Nestlé and Samsung Explore Digital Sensor Technologies and Nutrition Science with New Platform

29 Jul 2016 --- An innovative collaboration between Nestlé and Samsung will combine Internet of Things (IoT) technology with breakthrough nutrition science to create a unique platform that promises to enrich quality of life. A pilot is to begin early next year as part of the new partnership to explore the potential of nutrition science and digital sensor technologies.

The aim is to find new insights into health living and tap into the IoT - the ability for everyday devices and objects to connect and interact with one another - to provide relevant and contextual recommendations around nutrition, lifestyle and fitness.

The Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS) in Lausanne, Switzerland and the Samsung Strategy and Innovation Centre (SSIC) in Silicon Valley, are carrying out the initial work on the platform.

“The relationship allows two leading companies in the fields of nutrition and technology to explore the potential of digital sensor technologies and nutrition science to provide new insights into health living,” Dr Euan Thomson, senior vice president, head of digital health at SSIC tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

“By harnessing the power of IoT technology and nutrition sciences, our aim is to build something really unique to empower people to manage better their health and wellness.”

“There is increasing awareness that many health challenges are related to lifestyle, obesity, diet, activity, sleep and stress, for example, are commonly cited as the underlying causes of chronic disease. And chronic diseases impact more than 100 million people in the US, accounting for approximately two thirds of US healthcare expenditure.”

“As consumer companies, Samsung and Nestlé are uniquely positioned to monitor and influence the lifestyle of people facing these health related issues. We are therefore very excited about this collaboration.”

The collaboration combines Samsung’s ARTIK IoT platform vision, deep semiconductor expertise and a global platform of smart device solutions, together with Nestlé’s expertise in nutrition and biomedical science to “better understand the voice of the body.”

Samsung adds that what makes this collaboration meaningful is its worldwide reach, extensive research and innovation and vision that comes from the two companies.

“Today, we live in an era where the data from sensors and devices in our daily lives, such as mobile phones, wearables, and ‘smart’ homes, can help us to understand our nutrition and activity and to guide us towards a healthier lifestyle,” says Young Sohn, president and chief strategy officer, Device Solution, Samsung Electronics.

At this stage neither company can go into more details of the forthcoming pilot in January 2017, but say more information will become available.

“We are delighted to enter this collaboration with a global leader in the field of sensor technologies,” said Stefan Catsicas, Nestlé chief technology officer. “It will advance our nutrition, health and wellness strategy, to support people who want to live a healthier lifestyle.”