The technology responds to a common problem: ear infections are one of the main causes of visits to pediatric emergency rooms. “We want to give parents reliable information to avoid unnecessary trips”
Diagnosing otitis without leaving home is the objective of Otitest, created in Porto by MetaBlue Solutions. The Porto start-up developed a device that, using artificial intelligence, identifies signs of infection in children’s ears in just 10 seconds. It is still being tested, but should hit the market this year. Until then, and if you want, you can order a device to test. Find out how in this episode of “The Future of the Future”.
Otitest uses optical sensors to collect data and a machine learning algorithm to classify the risk: low, medium or high. The technology responds to a common problem: ear infections are one of the main causes of visits to pediatric emergency rooms. “We want to give parents reliable information to avoid unnecessary trips”, explains Raul Almeida, founder of MetaBlue Solution. The device does not replace the doctor, but it helps to better manage the first signs and decide when to seek help.
The project is integrated into the Health from Portugal agenda and involves hospitals, universities and pediatric specialists. Commercialization is scheduled for 2026, after clinical validation and European certification. Until then, the team continues to test the device with families and healthcare professionals. Find out more about all these steps and processes in “The Future of the Future”, available nos sites do yes and from and on the main podcast platforms.
