Nestlé USA, Glendale, Calif., and Samsung Electronics America Inc., Ridgefield Park, N.J., announced a research collaboration to explore the potential of nutrition science and digital sensor technologies to provide new insights into healthy living.

Both companies are developing a new digital health platform to provide individuals with more personalized recommendations around nutrition, lifestyle and fitness. Their aim is to empower people to better manage their health and wellness using one simple, connected entity rather than multiple platforms and devices.

The initial work on the platform will be carried out by the Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the Samsung Strategy and Innovation Centre (SSIC) in Silicon Valley, Calif.

The long-term goal of the collaboration is to combine Internet of Things (IoT) technology breakthrough nutrition science to provide consumers with greater ownership of their quality of life.

“We are delighted to enter this collaboration with a global leader in the field of sensor technologies,” says Stefan Catsicas, Nestlé chief technology officer. “It will advance our nutrition, health and wellness strategy to support people who want to live a healthier lifestyle.”

“Today, we live in an era where the data from sensors and devices in our daily lives, such as mobile phones, wearables and ‘smart’ homes can help us to understand our nutrition and activity and to guide us toward a healthier lifestyle,” says Young Sohn, president and chief strategy officer, device solutions, Samsung.

More details about the platform are expected when the first pilots begin in early 2017.