Difference between revisions of "Mimobaby"

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<table style="border: 1px solid #AAA; border-spacing: 3px; background-color: #F9F9F9; color: #000; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; float: right; clear: right; font-size: 88%; line-height: 1.5em; width:22em">
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{{BodyWornWearables|
 +
name_of_device=Smart Baby Nursery|
 +
image_file_name=Mimobaby.jpg|
 +
category=Body-worn Wearables|
 +
developer=Rest Devices, Inc.|
 +
developer_commentary=|
 +
announced=2010|
 +
announced_commentary=<ref name="ref1"/>|
 +
developer_release=|
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developer_release_commentary=|
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consumers_release=February 2014|
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consumers_release_commentary=<ref name="ref1"/>|
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price=199|
 +
price_commentary= (November 2015)<ref name="ref3">REST DEVICES, Inc. Mimo|About Rest Devices. Mimo [online]. 2015. Available online at: http://mimobaby.com/about/ (Retrieved November 17 2015)</ref>|
 +
operating_system=iOS, Android|
 +
operating_system_commentary=|
 +
sensors1=Skin temperature|
 +
sensors2=body position|
 +
sensors3=breathing rate|
 +
sensors4=live audio|
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sensors_commentary=|
 +
weight=590|
 +
weight_commentary=<ref>AMAZON. Mimo Smart Baby Breathing & Activity Monitor, 6-12 months. Amazon [online]. Available online at: http://amazon.com/Mimo-Monitor-Starter-Natural-Months/dp/B00JU99HYM (Retrieved November 17 2015)</ref>|
 +
controls1=Smartphone|
 +
controls_commentary=|
 +
data_available=Good|
 +
risk_factor=|
 +
standalone_not_standalone=Not Standalone|
 +
link_to_website=http://mimobaby.com/|
 +
}}
  
<tr>
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Mimo is the first "in-market"<ref name="refX">CRUNCHBASE,Inc. Rest Devices. Crunchbase [online]. Available online at: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/nyx-devices# (Retrieved November 17 2015)</ref> smart wearable baby monitor, developed in the USA by Rest Devices, Inc.<ref name="ref1" /> Electrical conductors - built into infant onesie - can provide data about body position, breathing and skin temperature of baby.<ref name="ref3" />    
<th colspan="2" style="text-align:center;font-size:125%;font-weight:bold">Smart Baby Nursery</th>
 
</tr>
 
  
<tr>
+
== Main Characteristics ==
<td colspan="2" style="text-align:center">[[File:Mimobaby.jpg|250px]]
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
  
<tr>
+
Mimo is an onesie for babies that includes sensors for monitoring baby’s respiration, blood pressure and temperature. These data are transmitted from the sensors to a base station nearby and ultimately into the cloud, where it can be seen on any mobile device, as well as shared between parents and caregivers.<ref name="ref2">REST DEVICES, Inc. Smart Baby Bursery|About Mimo. Mimo [online]. 2015. Available online at: http://mimobaby.com (Retrieved January 26 2016)</ref>
<th scope="row">Category</th>
 
<td>[[Is categorized as::Body-worn Wearables]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
 
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Developer</th>
 
<td>[[Developed by::Rest Devices, Inc.]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
 
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Announced</th>
 
<td>[[Announced in::2010]]<ref name="ref1" /></td>
 
</tr>
 
 
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Released</th>
 
<td>Developers: [[Released for developers in::]]
 
<br/>Consumers: [[Released for consumers::February 2014]]<ref name="ref1" /></td>
 
</tr>
 
 
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Price</th>
 
<td>[[Costs::199]] USD<ref name="ref3">http://mimobaby.com/about/ (Retrieved November 17 2015)</ref></td>
 
</tr>
 
 
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Operating system</th>
 
<td>[[Operating system is:: iOS]] or [[Operating system is::Android]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
 
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Sensors</th>
 
<td>[[Has sensors::Skin temperature]], [[Has sensors::body position]], [[Has sensors::breathing rate]], [[Has sensors::live audio]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
 
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Weight</th>
 
<td>[[Weights::590]] g<ref>http://amazon.com/Mimo-Monitor-Starter-Natural-Months/dp/B00JU99HYM (Retrieved November 17 2015)</ref></td>
 
</tr>
 
 
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Controls</th>
 
<td>[[Controls are::Smartphone]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
 
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Data available</th>
 
<td>[[Data available are::Good]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
 
 
<tr>
 
<th scope="row">Risk factor</th>
 
<td>[[Possible hazard is::Low]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
 
 
<tr>
 
<td colspan="2" style="text-align:center">Not standalone<ref>Shows if the device is a standalone wearable computer or if it needs to be connected to a processing unit to function.</ref></td>
 
</tr>
 
 
 
<tr>
 
<td colspan="2" style="text-align:center">http://mimobaby.com/</td>
 
</tr>
 
 
 
</table>
 
 
 
Mimo is the first "in-market"<ref>https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/nyx-devices# (Retrieved November 17 2015)</ref> smart wearable baby monitor, developed in the USA by Rest Devices, Inc.<ref name="ref1" /> Electrical conductors - built into infant onesie - can provide data about body position, breathing and skin temperature of baby.<ref name="ref3" />   
 
 
 
== Main characteristics ==
 
 
 
Mimo is an onesie for babies that includes sensors for monitoring baby’s respiration, blood pressure and temperature. These data are transmitted from the sensors to a base station nearby and ultimately into the cloud, where it can be seen on any mobile device, as well as shared between parents and caregivers.<ref name="ref2">http://mimobaby.com (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref>
 
  
 
[[File:Mimoo.png|thumb|right|alt=How the Mimo works.|How the Mimo works.]]
 
[[File:Mimoo.png|thumb|right|alt=How the Mimo works.|How the Mimo works.]]
 
[[File:Mimo app.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Mimobaby web application.|Mimobaby web application.]]
 
[[File:Mimo app.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Mimobaby web application.|Mimobaby web application.]]
Mimo consists of:<ref name="ref4">http://www.toysrus.com/buy/baby-movement-monitors/mimo-baby-monitor-starter-kit-0-3-months-00500-33641546 (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref>  
+
Mimo consists of:<ref name="ref4">BABIESRUS. Mimo Baby Monitor Starter Kit - 0-3 Months [online]. Available online at: http://www.toysrus.com/buy/baby-movement-monitors/mimo-baby-monitor-starter-kit-0-3-months-00500-33641546 (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref>  
  
 
* Cotton kimono (which includes electronic sensors)   
 
* Cotton kimono (which includes electronic sensors)   
Line 97: Line 51:
 
This device is directed to a very specific marketing segment - care of newborn infants. The company (Rest Devices, Inc.) wants to develop more technologies for innovating smart baby monitoring: "The company has been focused solely on the “baby space” since, with plans to develop more technology to fill out its “Nursery 2.0” product line"<ref name="ref1" /> (which is clearly reference to [[Wikipedia:Web 2.0|Web 2.0]]), i.e. ultimate aim for Mimobaby and other smart baby monitoring technology is to provide a complete set of products that are connected together by its "cloud nursery system"<ref name="ref1" />: "We want to build a series of products around eating, sleeping, activity, and mobility that are all built on one platform"<ref name="ref1" />
 
This device is directed to a very specific marketing segment - care of newborn infants. The company (Rest Devices, Inc.) wants to develop more technologies for innovating smart baby monitoring: "The company has been focused solely on the “baby space” since, with plans to develop more technology to fill out its “Nursery 2.0” product line"<ref name="ref1" /> (which is clearly reference to [[Wikipedia:Web 2.0|Web 2.0]]), i.e. ultimate aim for Mimobaby and other smart baby monitoring technology is to provide a complete set of products that are connected together by its "cloud nursery system"<ref name="ref1" />: "We want to build a series of products around eating, sleeping, activity, and mobility that are all built on one platform"<ref name="ref1" />
  
Smart baby nursery doesn't use any new or revolutional technology so far, but it uses already existing technology in a new innovative way. They are already connected with the Nest product<ref>https://nest.com (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref> such as Nest learning Thermostat and Nestcam.<ref>http://mimobaby.com/nest (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref> The company is also trying to build up connection among parents and created a community around smart baby nursery: "[...] the company hopes to add a social component that would allow parents to provide insights to other parents about their sleep strategies."<ref name="ref1" /> The next product is going to be a smart bottle warmer, which will connect with the sleep prediction feature and automatically warm up milk as soon as a baby shows that it is getting restless.<ref>http://techcrunch.com/2015/01/27/with-mimo-mit-alums-are-disrupting-the-baby-nursery-onesie-at-a-time/ (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref><ref>http://www.gizmag.com/mimo-baby-monitor-ces/30277/ (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref>
+
Smart baby nursery doesn't use any new or revolutional technology so far, but it uses already existing technology in a new innovative way. They are already connected with the Nest product<ref>NEST LABS. Works with Nest. Nest [online]. 2016. Available online at: https://workswith.nest.com/category/family-and-pets?devices=thermostat%2Ccamera%2Csmoke-alarm (Retrieved January 26 2016)</ref> such as Nest learning Thermostat and Nestcam.<ref>REST DEVICES, Inc. About Mimo|Nest. Mimo [online]. 2015. Available online at: http://mimobaby.com/nest (Retrieved January 26 2016)</ref> The company is also trying to build up connection among parents and created a community around smart baby nursery: "[...] the company hopes to add a social component that would allow parents to provide insights to other parents about their sleep strategies."<ref name="ref1" /> The next product is going to be a smart bottle warmer, which will connect with the sleep prediction feature and automatically warm up milk as soon as a baby shows that it is getting restless.<ref name="refY">CRICHTON, Danny. With Mimo, MIT Alums Are Disrupting The Baby Nursery, Onesie At A Time [online]. 2015, 27 January. Available online at: http://techcrunch.com/2015/01/27/with-mimo-mit-alums-are-disrupting-the-baby-nursery-onesie-at-a-time/ (Retrieved January 26 2016)</ref><ref>BELEZINA, Jan. Edison-powered Mimo Baby Monitor ushers in the Internet of Things [online]. 2014, 11 January. Available online at: http://www.gizmag.com/mimo-baby-monitor-ces/30277/ (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref>
  
 
=== Purpose ===
 
=== Purpose ===
Line 116: Line 70:
  
 
* Conceptual origins of Mimobaby in Fall 2010<ref name="ref1">MATHESON, Rob. Building nursery 2.0: With a sensor-based onesie that tracks a baby’s health, MIT spinout Rest Devices is bringing innovation to baby monitoring. MIT News [online]. 2014, 27 February. Available online at: http://news.mit.edu/2014/building-nursery-20-0227 (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref>
 
* Conceptual origins of Mimobaby in Fall 2010<ref name="ref1">MATHESON, Rob. Building nursery 2.0: With a sensor-based onesie that tracks a baby’s health, MIT spinout Rest Devices is bringing innovation to baby monitoring. MIT News [online]. 2014, 27 February. Available online at: http://news.mit.edu/2014/building-nursery-20-0227 (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref>
* The company was founded in February 12, 2011.<ref>https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/nyx-devices#/entity (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref>
+
* The company was founded in February 12, 2011.<ref name="refX" />
 +
 
 +
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
 +
<!-- Describe in detail whether the technology aims to enhance human cognition, i.e. to improve human abilities beyond what is considered normal, and/or if it is also applicable as a form of treatment or therapy, i.e. it can serve to cure patients or restore abilities that do not perform as they would in a healthy person -->
  
== Ethical Issues ==
+
Mimo improves human cognition by allowing parents to "sensor" infant newborns better then without smart nursery (more precisely even without their presence near their baby).
  
The main ethical issue is connected with the health risks. Mimobaby is wearable device, which is supposed to be near the body of the newborn for a long period of time. Question is, whether any electronic device, which emits signals, is really safe to put in such close contact with the newborn.
+
==Ethical & Health Issues==
  
For example specific absorption rate [[Wikipedia:Specific absorption rate|(SAR)]], is a debated issue<ref>https://www.fcc.gov/guides/wireless-devices-and-health-concerns (Retrieved November 14 2015)</ref>, especially in the area of wearable devices, yet proper studies on the harmful effect are inconsistent<ref>MYUNG, Seung-Kwon, et al. Mobile phone use and risk of tumors: a meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2009, 27.33: 5565-5572. (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref> or even non-existent (especially in case of newborn).
+
The main issue is connected with the health risks. Mimobaby is wearable device, which is supposed to be near the body of the newborn for a long period of time. Question is, whether any electronic device, which emits signals, is really safe to put in such close contact with the newborn.  
  
== Health Risks ==
+
For example specific absorption rate [[Wikipedia:Specific absorption rate|(SAR)]], is a debated issue<ref>FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC). Wireless Devices and Health Concerns [online]. 2015, 7 November. Available online at: https://www.fcc.gov/guides/wireless-devices-and-health-concerns (Retrieved November 14 2015)</ref>, especially in the area of wearable devices, yet proper studies on the harmful effect are inconsistent<ref>MYUNG, Seung-Kwon, et al. Mobile phone use and risk of tumors: a meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2009, 27.33: 5565-5572. (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref> or even non-existent (especially in case of newborn).
  
 
There have been no health issues noted with Mimobaby so far. "The kimono is made of soft cotton with respiration sensors pressed to the top of the kimono, keeping anything from touching baby’s skin."<ref name="ref2" /> However, some general issues connected to [[Wikipedia:Wireless electronic devices and health|wireless electronic devices]] in general still apply.  
 
There have been no health issues noted with Mimobaby so far. "The kimono is made of soft cotton with respiration sensors pressed to the top of the kimono, keeping anything from touching baby’s skin."<ref name="ref2" /> However, some general issues connected to [[Wikipedia:Wireless electronic devices and health|wireless electronic devices]] in general still apply.  
  
The company uses the technology, which has the lowest "risk potential" - low-power [[Wikipedia:Bluetooth|bluetooth]] transmitter:<ref name="ref6">http://web.archive.org/web/20061006124651/http://www.ursi.org/Proceedings/ProcGA05/pdf/K03.7(01682).pdf (Retrieved December 8 2015)</ref> "Mimo uses ultra low- power Bluetooth Low Energy, which is lower power than a standard audio monitor or your smartphone."<ref name="ref2" />
+
The company uses the technology, which has the lowest "risk potential" - low-power [[Wikipedia:Bluetooth|bluetooth]] transmitter:<ref name="ref6">HIETANEN, M.; ALANKO, T. Occupational exposure related to radiofrequency fields from wireless communication systems [online]. 2016, 26 January. Available online at: http://web.archive.org/web/20061006124651/http://www.ursi.org/Proceedings/ProcGA05/pdf/K03.7%2801682%29.pdf</ref> "Mimo uses ultra low- power Bluetooth Low Energy, which is lower power than a standard audio monitor or your smartphone."<ref name="ref2"/>
 
 
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
 
<!-- Describe in detail whether the technology aims to enhance human cognition, i.e. to improve human abilities beyond what is considered normal, and/or if it is also applicable as a form of treatment or therapy, i.e. it can serve to cure patients or restore abilities that do not perform as they would in a healthy person -->
 
  
Mimo improves human cognition by allowing parents to "sensor" infant newborns better then without smart nursery (more precisely even without their presence near their baby).
+
Christopher P. Bonafide and his colleagues point out that real efficiency of wearable technologies for babies has not been examined profoundly yet. Consequently, the accuracy of the sensors used by these technologies was not proven. The false alarm, which inaccurate sensors may cause, could lead to anxiety in parents. The accuracy of devices was not examined, since the devices are not regulated by FDA. The researchers, however, conducted their research with different devices, namely [[MonBaby]], [[Baby Vida]] and [[Owlet]].<ref>Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Consumer-use baby monitors have little proven benefit for healthy infants: Vital signs monitors marketed to parents may cause harm, experts say. ScienceDaily [online]. 2017, Jan 24. Available online at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170124111415.html (Retrieved 2nd February, 2017).</ref> When this research was published at ''Wareable'', the journal illustrate this paper using the picture of Mimobaby.<ref>SAWH, Michael. Wearable baby monitors do more harm than good says medical study. Wareable [online]. 2017, Jan 27. Available online at: https://www.wareable.com/health-and-wellbeing/wearable-baby-monitors-not-safe-says-report-3833 (Retrieved 2nd February, 2017).</ref>
  
 
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation ==
 
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation ==
  
Media impact is mainly in the USA. Mimobaby received attention by a number of online media<ref>http://money.cnn.com/2015/04/16/smallbusiness/mimo-wearable-baby-monitor/ (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref><ref>http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/07/intel-smart-baby-onesie/ (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref><ref>http://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304655304579552341503462878?mod=Tech_newsreel_11 (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref><ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/04/technology/personaltech/smart-nurseries-track-a-babys-sleep-or-lack-thereof.html?_r=1 (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2TUMA3IaIU (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref>
+
Media impact is mainly in the USA. Mimobaby received attention by a number of online media<ref>KAVILANZ, Parija. 'Connected' babies = more sleep for you. CNN Money [online]. 2015, 17 April. Available online at: http://money.cnn.com/2015/04/16/smallbusiness/mimo-wearable-baby-monitor/ (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref><ref>WOLLMAN, Dana. The internet of toddlers: Intel shows off a smart baby onesie. Engadged [online]. 2014, 1 July. Available online at: http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/07/intel-smart-baby-onesie/ (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref><ref>CHERNOVA, YULIYA. Oh, Baby: Wearables Track Infants' Vital Signs. The Wall Street Journal [online]. 2014, 12 May. Restricted access. Available online at: http://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304655304579552341503462878?mod=Tech_newsreel_11 (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref><ref>WOOD, Molly. Baby Monitors for a Smart Nursery, but Parents Are Still Better. The New York Times [online]. 2014, 3 December. Available online at: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/04/technology/personaltech/smart-nurseries-track-a-babys-sleep-or-lack-thereof.html?_r=1 (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref><ref>LINUS, Sebastian. Mimo Smart Baby Monitor - Rest Devices Inc. Youtube [online]. 2014, 18 November. Available online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2TUMA3IaIU (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref>
  
One of the main issue is that Mimo is considered medical device, which can prevent tragic situation: "[...] the Mimo can track whether babies are sleeping properly, preventing the rare and tragic situation known as SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome."<ref>http://techcrunch.com/2015/01/27/with-mimo-mit-alums-are-disrupting-the-baby-nursery-onesie-at-a-time/ (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref> And further: "The Wi-Fi connected Mimo is a practical peace-of-mind solution for any parents worried about dreaded SIDS and other infant-related conditions."<ref>http://www.wareable.com/parenting/the-best-wearables-babies-smart-baby-monitors (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref>
+
One of the main issue is that Mimo is considered medical device, which can prevent tragic situation: "[...] the Mimo can track whether babies are sleeping properly, preventing the rare and tragic situation known as SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome."<ref name="refY" /> And further: "The Wi-Fi connected Mimo is a practical peace-of-mind solution for any parents worried about dreaded SIDS and other infant-related conditions."<ref>ADAMS, Dereck. Digital parenting: The best wearables and new smart baby monitors. Wearable [online]. 2015, 6 July. Available online at: http://www.wareable.com/parenting/the-best-wearables-babies-smart-baby-monitors (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref>
  
But these notions about Mimo (practical „peace-of-mind“ solution for any parents worried about dreaded SIDS, ect) seems to be wrong even according by Rest Devices, Inc. itself: "THE MIMO BABY MONITOr SYSTEM IS NOT A MEDICAL DEVICE,[...], AND IS NOT DESIGNED TO DETECT OR PREVENT CAUSES OF SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS)."<ref name="ref5">http://mimobaby.com/legal/ (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref>
+
But these notions about Mimo (practical „peace-of-mind“ solution for any parents worried about dreaded SIDS, ect) seems to be wrong even according by Rest Devices, Inc. itself: "THE MIMO BABY MONITOr SYSTEM IS NOT A MEDICAL DEVICE,[...], AND IS NOT DESIGNED TO DETECT OR PREVENT CAUSES OF SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS)."<ref name="ref5">REST DEVICES, Inc. Rest Devices Privacy Policy & Terms of Use. Mimo [online]. 2013. Available online at: http://mimobaby.com/legal/ (Retrieved December 7 2015)</ref>
  
 
== Public Policy ==
 
== Public Policy ==
Line 147: Line 101:
 
Mimo is neither regulated nor approved by the [[Wikipedia:Food and Drug Administration|U.S. Food and Drug administration]]. Mimo is not a medical device and can not prevent or even detect causes of [[Wikipedia:Sudden infant death syndrome|Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)]]<ref name="ref5" />
 
Mimo is neither regulated nor approved by the [[Wikipedia:Food and Drug Administration|U.S. Food and Drug administration]]. Mimo is not a medical device and can not prevent or even detect causes of [[Wikipedia:Sudden infant death syndrome|Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)]]<ref name="ref5" />
  
== Related Technologies, Project or Scientific Research ==
+
== Related Technologies, Projects, or Scientific Research ==
 
<!-- If there is any scientific research conducted or being conducted that is closely connected to this technology, it should be properly cited here. -->
 
<!-- If there is any scientific research conducted or being conducted that is closely connected to this technology, it should be properly cited here. -->
 
There is no scientific research concerning Smart Baby Nursery. Hovewer, some general research connented to [[Wikipedia:Wireless electronic devices and health|wireless electronic devices]] (especialy [[Wikipedia:Bluetooth|bluetooth]]) may apply.<ref name="ref6" />
 
There is no scientific research concerning Smart Baby Nursery. Hovewer, some general research connented to [[Wikipedia:Wireless electronic devices and health|wireless electronic devices]] (especialy [[Wikipedia:Bluetooth|bluetooth]]) may apply.<ref name="ref6" />

Latest revision as of 13:42, 14 July 2017

Smart Baby Nursery
Mimobaby.jpg
Category Body-worn Wearables
Developer Rest Devices, Inc.
Announced 2010 [1]
Released Developers:
Consumers: February 2014 [1]
Price 199 USD (November 2015)[2]
Operating system iOS, Android
Sensors

Skin temperature, body position, breathing rate, live audio

Weight 590 g [3]
Controls

Smartphone

Data available Good
Risk factor
Not Standalone
http://mimobaby.com/

Mimo is the first "in-market"[4] smart wearable baby monitor, developed in the USA by Rest Devices, Inc.[1] Electrical conductors - built into infant onesie - can provide data about body position, breathing and skin temperature of baby.[2]

Main Characteristics

Mimo is an onesie for babies that includes sensors for monitoring baby’s respiration, blood pressure and temperature. These data are transmitted from the sensors to a base station nearby and ultimately into the cloud, where it can be seen on any mobile device, as well as shared between parents and caregivers.[5]

How the Mimo works.
How the Mimo works.
Mimobaby web application.
Mimobaby web application.

Mimo consists of:[6]

  • Cotton kimono (which includes electronic sensors)
  • Bluetooth transmitter (in the shape of a turtle)
  • Wi-Fi and charging base station (in the shape of a lilypad)

How Mimo works:[1][6]

  • 1) The „turtle“, fixed on the kimono by magnet, collects data about breathing, body position and skin temperature from sensors and sends these data to „lilypad“.
  • 2) Lilypad streams data and live noises to the "cloud".
  • 3) Through the Mimo app, parents can check these data on their smartphones

This device is directed to a very specific marketing segment - care of newborn infants. The company (Rest Devices, Inc.) wants to develop more technologies for innovating smart baby monitoring: "The company has been focused solely on the “baby space” since, with plans to develop more technology to fill out its “Nursery 2.0” product line"[1] (which is clearly reference to Web 2.0), i.e. ultimate aim for Mimobaby and other smart baby monitoring technology is to provide a complete set of products that are connected together by its "cloud nursery system"[1]: "We want to build a series of products around eating, sleeping, activity, and mobility that are all built on one platform"[1]

Smart baby nursery doesn't use any new or revolutional technology so far, but it uses already existing technology in a new innovative way. They are already connected with the Nest product[7] such as Nest learning Thermostat and Nestcam.[8] The company is also trying to build up connection among parents and created a community around smart baby nursery: "[...] the company hopes to add a social component that would allow parents to provide insights to other parents about their sleep strategies."[1] The next product is going to be a smart bottle warmer, which will connect with the sleep prediction feature and automatically warm up milk as soon as a baby shows that it is getting restless.[9][10]

Purpose

This device keeps parents connected with their babies no matter where they are. Mimo can track whether babies are sleeping properly and gives parents insight about their baby´s sleep quality.

Company & People

  • Dulcie Madden - Co-Founder & CEO
  • Carson Darling - Co-Founder & CTO
  • Thomas Lipoma - Co-Founder & CTO
  • Mike Gutner - COO & Mimo Dad
  • Katy Gero - Engineer, Algorithm
  • Ben Shaya - Engineer, Electronics & Firmware Design
  • Marie Mostad - Creative Director

Important Dates

  • Conceptual origins of Mimobaby in Fall 2010[1]
  • The company was founded in February 12, 2011.[4]

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

Mimo improves human cognition by allowing parents to "sensor" infant newborns better then without smart nursery (more precisely even without their presence near their baby).

Ethical & Health Issues

The main issue is connected with the health risks. Mimobaby is wearable device, which is supposed to be near the body of the newborn for a long period of time. Question is, whether any electronic device, which emits signals, is really safe to put in such close contact with the newborn.

For example specific absorption rate (SAR), is a debated issue[11], especially in the area of wearable devices, yet proper studies on the harmful effect are inconsistent[12] or even non-existent (especially in case of newborn).

There have been no health issues noted with Mimobaby so far. "The kimono is made of soft cotton with respiration sensors pressed to the top of the kimono, keeping anything from touching baby’s skin."[5] However, some general issues connected to wireless electronic devices in general still apply.

The company uses the technology, which has the lowest "risk potential" - low-power bluetooth transmitter:[13] "Mimo uses ultra low- power Bluetooth Low Energy, which is lower power than a standard audio monitor or your smartphone."[5]

Christopher P. Bonafide and his colleagues point out that real efficiency of wearable technologies for babies has not been examined profoundly yet. Consequently, the accuracy of the sensors used by these technologies was not proven. The false alarm, which inaccurate sensors may cause, could lead to anxiety in parents. The accuracy of devices was not examined, since the devices are not regulated by FDA. The researchers, however, conducted their research with different devices, namely MonBaby, Baby Vida and Owlet.[14] When this research was published at Wareable, the journal illustrate this paper using the picture of Mimobaby.[15]

Public & Media Impact and Presentation

Media impact is mainly in the USA. Mimobaby received attention by a number of online media[16][17][18][19][20]

One of the main issue is that Mimo is considered medical device, which can prevent tragic situation: "[...] the Mimo can track whether babies are sleeping properly, preventing the rare and tragic situation known as SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome."[9] And further: "The Wi-Fi connected Mimo is a practical peace-of-mind solution for any parents worried about dreaded SIDS and other infant-related conditions."[21]

But these notions about Mimo (practical „peace-of-mind“ solution for any parents worried about dreaded SIDS, ect) seems to be wrong even according by Rest Devices, Inc. itself: "THE MIMO BABY MONITOr SYSTEM IS NOT A MEDICAL DEVICE,[...], AND IS NOT DESIGNED TO DETECT OR PREVENT CAUSES OF SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS)."[22]

Public Policy

Mimo is neither regulated nor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug administration. Mimo is not a medical device and can not prevent or even detect causes of Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)[22]

Related Technologies, Projects, or Scientific Research

There is no scientific research concerning Smart Baby Nursery. Hovewer, some general research connented to wireless electronic devices (especialy bluetooth) may apply.[13]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 MATHESON, Rob. Building nursery 2.0: With a sensor-based onesie that tracks a baby’s health, MIT spinout Rest Devices is bringing innovation to baby monitoring. MIT News [online]. 2014, 27 February. Available online at: http://news.mit.edu/2014/building-nursery-20-0227 (Retrieved December 8 2015)
  2. 2.0 2.1 REST DEVICES, Inc. Mimo|About Rest Devices. Mimo [online]. 2015. Available online at: http://mimobaby.com/about/ (Retrieved November 17 2015)
  3. AMAZON. Mimo Smart Baby Breathing & Activity Monitor, 6-12 months. Amazon [online]. Available online at: http://amazon.com/Mimo-Monitor-Starter-Natural-Months/dp/B00JU99HYM (Retrieved November 17 2015)
  4. 4.0 4.1 CRUNCHBASE,Inc. Rest Devices. Crunchbase [online]. Available online at: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/nyx-devices# (Retrieved November 17 2015)
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 REST DEVICES, Inc. Smart Baby Bursery|About Mimo. Mimo [online]. 2015. Available online at: http://mimobaby.com (Retrieved January 26 2016)
  6. 6.0 6.1 BABIESRUS. Mimo Baby Monitor Starter Kit - 0-3 Months [online]. Available online at: http://www.toysrus.com/buy/baby-movement-monitors/mimo-baby-monitor-starter-kit-0-3-months-00500-33641546 (Retrieved December 8 2015)
  7. NEST LABS. Works with Nest. Nest [online]. 2016. Available online at: https://workswith.nest.com/category/family-and-pets?devices=thermostat%2Ccamera%2Csmoke-alarm (Retrieved January 26 2016)
  8. REST DEVICES, Inc. About Mimo|Nest. Mimo [online]. 2015. Available online at: http://mimobaby.com/nest (Retrieved January 26 2016)
  9. 9.0 9.1 CRICHTON, Danny. With Mimo, MIT Alums Are Disrupting The Baby Nursery, Onesie At A Time [online]. 2015, 27 January. Available online at: http://techcrunch.com/2015/01/27/with-mimo-mit-alums-are-disrupting-the-baby-nursery-onesie-at-a-time/ (Retrieved January 26 2016)
  10. BELEZINA, Jan. Edison-powered Mimo Baby Monitor ushers in the Internet of Things [online]. 2014, 11 January. Available online at: http://www.gizmag.com/mimo-baby-monitor-ces/30277/ (Retrieved December 8 2015)
  11. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC). Wireless Devices and Health Concerns [online]. 2015, 7 November. Available online at: https://www.fcc.gov/guides/wireless-devices-and-health-concerns (Retrieved November 14 2015)
  12. MYUNG, Seung-Kwon, et al. Mobile phone use and risk of tumors: a meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2009, 27.33: 5565-5572. (Retrieved December 8 2015)
  13. 13.0 13.1 HIETANEN, M.; ALANKO, T. Occupational exposure related to radiofrequency fields from wireless communication systems [online]. 2016, 26 January. Available online at: http://web.archive.org/web/20061006124651/http://www.ursi.org/Proceedings/ProcGA05/pdf/K03.7%2801682%29.pdf
  14. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Consumer-use baby monitors have little proven benefit for healthy infants: Vital signs monitors marketed to parents may cause harm, experts say. ScienceDaily [online]. 2017, Jan 24. Available online at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170124111415.html (Retrieved 2nd February, 2017).
  15. SAWH, Michael. Wearable baby monitors do more harm than good says medical study. Wareable [online]. 2017, Jan 27. Available online at: https://www.wareable.com/health-and-wellbeing/wearable-baby-monitors-not-safe-says-report-3833 (Retrieved 2nd February, 2017).
  16. KAVILANZ, Parija. 'Connected' babies = more sleep for you. CNN Money [online]. 2015, 17 April. Available online at: http://money.cnn.com/2015/04/16/smallbusiness/mimo-wearable-baby-monitor/ (Retrieved December 7 2015)
  17. WOLLMAN, Dana. The internet of toddlers: Intel shows off a smart baby onesie. Engadged [online]. 2014, 1 July. Available online at: http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/07/intel-smart-baby-onesie/ (Retrieved December 7 2015)
  18. CHERNOVA, YULIYA. Oh, Baby: Wearables Track Infants' Vital Signs. The Wall Street Journal [online]. 2014, 12 May. Restricted access. Available online at: http://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304655304579552341503462878?mod=Tech_newsreel_11 (Retrieved December 7 2015)
  19. WOOD, Molly. Baby Monitors for a Smart Nursery, but Parents Are Still Better. The New York Times [online]. 2014, 3 December. Available online at: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/04/technology/personaltech/smart-nurseries-track-a-babys-sleep-or-lack-thereof.html?_r=1 (Retrieved December 7 2015)
  20. LINUS, Sebastian. Mimo Smart Baby Monitor - Rest Devices Inc. Youtube [online]. 2014, 18 November. Available online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2TUMA3IaIU (Retrieved December 7 2015)
  21. ADAMS, Dereck. Digital parenting: The best wearables and new smart baby monitors. Wearable [online]. 2015, 6 July. Available online at: http://www.wareable.com/parenting/the-best-wearables-babies-smart-baby-monitors (Retrieved December 7 2015)
  22. 22.0 22.1 REST DEVICES, Inc. Rest Devices Privacy Policy & Terms of Use. Mimo [online]. 2013. Available online at: http://mimobaby.com/legal/ (Retrieved December 7 2015)