From toothbrush that blabs & pet communication collar – AI-powered tech that could soon be a reality

HI-TECH toothbrushes could soon blab your bad habits to the doctor – including exactly how much you smoke or drink.

The AI-powered tools, with their ­ability to track everything you have consumed, would be equipped to do much more than simply clean your gnashers.

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In fact, they might even know you are ill before you do.

Remarkable scientific advances also mean that soon your pet dog will be capable of telling you when it is time for their walkies — or even demanding a treat.

It might sound like science fiction, but futurologist William Higham, from Next Big Thing Consulting, said: “AI means all these could soon be a reality.”

Gadgets similar to the hand-held device used by Star Trek’s Leonard “Bones” McCoy — which scan the body and give an instant ­diagnosis — may soon be here.

By analysing saliva, they would track human health metrics, from weight gained or lost to calories consumed — along with units of booze and how many ciggies you smoke.

The information could even be pinged to GPs or insurance companies.

William said: “Anyone old enough to remember the tricorder from Star Trek will know it is a device that can analyse someone’s symptoms and health by passing it across the body.

“Toothbrushes, or even toilets, that analyse saliva and waste from our bodies will show how healthy or unhealthy we are and recommend how to fix us.

“These clever gadgets will be able to transmit information to your doctor or health insurer. If you can keep healthy, you’ll get cheaper insurance.”

William also predicts we will soon be able to communicate with our pets using an AI interface on their collars.

“Scientists are working on pet translators that will be able to tell you what those meows and barks mean,” he added.

But entrepreneur and author Jonathan MacDonald warned that AI is a “new species” and that it poses a “real and very existential threat”.

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