Scientists develop quit smoking AI device

button to quit smoking

Scientists have developed an onboard computer for e-cigs called “Level” that’s geared to helping people remain smoke-free by predicting when they’ll crave their next nicotine hit. The system precisely monitors vaping behaviors and is designed to control the user’s cravings, reducing the amount of nicotine they’re inhaling based on insights uploaded to each user’s vaping profile through an observational study

The study

Developed in partnership with VaiplO, University of East Anglia researchers are using this new “puff technology” to better understand how vapers use their e-cigs. From January 28 onwards, the team is looking for participants who smoke tobacco or have recently started using e-cigs (within the last three months). The 90-day trial will see participants take part in a short daily online survey about smoking, vaping, mood, stress, alcohol consumption, and social support. A small monitoring device that screws onto their tank-based e-cig will also be provided. Participants do not need to change their behaviors to take part in the study. 

What was the result?

This is the first time in history that this type of technology has been used in research, with results that could yield important information in developing future AI that helps to inform vapers about their behaviors and even help smokers to quit tobacco easier. 

This device will measure the number and duration of their puffs, the time between puffs, and the power used per puff to build a personalized profile of each user’s vaping patterns. 

“We know that smoking is much more harmful than vaping, and that people who switch from cigarettes to vaping are more likely to remain smoke-free,” said Lead researcher Dr. Emma Ward, from UAE’s Norwich Medical School. 

“We want to find out more about how dual-use varies over time, and what factors help or hinder smokers in switching away from tobacco to using e-cigarettes.”

While “Level” is not a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), it’s a tool that will provide researchers with valuable information that will be analyzed to better understand how psychological, social, and environmental factors influence our behaviors. 

What is a nicotine replacement therapy?

An NRT is a type of product that offers ex-smokers a nicotine replacement or drug therapy to help them quit conventional cigarettes. NRTs come in the form of gum, patches, sprays, inhalers, lozenges, and e-cig devices; all of which provide users with nicotine to help relieve some of the physical withdrawal symptoms so that they can focus on the psychological and emotional aspects of quitting, while also freeing themselves of their dependence to tobacco. 

If you could be a participant, would you be interested in the insights provided by the “Level” monitoring device? Drop a comment below to compare with other readers. 

 

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