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LittleGard: A powerful wristband for parents to safeguard well-being of infants

Naushad K. Cherrayil
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LittleGard: A powerful wristband for parents to safeguard well-being of infants
  • LittleGard wristband is capable of monitoring an infant’s vital signs and initiating emergency alerts when necessary.
  • Device meticulously tracks a baby’s body temperature, oxygen levels, and pulse rate, providing comprehensive real-time monitoring.

Necessity is the mother of all innovations and it has proven true in the case of Dr Rula Sharqi, a Associate Professor at School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the Heriot-Watt University’s Dubai campus.

The inspiration for this groundbreaking project stemmed from Dr. Sharqi’s personal experience, in 2018, as a single mother caring for her unwell two-year-old son, Joseph. During the arduous nights of monitoring his fever, she was struck by the need for a solution that could alleviate the physical and emotional toll on parents.

Dr Rula Sharqi, Associate Professor at School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Dubai.

The realisation prompted her to collaborate with fourth-year robotics engineering student, Nakhul Kalaivanan, to bring this idea to life.

They have developed the world’s first “smart baby wristband” – a device capable of comprehensive monitoring of an infant’s vital signs and initiating emergency alerts when necessary.

The LittleGard wristband is a testament to the power of innovative thinking. Equipped with advanced nano sensors, the device meticulously tracks a baby’s body temperature, oxygen levels, and pulse rate, providing comprehensive real-time monitoring.

Unique features

Unlike similar products on the market, the smart wristband offers a unique feature – the ability to directly send text alerts to parents, caregivers, and even emergency services when vital readings breach safe limits.

“Uncontrolled fevers account for the highest number of fatalities in infants, so it’s a very serious problem,” Dr. Sharqi said, underscoring the critical importance of this innovation.

“The circadian rhythm, which regulates the body’s temperature throughout the day, can cause fevers to worsen at night, a phenomenon that heightens the need for vigilant monitoring.”

The wristband’s design, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, addresses the challenges faced by parents during these vulnerable moments. The device is fixed to the baby’s skin using a rubber material akin to that of an Apple watch, ensuring accurate readings. It is also wireless and powered by a rechargeable battery, boasting a remarkable six-month lifespan between charges.

Nakhul Kalaivanan, the robotics engineering student involved in the project, highlights the advanced features that set the LittleGard wristband apart.

“With our wristband design, there won’t be any false readings as the sensors are placed directly onto the skin. It’s also a safe option as the device is battery powered and won’t overheat.”

Moreover, the wristband is equipped with built-in safeguards to ensure that alert messages can always be sent, even in the event of temporary Wi-Fi disruptions.

A poignant example

The collaborative effort between Dr. Sharqi and Nakhul Kalaivanan has resulted in a working prototype, and the team is now eager to offer their invention to industry partners with the capability to bring the LittleGard to market.

The story of the smart baby wristband is not merely a tale of technological advancement; it is a poignant example of how personal experiences can inspire groundbreaking solutions.

Dr. Sharqi’s own struggle as a parent, coupled with her expertise as an electronics engineer, has given rise to an innovation that promises to revolutionise the way parents care for their most precious assets – children.

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of infant healthcare, the LittleGard wristband stands as a beacon of hope, offering parents and caregivers a powerful tool to safeguard the well-being of their little ones.

The pioneering invention, born out of a mother’s empathy and an engineer’s ingenuity, has the potential to save countless lives and transform the very fabric of healthcare for generations to come.

Companies interested in finding out more about the product can contact Dr Sharqi via: [email protected].

Wearables market to grow 4.8% to 194.3m units in 2024

Naushad K. Cherrayil
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Wearables market to grow 4.8% to 194.3m units in 2024
  • Smart rings present an opportunity to differentiate products in an increasingly homogenous market.
  • Xiaomi and Huawei release increasingly capable and affordable basic watch models, catering to price-conscious consumers.

The wearable market is expected to grow 4.8 per cent year on year in 2024 to reach 194.3 million in shipments compared to 185.4 million units a year ago.

In 2025, according to research firm Canalys, the market in 2025 is expected to witness a year-on-year growth of 10.2 per cent to 214.1 million units.

The wearable technology market has witnessed a remarkable shift in consumer preferences, with basic watches emerging as the dominant force, capturing a remarkable 48 per cent share of the wearable band market in the first quarter of 2024.

The trend is expected to continue, with a forecasted 46 per cent shipment share for the full year, as vendors like Xiaomi and Huawei release increasingly capable and affordable basic watch models, catering to price-conscious consumers.

“As user experience, tracking, and smart features of basic watches progress, more consumers are opting for these affordable models to meet most of their needs. The longer battery life of basic watches is a significant draw for many users,” Jack Leathem, Canalys Research Analyst, said. 

However, he said the basic watch growth is expected to be overshadowed by smartwatch expansion in the long-term, which will address more sophisticated use-cases as battery life and cost competitiveness improve in the smartwatch segment.  

Smartwatch shipments, which experienced a 9 per cent decline in the first quarter, are projected to rebound for the year, fuelled by the anticipated release of upgraded devices in the latter half.

Cynthia Chen, Canalys Research Manager, said the growth trend reflects the evolving consumer expectations, as users seek more detailed and personalised healthcare solutions.

“Vendors such as Huawei, Zepp Health, and Samsung are pivoting towards software services, integrating advanced sensors, algorithms, and AI to offer comprehensive health insights, contributing significantly to the expected increases in smartwatch shipments.”

To stay competitive in the wearable market, she said that vendors must recognise the growing importance of bundling and trade-in deals. Consumer price sensitivity has driven the popularity of basic watches, and offering aggressive trade-in discounts on new generation devices can make expensive flagship models more affordable and accessible, encouraging consumers to upgrade.

The strategy, similar to bundling basic watches, not only boosts shipments but also fosters ecosystem loyalty and consumer retention.

Furthermore, vendors should continue to explore innovative use-cases by expanding their model portfolios to include ultra-premium smartwatches and smart rings.

Developing ultra-premium smartwatches can enhance a brand’s image, create higher-margin products, and provide a platform for introducing premium features that can later be integrated into other flagship devices.

Canalys said that smart rings, on the other hand, present an opportunity to differentiate products in an increasingly homogenous market, offering a premium extension to smartwatches and further elevating the consumer experience.

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Researchers develop prompt-based technique to strengthen AI security

Ana Mary Joseph
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Researchers develop prompt-based technique to strengthen AI security
  • Innovative method employs text prompts to generate adversarial examples, effectively shielding AI models from potential manipulation and ensuring their robust performance.
  • By crafting malicious prompts, researchers can efficiently pinpoint areas of weakness, allowing for the development of targeted countermeasures.

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking approach to enhance the security of AI systems against cyber threats.

The innovative method employs text prompts to generate adversarial examples, effectively shielding AI models from potential manipulation and ensuring their robust performance.

The prompt-based technique streamlines the process of identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in AI systems. By crafting malicious prompts, researchers can efficiently pinpoint areas of weakness, allowing for the development of targeted countermeasures.

The approach stands in contrast to the more resource-intensive computations typically required for traditional adversarial example generation.

Reducing susceptibility to manipulation

According to Dr. Feifei Ma, the lead researcher, the key to this method’s success lies in the utilisation of these adversarial prompts as training data.

By exposing the AI models to these malicious inputs during the training phase, the researchers have been able to enhance the models’ resilience against similar attacks. The preliminary findings indicate that this training approach significantly improves the robustness of the AI systems, reducing their susceptibility to manipulation.

The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly in sectors where AI plays a critical role, such as finance and healthcare.

Dr. Ma emphasises the importance of this work, stating, “This method allows us to expose and then mitigate vulnerabilities in AI models, which is especially critical in sectors like finance and healthcare.”

The collaborative effort between the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Stanford University, and the National University of Singapore has culminated in the publication of this research in Frontiers of Computer Science

Meta rolls out its AI assistant in India

Ana Mary Joseph
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Meta rolls out its AI assistant in India
  • Powered by advanced Llama 3 Large Language Model , Meta AI promises to enhance the lives of users in India by offering a wide range of capabilities.
  • The integration of AI into the fabric of Meta’s platforms has the potential to unlock new possibilities and empower users to achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively.

Meta, the parent company of social media giants like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has announced the availability of its AI assistant – Meta AI- in India.

It is now accessible across various Meta platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and the Meta.ai portal, providing users with a seamless and integrated AI experience.

Meta AI, powered by the advanced Llama 3 Large Language Model (LLM), promises to enhance the lives of users in India by offering a wide range of capabilities.

From seeking restaurant recommendations and planning road trips to creating educational materials like multiple-choice tests, Meta AI is designed to be a versatile and efficient assistant.

The integration of Meta AI into the existing Meta ecosystem is particularly noteworthy, as it allows users to access the assistant directly within the apps they already use regularly.

The integration not only streamlines the user experience but also leverages the vast network of Meta’s social platforms to reach a larger audience and meet their diverse needs.

Introduces new level of creativity

Furthermore, the “imagine” feature of Meta AI introduces a new level of creativity, enabling users to generate and share visually stunning images based on their prompts.

The innovative capability can prove invaluable for individuals and businesses alike, fostering inspiration and enhancing the visual storytelling capabilities of users.

With the launch of Meta AI in India, the country joins the global community that has already been benefiting from this technology. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the move by Meta represents a significant stride towards making AI-powered assistance more accessible and integrated into the everyday lives of Indian users.

In conclusion, the arrival of Meta AI in India is a transformative moment, promising to revolutionize the way individuals and businesses interact with technology and access information.

AUS researchers develop luminescent sensors to detect toxic compounds

Naushad K. Cherrayil
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AUS researchers develop luminescent sensors to detect toxic compounds
  • Sensors are stable and can be manufactured in large quantities, making them an efficient and practical solution for detecting CWAs.
  • AUS Technology Transfer Office files for provisional patent for technology with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

A team of researchers at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) has developed luminescent sensors that can detect minute quantities of toxic compounds containing phosphorus, such as pesticides and Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs).

The innovative technology surpasses the capabilities of existing solutions available in the market.

The new sensors have a wide range of applications, including military and defense for CWA detection, environmental monitoring to identify pesticide contamination in agricultural settings, industrial settings to track the presence of hazardous chemicals, emergency response to chemical spills or releases, public safety, and research and development.

The AUS Technology Transfer Office has filed a provisional patent for this technology with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The project, funded by an AUS Faculty Research Grant, is led by Dr. Imad Abu-Yousef and Dr. Sofien Kanan, both professors in the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science.

“The sensors are designed to be highly sensitive and selective, capable of detecting even minute amounts of these toxic compounds within just 30 seconds. Unlike other sensors that rely on semiconducting metal oxides, these luminescent sensors operate at room temperature, eliminating the need for high-temperature conditions and vacuum systems,” Kanan said.

The researchers have tested the sensors with sarin simulants, and the results have been promising. The sensors are highly sensitive and selective, even in the presence of water and other interfering substances. Additionally, they are stable and can be manufactured in large quantities, making them an efficient and practical solution for detecting CWAs.

The research team has spent over 10 months in the research facilities of the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, developing the synthesis strategies, characterising the sensors, and optimizing their sensitivity and selectivity through real-world testing with a CWA simulant.

The intensive work has resulted in a technology that can now be prepared within a week in the university’s laboratories, paving the way for its potential commercialiation and widespread adoption.

Nvidia to deploy GenAI technology at Ooredoo data centres

Ana Mary Joseph
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Nvidia to deploy GenAI technology at Ooredoo data centres
  • Ooredoo’s B2B clients will have access to services that their competitors may not have for another 18 to 24 months, CEO says.
  • Ooredoo is investing $1b to boost its regional data centre capacity by an additional 20-25MW, on top of the existing 40MW.

Nvidia, the renowned technology giant, has signed an agreement with Ooredoo, a leading telecommunications group in the Middle East.

The partnership marks Nvidia’s first large-scale deployment of its artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the region, providing a valuable opportunity for Ooredoo’s clients to access the latest advancements in AI and graphics processing.

The agreement, signed during TMForum’s DTW24 in Copenhagen, will enable Ooredoo to offer its customers in Qatar, Algeria, Tunisia, Oman, Kuwait, and the Maldives direct access to Nvidia’s cutting-edge AI and graphics processing capabilities.

Ooredoo is developing an AI-ready platform powered by NVIDIA’s full-stack innovation across systems, software, and services.

The arrangement is particularly noteworthy as it comes at a time when the United States has placed restrictions on the export of sophisticated chips to certain Middle Eastern countries, in an effort to prevent Chinese firms from using the region as a backdoor to access the newest AI technology.

Exclusive access

Ooredoo’s CEO, Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, said that their B2B clients will have access to services that their competitors may not have for another 18 to 24 months.

“The exclusive access to Nvidia’s technology will allow Ooredoo to better assist its customers in deploying generative AI applications, a rapidly evolving field with immense potential.”

Moreover, he said that by implementing Nvidia’s full-stack platform for accelerated computing and generative AI, Ooredoo is equipped to be at the forefront of the AI revolution in MENA, driving digitalisation and innovation as the leading digital infrastructure provider in the region.

Customers will benefit from Ooredoo’s GPU-as-a-Service, which offers on-demand access to some of the most advanced AI and machine learning tools available – including one of the most transformative technologies available today, generative AI.

Ooredoo will be able to offer GPU-as-infrastructure, giving its customers the flexibility to integrate accelerated computing with their own cloud solutions or directly host them on premises to ensure customers have the most efficient and tailored AI processing capabilities at their disposal.

Ooredoo Group’s collaboration with Nvidia is part of its larger aim to boost AI infrastructure in the MENA region while enabling enhanced security, optimised performance, and customisation to align with local standards.

To support this partnership, Ooredoo is investing $1 billion to boost its regional data centre capacity by an additional 20-25 megawatts, on top of the existing 40 megawatts. The company also plans to further expand its data centre infrastructure, with the goal of nearly tripling its capacity by the end of the decade.

This strategic collaboration between Nvidia and Ooredoo not only highlights the growing importance of AI technology in the Middle East but also showcases Ooredoo’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation.

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