At the CES 2024 event in Las Vegas, Samsung's "First Look 2026" showcase shifted the healthcare paradigm from reactive to proactive, introducing a future where artificial intelligence (AI) seamlessly integrates into daily life to monitor and manage well-being. Dubbed "Intelligent Care," this ambitious vision pitches an interconnected ecosystem of mobile devices, wearables, and smart home appliances designed to track habits, flag potential health risks—including cognitive decline—and respond automatically within the home environment.
From Reactive to Proactive: The Core of Intelligent Care
The central theme, as explained by Paveen Raja, Vice President and Head of Digital Health at Samsung Research America (SRA), is a fundamental shift. "For decades, care has been reactive. We see problems and address them only after they arise," Raja stated. "By integrating intelligence across our ecosystem we are shifting from reactive care to proactive care. We call it intelligent care." This feature is slated for release in select markets soon.
At the heart of this push is a sophisticated service focused on brain health. It analyzes users' daily life pattern data collected through smartphones and wearables to spot early signs of cognitive decline. The system can then provide alerts to both users and their caregivers and suggest appropriate brain training programs. Samsung employs a multi-modal digital biomarker approach, which collects and analyzes biological signals during everyday activities to capture subtle changes in cognitive function. The company claims this technology has a "high level of accuracy," capable of diagnosing at a level equivalent to the global standard cognitive function test, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
An Ecosystem That Acts: From Kitchen to Bedroom
Samsung's vision extends far beyond simple tracking, aiming to help users act on their health data. Raja outlined how insights will be woven into routines in the kitchen and at bedtime. Samsung Health will suggest healthy, personalized recipes based on ingredients already in a user's refrigerator, while also considering individual blood glucose data and food preferences.
The sleep environment becomes a key area for automated, intelligent intervention. Samsung described a system where devices can auto-adjust settings as sleep stages are monitored in real time. For instance, an air conditioner can automatically tweak room temperature and airflow for optimal comfort based on whether the user is in REM, Deep, or Awake sleep stages. In the morning, users receive a sleep score and a detailed sleep environment report covering factors like temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels.
Innovation even reaches the pillow with the concept S-Pillow, designed to combat snoring autonomously. Equipped with two built-in microphones, it listens for snoring and, upon detection, uses six air cells to gently adjust the sleeper's position to improve breathing—all without waking them up.
Wearables as Active Health Partners
Wearables are positioned as active participants in this health ecosystem, not just passive trackers. The much-anticipated Galaxy Ring was highlighted as a device that will monitor sleep stages and determine an optimal bedtime based on the user's personal sleep agenda.
The scope of Intelligent Care is broad. Raja added that the system also aims to identify potential signs of developing chronic conditions across heart health, musculoskeletal health, and metabolic health. For cardiovascular risk—a leading global cause of death—Samsung Health will provide visibility using metrics like vascular load, blood oxygen, and ECG data.
If abnormalities are identified, the platform will offer personalized coaching to support healthier habits regarding diet, sleep, and physical activity. Furthermore, users can connect directly with healthcare providers through the app, a functionality that is already available. This holistic approach signifies Samsung's major bet on AI as the cornerstone of future personal wellness and preventive healthcare.
