In a bold move, Austin-based health startup Throne has developed a camera system that attaches to the side of a toilet bowl, using artificial intelligence to analyze users' stool and provide insights into their gut health and hydration levels. The company's "artificial gut intelligence" technology, trained by physicians, detects nuances in urine to determine hydration levels and other signs of health in waste matter.

Throne addresses privacy concerns by anonymizing images, automatically deleting non-relevant data, and encrypting all information on its servers. Users can request full access to their data and request deletion at any time. The company's focus is on the aging population and those with chronic digestive conditions, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and IBS.

After pivoting from a healthcare staffing marketplace, Throne has secured $1.2 million in funding from investors, including Night Capital, Rief Ventures, and Hustle Fund. The system is currently in beta, with preorders available for $299, a discounted price from the standard $499.