Background

My first engineering course at UC San Diego, ENG 10, challenged us to build something meaningful in one week using an Arduino and basic sensors. Our team focused on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), where overheating during sleep poses a serious risk to infants.

The core concept was simple: make a comfortable headband that could constantly monitor a baby's temperature and alert parents before it becomes dangerous.

Hardware

• Arduino microcontroller

• Temperature sensor for forehead contact

• Bluetooth module for wireless communication

• RGB LEDs for visual alerts

• Soft headband material for comfort

The prototype demonstrated three states:

1. Blue LEDs - temperature too low

2. Green LEDs - normal temperature range

3. Red LEDs - dangerous high temperature

We tested the basic function using body heat to raise the temperature (triggering red) and a cool spoon to lower it (returning to green). The Bluetooth connection allowed temperature data to be sent to a phone.

App Mockups

We also designed interactive mockups for the phone app.

Results

The project won 1st Prize at the Summer Engineering Institute Final Showcase, though much more development would be needed to make this medical-grade. It taught me that even simple technology can tackle important problems when applied thoughtfully.