NewHi-tech nappy: Japan scientists invent diaper that sends automated wetness alert
Diaper is equipped with the world's first flexible wireless organic sensor system that tells if a baby or elderly patient needs changing
A disposable organic sensor that can be embedded in a diaper and wirelessly let a carer know it needs changing was unveiled by Japanese researchers on Monday.
The flexible integrated circuit printed on a single plastic film transmits information and receives its power wirelessly, and could potentially be manufactured for a few yen, the developers said.
The system, which uses organic materials that can be printed with inkjet technology, was developed by a team led by professors Takayasu Sakurai and Takao Someya at the University of Tokyo.
In addition to use in infants’ diapers, the technology can be applied to adult nappies, which are a big-seller in rapidly ageing Japan.
If sensing is done electronically, you can tell simply by coming close to the wearer - without unclothing him or her
Regular diapers change colour to indicate they are wet, but a caregiver still needs to take off the wearer’s clothes to see.