A stethoscope allows medics to listen to our bodies’ internal sounds. Smart Aid Kit’s stethoscope is an evolution of that. Its big white dome (or diaphragm) sits on the skin over the lungs, heart or bowels. Body sounds make the diaphragm vibrate, producing sound waves. These waves are relayed to the kit, where sensors measure and analyse temperature, blood pressure and oxygen saturation.
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smart aid kit
Nearly half of the world’s population lack access to essential health services. We partnered with Modem to develop a vision for universal healthcare, driven by generative AI technology.
What if access to basic healthcare was truly borderless? What if people had the tools to immediately respond to their health concerns? We collaborated with Modem to envision Smart Aid Kit, a speculative medical toolkit enabling individuals and communities to conduct basic triage without barriers.
Nearly half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services. We researched the possibilities of merging advancing Large Language Models (LLMs) with purpose-built hardware to democratise diagnoses and provide real-time solutions. Such a combination could be life-changing for those who are economically or geographically marginalised.
Smart Aid Kit features a durable case powered by a sophisticated medical LLM, housing four hand-held devices – modelled on a stethoscope, spirometer, ophthalmoscope, and skin scanner. The user interface guides individuals through a series of questions to determine which device they might need, similar to a consultation with a General Practitioner. After scanning, this data is transmitted back to the core unit housing the LLM, which can then diagnose conditions and offer immediate guidance on whether to seek further medical treatment.
In places where the alternative is no healthcare at all, devices like Smart Aid Kit could be a vital lifeline.
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stethoscope
skin analyser
The skin analyser assesses skin health like hydration and pigmentation, can diagnose dermatological conditions, detect allergens and help with detecting skin cancer early. The domed end is set on the skin, and the tool has three scanning levels: on the skin surface, sensors monitor real-time aspects like moisture, oil, temperature and pH; in the initial skin layers, light waves give insights on blood circulation and colouration; and going deeper still, it investigates cell structures for anomalies.
spirometer
A traditional spirometer measures the volume of air that our lungs inspire and expire. This spirometer does a lot more. It can perform microbiome analysis, and nutrition and dietary assessments. The metabolic information it comes up with can help cancer screening. The mouthpiece is placed on the user’s lips as they exhale, and the device analyses the air and tiny saliva droplets.
ophthalmoscope
An ophthalmoscope shows the inside of the eye. Smart Aid Kit’s version can detect neurological disorders, assess cardiovascular health and recognise auto-immune diseases. It can also help detect diabetes early on, and identify genetic disorders. The user places the flat side against their eye and looks into the camera. The tool analyses the eye’s surface and back of the eye.
