Japan's Smart Toilets Scan Waste to Detect Disease

As of October 2025, Japan has taken the concept of "potty training" to a whole new level with the introduction of AI-enabled toilets that can analyze waste to detect early signs of disease. These smart toilets are equipped with barcode-like sensors that scan the shape, color, volume, and consistency of waste, providing valuable information to help identify bacterial and other health anomalies.

This innovative technology represents a significant shift in the way we approach personal health and disease prevention. By turning the humble toilet into a pathology lab, the Japanese are revolutionizing the way we think about waste management and its potential for early disease detection.

Meanwhile, in India, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative has made progress in improving sanitation, but 11% of the country's population still practices open defecation, either by choice or necessity. This stark contrast highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring access to proper sanitation facilities, even as technological advancements are transforming the way we approach personal hygiene and health monitoring.