Dr. Rula Sharqi, an Associate Professor of Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, developed the ‘LittleGard wristband’ after her son, Joseph, fell ill with the seasonal flu in 2018. As a single, working mum, she felt the need to constantly monitor her son’s vital signs, leading her to invent a baby monitor that can be attached to an infant’s wrist. The wristband is designed to send text alerts or emails to parents and can even alert emergency services in extreme cases. Dr. Sharqi’s experience caring for her son during his illness highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring of vital signs for all parents.
The LittleGard wristband features advanced nanosensors covered by cotton bands placed directly on the infant’s skin. The aim is to minimize false readings and ensure accurate monitoring of vital signs, including temperature, oxygen levels, and pulse rate. By providing real-time insights into a child’s health, the wristband empowers parents with proactive monitoring and early intervention capabilities. Dr. Sharqi is currently seeking an industrial partner to bring the product to market after validating reading accuracy.
Dr. Sharqi’s passion for engineering and innovation stems from her parents, who were pioneers in the field in the Arab world. Her journey into engineering was driven by a desire to make a tangible difference through innovation and technology. She believes that engineering is not just about science and math but also about practical solutions that can save lives. Beyond infant healthcare, Dr. Sharqi is also working on a project to enhance adults’ lives, such as a smart fridge that can read food components, expiry dates, plan meals, and send notifications about expired items.
As an educational engineering institute, Dr. Sharqi’s role is to develop innovative solutions that positively impact society. She sees engineering as a way to address challenges and implement solutions that can improve lives. Her innovative projects, such as the LittleGard wristband and the smart fridge, demonstrate her commitment to using technology to solve real-world problems and make a difference in people’s lives. Dr. Sharqi’s dedication to innovation and engineering is driven by a desire to create solutions that have a meaningful and lasting impact on society.
