Intel introduces Smart Clip

Ilustrasi (dok)

JAKARTA (IndoTelko) - Intel has unveiled a smart clip for baby car seat that alerts the parent if they have forgotten their baby in the car. The Intel Smart Clip is a prototype car seat toddler tech device that may hold promise to prevent tragic accidents with children being left in vehicles.

The Bluetooth-enabled device operates like a safety buckle that alerts through mobile device if the baby unbuckles herself, or if she’s too hot or cold or if the battery is low. The most important feature, however, is that it will send an alert should the Smart Clip still be enabled while falling out of range with the smartphone, preventing a forgotten passenger left behind.

"Your day can be hectic and stressful, or you're out of routine, or a caregiver might not be in the routine of being with your baby, and so, having something like this is just another good precautionary measure, and of course, nothing is going to replace the responsibility a parent or caregiver has for the child", said Intel Engineer and new mother Marcie Miller.

"You slam the door, you start walking into work or whatever it may be, and you lose your connection to that clip in the app, your app is going to go off and alert you, so you can acknowledge it, go back, unclip the baby and then your baby is safe and sound," said Miller.

“One of the really interesting things that I found when I was starting to do research was that all the case studies or stories about accidentally leaving children in cars are not limited to any socioeconomic or education level. It can happen to anyone, doctors, lawyers, professors, stay at home parents, retirees, grandparents – really anyone.” Miller said.

With encouragement and support from her management, a small team comprised of Miller along with four other Intel engineers tested and evaluated existing safety reminder systems. The team included hardware engineers, 3D printing and prototyping experts, and android app developers; even Miller’s own daughter contributed by being a test participant.

While the device in its current form is just a prototype, Miller said that her team is working with a multinational partner to bring this device to market, but development won’t stop there. “This kind of clip is like a baby step, if you will, into the next generation of possibilities,” Miller said.

“The next generation technologies could include sensors that detect load, temperature, or maybe some music or vibration that would react to your baby being fussy or crying. It might even hook into your car info and entertainment system so you can calm them down and improve the driving experience, which is especially important when you’re stressed, stuck in traffic, and your kid is crying in the back seat.” Miller said. (es)