What’s the Future of Medical Devices? Steve Wozniak Weighs In

Steve Wozniak will take the stage on June 13, at New York's Atlantic Design & Manufacturing event to discuss Apple, robotics, IoT, wearables, and more. Register for the event here !

What does the future hold for medical devices? According to a recent report on Design News sister media outlet Qmed, what’s next for medical electronics ranges from devices like electronic pancreases to using electronics to allow for targeted neuroplasticity training or to advance devices that restore both movement and the sense of touch to those with paralysis.

Indeed, every device could be life changing. Design News recently spoke with Steve Wozniak , Apple co-founder and the engineer behind the Apple II, the first mainstream personal computer, which set engineers on the path to scores of world-changing technologies.

As to what new medical devices interest him, Wozniak said: “Almost everyone piques my interest. These little devices are doing tasks that were really only done by a doctor [until recently] and we thought that only a doctor had the mind to help us out.

“Yes, you can have a wearable that measures your temperature or your pulse rate,” he continued. “Those are kind of minor compared to diagnosing diseases, which is what we are really interested in.”

Devices that can diagnose diseases would require some form of AI (artificial intelligence) or cognitive computing. While still in the future, we have started to see this emerge. IBM’s Watson, as example, has begun besting doctors’ abilities in making and managing medical diagnoses.

“The devices that can use nanotechnology — slide it into your mouth and from that it can discern what molecules are there and which viruses and bacteria might be in your body — that’s an intriguing concept because it’s very simple in its definition,” Wozniak said. “When you visualize it, it’s something you yourself as a person can use.”

For more of Steve Wozniak’s thoughts on tech advancements including robotics and AI, see:

• Steve Wozniak: Human Over Technology
• 8 Things You Don’t Know About Apple’s Steve Wozniak
• Don't Fear AI Progress, Steve Wozniak Says
   

Steve Wozniak will take the stage on June 13, in New York, during Atlantic Design & Manufacturing , the East Coast's largest advanced design and manufacturing event. The engineer and cult icon will discuss a range of topics that span his experience at Apple, as well as today's leading tech trends such as robotics, IoT, and wearables, among others. Register for the event here !