Detailed within a patent application update this week, Nest’s Maxime Veron has included new information related to technology within a smart baby crib. Possibly nearing a release date within the next year, the Nest smart crib will likely be outfitted with a camera and microphone, possibly connected via Wi-Fi for monitoring on mobile devices, as well as a smattering of sensors that measure humidity, light, air, pressure and the ambient temperature in a baby’s room.
All of these sensors will likely work together in order to monitor a baby’s sleep patterns and overall health of the child. In addition, the patent details potential options for launching an “entertainment device” which has been embedded within the crib. Options include a projector, a speaker or an LED light. That type of technology could display colorful shapes on the wall, play soothing music or light up the room in a variety of colors to entertain the baby.
The patent application also mentions some form of algorithm that attempts to discern why a baby is crying. If accurate, a smartphone notification could pop up on a parent’s mobile device indicating that the baby is hungry or requires a diaper change. Hypothetically, the crib could automatically launch one of the entertainment options when detecting crying, while a parent is making their way to the crib.
Potentially, Nest could also link other smart home devices in the company’s product catalog. The temperature sensor could work with the Nest thermostat to lower or raise the temperature in the baby’s room at any given time. It’s likely that Next is leveraging Nest Cam technology for use in the crib, ideal when a working parent wants to check in on their little one.
Nest representatives have remained silent on a possible release date for this product. Of course, the company will have quite a bit of leeway on pricing the crib for the baby market. Pricing on mainstream cribs range from $100 all the way up to $2,000, depending on styles, materials and design.
