Any fan of 'Star Trek' can appreciate the capabilities of the tricorder, which scans just about anything to yield detailed information about the person or object under scrutiny; SCiO by Consumer Physics, a firm based in Tel Aviv, Israel, is the next best thing. It is a portable, pocket-sized device that "can scan most objects and instantly return a 'readout' of their chemical properties on your smartphone screen," according to Fast Co Design.
Recently demonstrated at TechCrunch Disrupt in New York City, SCiO by Consumer Physics was created mainly out of technological curiosity. Dror Sharon of Consumer Physics reveals that they wanted to "mak[e] a spectrometer so small and cheap it could become a consumer product." This device addresses the fact that many people want to know more about what surrounds them on a daily basis.
Pocketable Molecular Sensors
SCiO by Consumer Physics Can be Likened to a Real-Life Tricorder
Trend Themes
1. Pocketable Spectrometers - The trend of developing affordable and portable molecular sensors like SCiO by Consumer Physics presents an opportunity for innovation in the field of molecular analysis and product testing.
2. Consumer-level Molecular Analysis - The trend of making complex technology accessible to everyday consumers highlights an opportunity to develop new applications for molecular analysis in industries such as food, healthcare, and agriculture.
3. Smartphone-enabled Sensors - The trend of integrating advanced technology with mobile devices presents an opportunity to develop innovative products that can scan and analyze the chemical properties of various objects in real-time.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Pocketable molecular sensors can offer real-time analysis of products to help with quality control and to detect contaminants, making them a valuable tool in the food and beverage industry.
2. Healthcare - Portable molecular sensors can help detect and diagnose diseases and monitor patients, presenting an opportunity for innovation in healthcare industries.
3. Agriculture - Consumer-level molecular analysis devices can be used by farmers to detect nutrient deficiencies and monitor crops, optimizing crop yields and resource allocation.