Microsoft and Cigna Launch BioBall: A Gamified Health Screening Platform Powered by HoloLens

While numerous new technologies capable of quantifying health have emerged, most still fall short of being truly “engaging.” However, insurance giant Cigna and Microsoft are joining forces to change this by leveraging Microsoft HoloLens’s VR and AR technologies to gamify health screenings.

(Image source: MM&M)

They are launching a new digital health device called BioBall—a handheld, motorized sphere designed to measure key vital signs. Paired with a VR headset, it guides users through interactive games. Metrics such as blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), movement, and speed can be measured in real time during gameplay. Before the game, trained staff from Cigna first measure the player’s blood pressure. The player then engages in a competitive game using the BioBall for approximately one minute, during which the device detects the player’s pulse and responds by emitting reflected light. After the game, players can view their personal health metrics on their VR headset display and opt to have health improvement recommendations sent to their email. This also marks the first time Microsoft HoloLens has applied its technology to health screening.

This new product is part of Cigna’s “Go. Know. Take Control” innovation initiative. The “Go. Know. Take Control” program was launched to encourage individuals to monitor four key health indicators: blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), blood glucose, and cholesterol. According to a three-year health study disclosed by Cigna in 2014, these four indicators are the primary drivers of most preventable chronic diseases. The study, which involved 200,000 participants, revealed that individuals with chronic conditions typically had suboptimal measurements for these indicators and incurred higher medical costs. Cigna believes that providing preventive healthcare education to more consumers will help them achieve better health outcomes and reduce expenses, while also serving as a supplementary profit driver for the insurer.

“Microsoft’s technology offers a new approach to health education, enabling individuals to monitor their key health metrics while playing games, observe how their blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) change over time, and cultivate greater awareness of their health status,” said Stephen Cassell, Chief Brand Officer at Cigna.

At the Walt Disney World Marathon Expo in January, BioBall made its debut, drawing approximately 1,200 visitors to Cigna’s booth to experience the game. In the future, BioBall will also be featured at events sponsored by Cigna, such as the Disney Marathon this September. Additionally, Cigna is developing a pop-up version for customer use, which may become available for sale at select clinics and corporate sites starting in April.

While further details and additional use cases for BioBall have not been disclosed, it is confirmed that Cigna Insurance will be able to customize BioBall services according to corporate needs. This presents an attractive opportunity for companies that prioritize employee health and seek to introduce fitness and preventive healthcare equipment into the workplace.

Even with 100% health insurance coverage, the key to maintaining good health lies not in having sufficient funds for treatment, advanced medical equipment, or highly skilled doctors when illness strikes, but rather in paying attention to one’s physical condition in daily life and prioritizing regular health maintenance and prevention. “Our breakthrough lies in the superior visual and auditory experiences delivered by Microsoft HoloLens, which continually reinforce people’s awareness of their health data.”

The purpose of the BioBall device is to create an innovative, highly engaging platform that raises awareness about the importance of health management and encourages regular medical check-ups. “Many people do not understand this, which is why we need to strengthen our promotional efforts,” said Cassell.