Development of a Vibrotactile Wristband Prototype: A Strategy to Reduce Noise Exposure in a NICU (#1683)
Read ArticleDate of Conference
July 15-17, 2026
Published In
"Engineering without Borders: Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge, Innovation, and Alliances for a Future from the Americas"
Location of Conference
Santiago (Chile)
Authors
Padilla Montes, Thaily
Cáceres Teruel, Yaro
Abstract
Excessive noise in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), mainly caused by clinical alarms, poses a risk to the neurological and auditory development of newborns and contributes to fatigue among healthcare personnel. This paper presents the design and preliminary validation of a wireless vibrotactile bracelet prototype intended to reduce noise exposure by transforming visual alarms into vibrotactile signals directly perceived by staff. The system comprises a transmitter module, based on an ESP32 microcontroller and a TCS3200 color sensor for alarm detection, and a receiver module in the bracelet, which generates vibrations via haptic motors. Experimental validation at the Honduras Medical Center NICU demonstrated a reduction of up to 21 dBA in equivalent sound pressure levels (Leq), highlighting the device’s potential as a complementary tool for neonatal safety and clinical ergonomics.