Newly developed sensor device Scientifically based childcare support
- The following is content from the press release -
Associate Professor Eri Nishi of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Setsunan University (President: Yasuyuki Kubo) and Sumitomo Bakelite Corporation (President: Shinichi Kajiya) have been conducting joint research on "infant feeding sensing devices" since 2021 to measure the movement of babies' tongues to visualize the sucking force, which is the force to drink breast milk by moving the tongue. The results of this joint research have been published in the "Infant Feeding Sensing Device" (JFI). As a result of this joint research, the company developed the "infant feeding sensing device system," which has been introduced on a trial basis at several facilities and is scheduled for commercialization in 2027.
Key Points of the Case
Visualization of a baby's ability to drink breast milk. Enables breastfeeding support based on scientific data.
Research confirms that mothers' breastfeeding confidence improves by approximately 30% compared to regular lactation guidance.
Based on the results of this joint research, Sumitomo Bakelite Co.
Research Background
While breastfeeding plays an important role in the health and growth of the baby, childcare can be a great burden for mothers if they do not know the state of sucking. Until now, there was no easy way to measure the state of sucking, so the situation often relied on a person's subjective senses. Against this background, the need for childcare support based on scientific evidence has been increasing in recent years.
Collaborative Research Initiatives
Associate Professor Nishi has been working for many years on the measurement of babies' tongue movements. Based on this knowledge, he conducted joint research with Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. and succeeded in developing the "Feeding Sensing Device System" utilizing the company's DuraQ® conductive paste technology. The "Feeding Sensing Device System" is a revolutionary product that enables objective evaluation of sucking by measuring and analyzing the baby's tongue movement. This enables mothers and healthcare professionals to accurately grasp the feeding situation and provide more appropriate breastfeeding support.
How to Use Feeding Sensing Devices
- The midwife puts the device on the hand and inserts the pinky part with the sensor into the baby's mouth.
- Babies develop the sucking reflex, a primitive response that is inherent in the body. This allows the sensor to measure tongue movement and visualize the baby's sucking ability.
- Lactation indicators are quantified and midwives provide data-based advice to mothers.
Future Plans
Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. is currently introducing the system to postpartum care facilities and other facilities based on the results of effectiveness verification, and has begun trial introductions at several facilities and offering the service for a fee at some facilities. Furthermore, the company plans to utilize the tongue movement data in a wide range of medical and welfare fields, including research on the prediction of breast milk intake and its relation to diseases, and application to dysphagia and dysarthria in the elderly.
We will continue to accumulate scientific knowledge and promote its application through joint research with the company, and work toward the social implementation of this technology.
All images are courtesy of Sumitomo Bakelite Co.
