Smart jumpsuit measures infant motor development
Health & Wellbeing
The wearable movement sensor helps healthcare professionals assess risk and target early therapeutic interventions for babies in need
Spotted: Designed by an interdisciplinary research team from the University of Helsinki, the smart jumpsuit measures infants’ physical movements. Created to help caregivers assess early neurological development, the jumpsuit records the movement itself, the time of movement and the baby’s physical position. Until now, this assessment was qualitative and generally measured in a physician’s office. Understandably, in an unfamiliar environment, infants and small children act differently to their home.
The smart jumpsuit provides healthcare professionals with quantitative data covering a much longer period of time. Babies return home wearing the jumpsuit and after 24 hours, their families return the onesie to the hospital for analysis. Babies from as young as five months will be able to use them, and the one-piece will also be available for older children.
Related: 7 INNOVATIONS SUPPORTING PARENTS AND KIDS
Early detection of developmental abnormalities is essential for the best long-term care outcomes. The machine-learning algorithm that assesses the sensors’ data meets the human equivalent accuracy test and analyses information based on the capability of all four limbs.
Other wearables spotted by Springwise include those helping individuals manage their unwanted compulsive behaviours, and a device that allows surgeons to access digital devices without contaminating the operating room.
Explore more: Health & Wellbeing Innovations | Computing & Tech Innovations
9th March 2020
Email: sampsa.vanhatalo@helsinki.fi
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