An automatic swinging instrument for better neonatal growing environment

It is well known that a swing can help infants fall asleep easily. In conditions of deep sleep, infants can grow faster. But how and when to swing (including swing speed and amplitude) for better growth is a serious question. As of now, of concern is that there is no objective quantitative research concerning this topic, although there exist some qualitative studies in the literature. This project is directed to designing a swing system that can simulate a natural or forced swing vibration with a quiet close-loop magnetic driving technique. Both the frequency and amplitude of the system can be changed independently in the range of 0.4–1 Hz and 0.36°–3.6°, respectively. Therefore, the infant’s quantitative physiological signals (e.g., electroencephalogram, energy consumption, sleep duration) can be measured to determine the best method of swinging. This system would help a lot of neonates, especially premature infants whose growth rate is much lower than it is in the mother’s body.