Dr. Rula Sharqi faced a challenging situation when her son, Joseph, contracted the seasonal flu. Unlike a common cold, the flu made Joseph much fussier and more uncomfortable, requiring constant monitoring of his vital signs to ensure his safety.
As a single, working mother, Dr. Sharqi had to juggle her professional responsibilities with the need to closely watch her son’s health. This experience inspired her to create the “LittleGard wristband,” a baby monitor designed to send text alerts or emails to parents and, in extreme cases, notify emergency services.
Utilizing her engineering expertise as an Associate Professor of Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, Dr. Sharqi developed this innovative monitor. The device, which attaches to an infant’s wrist, simplifies the process of monitoring a baby’s vital signs, according to Khaleej Times.
“Caring for Joseph during his illness, with his body temperature spiking at night due to the flu, highlighted the universal need for continuous monitoring of vital signs such as temperature, oxygen levels, and pulse rate,” Dr. Sharqi told Khaleej Times. “I realized that every parent faces similar challenges and would benefit from a reliable solution to ease their worries.”
The LittleGard wristband aims to offer proactive monitoring and timely alerts, allowing parents to take immediate action when their child’s health requires attention.
With the assistance of Nakhul Kalaivanan, a robotics engineering student, Dr. Sharqi developed advanced nanosensors encased in cotton bands that are placed directly on the infant’s skin. This design minimizes false readings and ensures accurate monitoring of vital signs.
“By continuously tracking temperature, oxygen levels, and pulse rate, the LittleGard wristband provides parents with real-time insights into their child’s health,” Dr. Sharqi explained. “This proactive approach can lead to early intervention, potentially preventing serious health issues and offering unparalleled peace of mind to parents.”
Although the LittleGard wristband is not yet available on the market, Dr. Sharqi is seeking an industrial partner to bring it to life. “As an educational engineering institute, our role is to develop innovative solutions,” she said. “We are currently validating the reading accuracy before launching the product.”
Dr. Sharqi’s passion for innovation was sparked at a young age by her parents, both pioneers in the field of engineering in the Arab world. “Their remarkable achievements inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a tangible difference through innovation and technology,” she shared.
She views engineering as a practical tool to save lives, emphasizing, “Wherever there is a problem to be solved, an engineer is there to find a solution. Engineering uses math and science to address challenges, and my life’s purpose is centered around discovering and implementing innovative solutions that positively impact society.”
Beyond infant healthcare, Dr. Sharqi is working on a project to improve adult lives. “I’m also developing a smart fridge that will enhance people’s health and lives,” she revealed. “The fridge will read the components of food items, track their expiry dates, plan meals based on available ingredients, and send notifications about expired items.”
