Kohler’s $599 Dekoda Smart Toilet Camera Aims to Track Gut Health With ML

Kohler has launched a new Kohler Health division, debuting with Dekoda — a $599 toilet-mounted camera and sensor system designed to turn the bathroom into a connected health hub. Using optical sensors and machine learning, Dekoda analyzes what’s in the bowl to surface insights related to gut health, hydration, and potential blood detection. Results are delivered to a companion mobile app.

At launch, Dekoda supports iPhone, with an Android app in development. Early reports indicate that a subscription (individual or family plans) is required for ongoing insights and features. Shipping is expected to begin shortly after the announcement.

• Price: $599 for the hardware; subscription required for advanced insights.
• Platforms: iOS now; Android coming later.
• What it measures: Stool characteristics and related markers for gut health and hydration; can flag the presence of blood.
• How it works: ML + optical sensing to analyze patterns (shape, consistency, frequency); some coverage mentions spectroscopy approaches.
• Accessories: Reports mention a magnetic charging pad and a wall-mounted remote with optional Bluetooth fingerprint authorization.
• Privacy: Kohler emphasizes imaging/sensing is confined to the bowl.
• Regulatory: No FDA clearance information disclosed as of writing.

Context: Smart-bathroom health tracking is gaining traction. Withings’ U-Scan urine analyzer launched previously at around $500, highlighting demand for at-home biomarker monitoring. Dekoda differs by focusing on optical analysis in the bowl rather than replaceable cartridges.

Further reading and coverage:
PetaPixel ·
Android Police ·
Digital Camera World

As with any health tech, open questions remain: How accurate are the insights in real-world use? What controls do users have over data storage and sharing? And which features will roll out with the Android app and future updates?

Discussion: Would you add a smart sensor to your toilet for health insights, or is this a step too far for the connected home?