Hydration Tech: A New Frontier in Personalised Wellness
The 2026 World Cup has brought attention to an often-overlooked aspect of human performance: hydration. The introduction of regular hydration breaks during matches has sparked debate, with some arguing that these pauses are merely an opportunity for advertisers to cash in. Yet, the science behind hydration is gaining momentum worldwide, driven in part by the increasing awareness of climate change and its impact on heatwaves.
At the forefront of this discussion is Andreas Flouris, a researcher at the University of Thessaly in Greece. “Hydration is a key issue,” he asserts. “We definitely see it, from a scientific point of view, gaining more and more attention.” His sentiments are echoed by Roozbeh Ghaffari, co-founder and CEO of Epicore Biosystems, a leading manufacturer of hydration-tracking devices. “Sweat has been the next chapter,” Ghaffari says, “years after step-counting became popular with gadgets like the Apple Watch and Fitbit.”
Hydration-focused gadgets have flooded the market in recent years, ranging from sweat monitors to toilet bowl urine-analysing devices. While some critics argue that these products are more gimmick than science, proponents claim they can help individuals stay on top of their hydration levels. A 2023 study found that one in four UK adults aged 65 or older were dehydrated due to inadequate fluid intake. Moreover, a 2018 study by Flouris and colleagues revealed that 70% of workers across Europe were dehydrated to a level that could negatively impact their cognitive function and movement control.
One of the most promising hydration-tracking technologies is Epicore Biosystems’ line of sweat-analysing devices. These single-use sticky patches and sleeve-like wearables track the flow rate of sweat, sodium content, and skin temperature, among other metrics. According to Ghaffari, the company’s new armband and app combo can evaluate an individual’s “hydration readiness” based on real-time sweat data. “With this new generation of our wearables, we could figure out what type of risk profile you have based on your sweat score,” he explains.
However, not everyone is convinced of the accuracy of these products. Andreas Flouris is sceptical of sweat sensors, citing that most devices he has tested in the lab do not meet his expectations. “They work best when worn during long bouts of physical activity,” he says, “but struggle when the exertion is more varied and intermittent.” Ghaffari acknowledges that analysing sweat loss over short intervals can be challenging but argues that Epicore Biosystems’ products appear effective for 30-minute or longer workouts.
Beyond sweat sensors, other hydration-monitoring gadgets are available, such as smart water bottles that remind users to take a sip throughout the day. WaterH, a company that makes one such device, takes a different approach by detecting the flow rate of fluid as it leaves the vessel. According to Cem Bakiş, head of business development at WaterH, “the water bottle will immediately recognise when you’ve had a sufficient quantity of liquid.” While some reviews have criticised the accuracy of these measurements, Bakiş attributes this to calibration issues that can be easily rectified.
If you don’t want to rely on a water bottle’s instructions, you can always ask your toilet how things are going. Vivoo makes a urine-analysing gizmo that sits on the rim of a toilet bowl, promising to help individuals understand their hydration “like never before.” The device uses optical sensors to calculate urine specific gravity, a measure of urine’s density compared to clean water. While Flouris notes that this method can be delayed in detecting dehydration, Tamara Hew-Butler at Wayne State University suggests that it can be a useful tool in scientific studies.
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of hydration, it’s essential to consider the potential impact of these gadgets on our mental health. “More metrics, reminders, and goal-setting are not necessarily what everyone needs,” Hew-Butler warns. “It’s added some information – but it’s also, I think, added a bit of an emotional burden.”
As the debate surrounding hydration tech continues, one thing is clear: this is a topic that will only grow in relevance as the world grapples with the challenges of climate change. Whether or not you choose to track your water level, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments in this field and to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of hydration-focused gadgets.
The Future of Hydration Tracking
As the popularity of hydration-tracking devices continues to rise, it’s essential to consider the implications of this trend. Will these gadgets become an essential tool for individuals looking to optimize their performance and well-being, or will they contribute to an increased sense of anxiety and stress? Only time will tell. One thing is certain, however: the world is changing, and our bodies are adapting. It’s time to take a closer look at the role of hydration in our lives and to explore the possibilities of this rapidly evolving field.
What’s Next for Hydration Tech?
As the market for hydration-tracking devices continues to grow, it’s likely that we will see even more innovative products emerge in the coming years. From wearable devices that track sweat loss to smart water bottles that detect fluid levels, the possibilities are endless. But as the industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to remain vigilant about the potential pitfalls of these gadgets. By staying informed and considering the potential benefits and drawbacks, we can ensure that hydration tech becomes a valuable tool for individuals looking to optimize their performance and well-being.