KUDA: A Biotech Umbilical Cord

Designed by: Yoshikazu Hoshino
California College of Arts and Crafts
Daly City, CA, USA

What is it?
Sensor based suits for a new born baby and father for outdoor use. When the two suits are connected, the system works as a baby carrier. When separated, they work as a protector while exercising a baby.

What makes this design different or better?
Since a father does not possess a biological connection with his baby, as the umbilical cord creates for a mother, a new father is less confident and instinctive when he has physical contact with his infant.

By using biotech, this system provides physical and mental comfort by protecting and informing a new father so that he can take his baby outside by himself and enjoy various types of physical activities without worrying.

The suits are made out of smart fabric, which is lined with artificial muscle made of carbon nanotubes and a fiber optic pressure sensor. This provides proper protection for a baby. Also, the father’s suit provides him with back support.

The baby is gripped by the artificial muscle. Compared to existing baby carriers, this design feature makes it easy for a father to detach and reattach his baby. Therefore, a baby can develop and be stimulated by experiencing the outside world, up close, and actually seeing, smelling and touching objects such as beautiful flowers.

The smart sensor system, which consists of an artificial nose, infrared thermometer, hygrometer, and UV detector, is incorporated into the suits to monitor and display the condition of the baby and its environment. By sensing the baby's body temperature, skin condition, diaper condition, and detecting the environment's UV level, air condition, and allergens; The smart senor system alarms the father when the baby needs attention.