DiaperPie

We have looked at other early-in-life wearable tech before, so we thought Acer’s exploration into smart diapers should be mentioned. The tech, on display at this week’s Computex, is a concept created by 4 Acer engineers (who clearly got a laugh out of putting Ted into a pair of diapers). The unfortunately named DiaperPie is a sensor that would be approximately the size of a coin. It can be used with any diaper and monitors sleeping posture, temperature, and moisture / methane levels. The sensor connects to your phone via Bluetooth LE and alerts you when your baby needs attending to. It can also store the information to the “cloud.” No word on when, or if, this ultimate accessory for overly-connected new parents will find its way to market.

These connected devices for infants are interesting. They provide a simple way to gather data when it cannot easily be communicated. Things like always on thermometers and sleeping monitors make sense, but I would be fretful of the long term effects of the Bluetooth transmission. While certainly not an expert on the strength of radio waves from Bluetooth LE devices, I am not sold that putting a transmitter that close to your baby for a prolonged amount of time is a good idea.