Artificial gut intelligence – AI analyzes stool and evaluates digestive health
Throne is a young company consisting of a team of five employees. Since its foundation in 2023, the start-up led by managing directors Scott Hickle and Tim Blumberg has already raised $1.2 million in capital and is now offering its toilet camera for pre-order at $299 - but only in the United States. The first devices are scheduled to be delivered in spring 2025. After the pre-order phase, Throne will offer the health gadget for around $500.
The camera is attached to the rim of the toilet and records images of stool and urine. An AI trained by doctors analyzes the images and draws conclusions about intestinal health and hydration status. The "toilet camera" is designed to detect food intolerances, assess the effectiveness of probiotics, and monitor hydration levels. The technology is referred to as "artificial gut intelligence". The data can be analyzed using an app.
Deep invasion of privacy
If the toilet camera works well in practice, it could be very useful for the early detection of bowel diseases. On the other hand, it is an invasion of the user's privacy. The Throne team understands that no one likes to feel watched in the bathroom.
The company promises to anonymize the data and transmit it securely using TLS 1.2 encryption. Irrelevant recordings will be automatically deleted, and users will have the ability to access their data and request permanent deletion. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether monitoring bowel health justifies constant observation in such an intimate area as the bathroom.
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