As we all know smart devices are becoming more popular with every new product release. Daily household items such as washing machines and fridges have started gaining “smart” abilities enabling them to be much more than just regular dumb household items. But even considering the amount of items that have been incorporated into the smart network, there are still some that can completely catch us by surprise. This new development from the researchers at MIT is a prime example of that. Let us take a look at what these brilliant minds have come up with.
The researchers basically created a diaper embedded with moistures sensor that can send alerts to caregivers in case the diaper is wet. The sensors in this “smart” diaper sends a signal to a nearby receiver when it detects dampness. Following this the device sends a notification to a smartphone or computer, as programmed by the user.
The sensor in the diaper contains an RFID (passive radio frequency identification) tag which is placed underneath a layer of absorbent polymer that is used in most diapers to soak up moisture. This hydrogel polymer, when wet, expands and becomes slightly conductive. When this happens, consequently, the RFID tag gets triggered, prompting it to send a radio signal to an RFID reader upto 1 meter away.
This first of its kind, hydrogel based moisture sensing antenna is not only effective but is also very cheap to make. Requiring lesser than 2 cents to manufacture, this diaper technology, is a low cost, disposable alternative to most other smart diapers currently available in the market.
The potential of this technology doesn’t stop there. With time, such smart diapers could even record other important data and ultimately help diagnose medical problems such as constipation or incontinence. This could be especially useful for nurses and other medical professionals who are involved in neonatal units and have to care for multiple babies at the same time.
Although it is a niche product, there is no denying the fact that the use case for it is solid. Moreover, with its possible future features and a potential alternative market (elderly people), this smart diaper could soon be adopted by people all over the world, and help keep baby butts rash free and soft just like how they are meant to be!