Initial Ideas¶
Our path to graduation involves completing an intensive 8-week training program. But that’s not all as there’s a grand finale awaiting us: the final project! Basically, it will be making some sort of connected devices, seamlessly woven into the fabric of the Internet of Things (IoT).
IoT is connecting Wi-Fi for everyday stuff. It’s the reason your phone talks to your tv (not kidding). The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a world of products that are connected to a network, such as the Internet, a company intranet, or a network using industrial communication protocols. These connected products can be anything from an iPhone to a wind turbine or a refrigerator, as long as they have a way of communicating with a ‘home base’ to send or receive data. IoT enables automating business processes, improving technical characteristics, offering new services, and predicting equipment failures.
We have four themes that FabLab has put for us to choose from:
A. Sustainable Homes
B. Education
C. Healthcare
D. Interactive Play
Now, here’s the cool part: I can blend healthcare with IoT! which is my chosen field.
My Fab Lab Academy Journey: Bridging Healthcare and IoT¶
Before I dive into my Fab Lab Academy journey, I should tell you that my white coat carries more than the scent of disinfectant; it holds curiosity and purpose. As a radiology technologist, I’m more than someone who takes X-rays and MRI scans. I’m an explorer at the intersection of healthcare and technology. Radiology isn’t just about fancy machines. It’s about seeing inside people, their bones, their secrets. But I crave more. Beyond textbooks and sterile labs, there’s a world out there waiting. That’s why I’ve chosen to venture into IoT-related healthcare—it’s the real deal of this decade.
My Possible Project Ideas¶
‘Radiya’ - The X-Ray Companion Doll¶
A doll toy that helps kids in radiology waiting rooms like a friendly guide for kids waiting for their chest X-rays. When a kid interacts with it, the doll explains how to position their chest correctly and gives breathing instructions in a child-friendly language. Her name will be “Radiya” Derived from “radiology,” this name emphasizes the doll’s purpose. The doll will have built-in sensors to detect when a child interacts with it. These sensors can trigger the doll’s responses, such as explaining correct chest positioning and providing breathing instructions. Radiya will be equipped with a speaker system to deliver clear instructions where it can use pre-recorded messages or even employ a simple AI voice to adapt its responses based on the child’s actions. The doll’s explanations will be age-appropriate and easy to understand. Visual aids (perhaps a small screen on the doll’s chest) can enhance the educational experience. It would be integrated with the radiology waiting room design in a special seat where kids can interact with it comfortably.
‘SugarPal’ - The GlucoCompanion Doll¶
Another doll that looks like any other toy, but it’s specially designed for kids aged 3 to 16 who wear glucose monitoring devices due to diabetes. The doll connects to the child’s glucose monitoring device. It reads all the necessary data about the child’s blood sugar levels. When it’s time for medicine, the doll cheerfully says, “Let’s have our medicine!” like a parent or a supportive friend. If the monitoring device signals that glucose levels need attention, the doll steps in. Maybe it suggests a little sweetness or something to stabilize those levels. It might even remind the child to get some exercise! While helping the child, the doll also sends signals back to the monitoring device AND to the parent’s phone. The doll would come with plastic meds, candy, and play foods. These accessories would make the illness journey a bit more relatable and fun. The doll will simplify things for both the parents and kids in their own world while having an emotional understanding of what they’re going through. The name combines “sugar” (related to glucose levels) with “pal” (for companion) which sounds friendly and approachable, just like the doll itself!
Smart Medication Dispenser¶
A smart medication dispenser that will be device designed to ensure timely and accurate medication intake. This dispenser will not only releases pills at the scheduled times but also plays personalized messages or sounds from loved ones to motivate and remind users. Additionally, it displays essential information about the medication, such as dosage and what it does, making it easier for users to manage their health effectively. This combination of technology and personal touch aims to enhance adherence to medication regimens and improve overall well-being.
Smart Bandage¶
A bandage that’s not just a cloth. It’s smart. It senses infections, like a germ radar. Nurses get alerts, and they adjust meds. A mini-sensor network… Tiny, flexible sensors embedded within it that can detect changes: Temperature spikes, moisture levels, and even subtle chemical shifts. These sensors will connect to a central hub, some sort of a mini-Wi-Fi hotspot. When they sense an infection brewing, the hub sends out an SOS.
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Nurse Alerts: Discreet receivers that nurses wear, similar to smartwatches. When the hub screams “Infection alert!” they just glance at their wrist and rush to the patient.
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Medication Adjustment: The hub would know which meds the patient is on. It nudges the nurse, saying, “Hey, tweak the antibiotic dosage.”.
Bedside lamp¶
Another patient-centric gadget that wakes in-patients up gently mimicking sunrise, easing ICU and long-term stays, because our bodies groove to a circadian beat. Those sunrise cues, soft light, and gradual brightness will help patients wake up naturally, especially with rooms that lack proper window light. So, when a post-op patient can open their eyes to a warm glow instead of harsh fluorescent lights, to feel like waking up in a cozy cabin, instead of a sterile room.
Initial Research Related to my SugarPal Idea¶
I was advised by my Academy instructors to run some extensive research on GoogleScholar to support my cause with evidence before even starting to make sure things are legit.
Keywords: GMD, diabetes I, remote monitoring, targeted education, continuous glucose monitoring.
On a 2019 research study, it was found that caregivers of type I diabetes children using glucose monitoring devices had effects on sleep quality for the parents, peace of mind, impact on anxiety, freedom and confidence for the parents and children, and impact on relationships. Furthermore, parents reported on themes related to CGM in general, such as better understanding of how to manage and control their child’s diabetes and experiences related to physical or technical aspects.
To access this study: Use of remote monitoring with continuous glucose monitoring in young children with Type 1 diabetes: the parents’ perspective - Burckhardt - 2019 - Diabetic Medicine - Wiley Online Library
My Thoughts About SugarPal¶
(An initial drawing of my SugarPal doll)
I think an internet-connected toy for diabetic kids has the potential to enhance education, emotional well-being, skill development, parental peace of mind, confidence, and community connections. It’s a promising idea that could positively impact both children and their families. Below are the different aspects I considered:
1. Education and Awareness:¶
An interned connected toy for diabetic kids will potentially help both the parents and the child on their journey and have an overall positive impact on their ability to manage the illness and their confidence in living with it. Such a toy could serve as an educational tool, teaching children about diabetes, blood sugar management, and healthy lifestyle choices in an engaging and age-appropriate manner. By providing information through play, it could increase children’s awareness of their condition and empower them to take an active role in managing it.
2. Emotional Support:¶
Living with a chronic illness can be emotionally challenging, especially for children. An interactive toy could offer emotional support by providing companionship and reducing feelings of isolation. It might also normalize the experience of managing diabetes, making the child feel less alone in their journey.
3. Skill Development:¶
More importantly, an internet-connected toy could gamify aspects of diabetes management, acting as a little fun game for kids. For example: Simulating blood sugar checks: Children could “check” their toy’s “blood sugar” levels, reinforcing the importance of regular monitoring. Role-playing healthy eating: The toy could encourage balanced meals and portion control. Administering “insulin” (pretend): This could help children understand the process and reduce fear associated with injections. Through play, children could develop practical skills related to their condition.
4. Parental Peace of Mind:¶
Parents of diabetic children often worry about their child’s well-being, especially when they’re not together. An internet-connected toy could: Monitor real-time blood sugar levels (simulated within the toy) and alert parents if they fall outside the safe range. Remind children to take medications or perform other necessary tasks. Provide parents with insights into their child’s interactions with the toy, helping them understand their child’s emotional state and adherence to routines.
5. Building Confidence:¶
Successfully managing diabetes requires confidence and self-efficacy. An interactive toy could: - Celebrate small victories (e.g., “Great job checking your blood sugar!”). - Encourage positive behaviors (e.g., “You’re doing amazing! Keep it up!”). - Foster a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing the child’s ability to handle their illness.
6. Community Connection:¶
An internet-connected toy could connect children with other diabetic kids, creating a virtual community. They could share experiences, tips, and encouragement. Peer support is invaluable, especially for children who may feel different due to their condition.
After being distributed in teams, I connected with 3 awesome mechanical engineering students from the University of Bahrain. The reason we ended up together was because they also had initial ideas related to the field of healthcare. So They had the idea of a smart medication dispenser that dispenses pills in a timely matter specialized for patients with chronic illnesses. So we gathered our ideas and settled down on an innovative pill dispenser.