Mail Online
By Nick Mcdermott, Science Reporter
23 June 2013
For forgetful types, it promises to be a new wonder pill.
But far from boosting the memory, the tiny swallowable capsules contain a minute chip that transmits an individual’s personal details.
Electronic devices will be able to read the unique signal, ending the need for passwords and paper forms of ID, such as passports - and freeing users from such mundane tasks as recalling countless codes and security answers.
Already approved by the both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European regulators, the ingestible sensor is powered by a battery using the acid in the wearer’s stomach.
Each pill is designed to move through the body at the normal process of digestion, and according to engineers working on the device, it can be taken every day for up to a month.
Based on a technology developed by California-based Proteus Digital Health, it contains a computer chip and a switch, which is activated when it comes in contact with acid in the user’s body.
It then sends a tiny signal that can be read by mobile devices and allows them to verify the identity of an individual.
The controversial pill is being championed by Motorola executive, Regina Dugan, once dubbed ‘America’s smartest engineer’.
‘Essentially, your entire body becomes your authentication token,’ she said.
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