IBM’s AI system, is ridiculously prolific. The latest point on the system’s resumé is to help make hospital stays more comfortable for patients and relieve strain on staff through speakers that can answer basic questions and grant patients' control over room temperature, lights or TV.

Aiming to make sure we always uphold our gold standard of oral hygiene is Kolibree, a French start-up whose smart toothbrush tracks your brushing efforts to makes sure you are caring for the harder to reach places.