Tricorder from Star Trek Brought to Reality

The legendary Tricorder from Star Trek could soon become a reality, delivering a complete reading of your vital signs in a matter of seconds.

The product, called Scanadu Scout, is a scanner packed with sensors that can capture physiological data, including your heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, oxygen level and a complete ECG reading, in just 10 seconds. It works by conducting a reading on your forehead and then transferring that information to a smartphone app via Bluetooth. Learn ways that different people, locations, activities, foods, and beverages affect your body. Discover connections. Watch trends. Catch changes early. And track them.

The device has a visible and near-infrared LED and sensor, an ECG sensor, a far-IR sensor used for detecting temperature and a microphone to gauge heart and breathing sounds. It includes a micro-USB adapter and manufacturer Scanadu says it takes less than an hour to charge; if you use it a few times daily, it should last you the week. The corresponding smartphone app will be available for free on both Android and iOS.

The device could provide on-demand data regarding how certain activities, foods, beverages or even people affect your vital signs. It also has the ability to provide valuable information that can be passed on to a doctor for further evaluation.

The NASA Ames Research Park-based company recently began shipping the products to investors, following a crowdfunding round via Indiegogo in which it raised over $1.6 million. The device, pending FDA approval, is not yet available to purchase. It is expected to sell for less than $199.

The product, created under the leadership of Scanadu founder and CEO Walter de Brouwer, PhD, and designed by Yves Behar, is currently one of 10 finalists in the Qualcomm Tricorder XPrize competition. The contest’s winner will be announced later in 2015.

The Scout is not the only product in development at Scanadu, as the company is also working on a device called ScanaFlo that lets you take a urine test at home to check for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, urinary tract infections and other issues with pregnancy. Those suffering from diabetes can also use the device to obtain data about their glucose levels.