Poppo-en Nurseries Operated by Meitetsu Smile Plus to Introduce Clip-Type Sleep Monitoring Sensor 'icuco® touch&care' Across All Locations

Meitetsu Smile Plus Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Atsuta-ku, Nagoya; President & CEO: Masahiro Kitamori; hereinafter 'Meitetsu Smile Plus') announces the phased introduction of 'icuco® touch & care,' a nap monitoring sensor developed and provided by icuco Inc. (Headquarters: Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture; CEO: Yohichi Yanase; hereinafter 'icuco'), across all 21 of its operated nurseries, 'Poppo-en,' targeting all 0-year-old children.

By integrating 'ICT technology' with the existing 'direct tactile and visual safety checks,' the company aims to further strengthen safety management systems, reduce the workload of childcare staff, and provide a more comfortable sleeping environment for children.

Details are as follows:

1. Background of Introduction

In childcare facilities, sleep-time safety management—including prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidents caused by prone sleeping—is an extremely critical task. At Poppo-en, mat- and panel-type sensors had previously been used, but concerns arose that the physical presence of these sensors could negatively affect children's comfort during sleep.

Given these challenges, attention was drawn to icuco's newly developed clip-type sensor, 'icuco® touch & care.' Its ability to provide a better sleep environment, combined with multi-faceted nap monitoring functions, not only enhances overall safety management but also reduces psychological stress on caregivers. As a result, the decision was made to introduce the device across all 21 Poppo-en nurseries.

2. About icuco® touch & care

'icuco® touch & care' is a nap monitoring application and sensor system developed by icuco, registered as a general medical device.

The sensor, attached to infants, detects body movements related to breathing, sleeping posture, and changes in skin temperature. Data is automatically recorded and managed via a dedicated app. In the event of anomalies, alerts are issued to support monitoring, helping streamline record-keeping and reduce the burden on childcare professionals.

- Product page: https://www.icuco.co.jp/ (Medical Device Manufacturing and Sales Notification No.: 23B3X10030000001)

3. Key Benefits of Implementation

- Consideration for Children's 'Sleep Environment'

Transitioning from mat- and panel-type sensors to a wearable, clothing-attached type eliminates discomfort caused by bedding sensors, enabling children to sleep more comfortably in their natural posture and familiar environment.

- Multi-faceted Nap Monitoring

In addition to motion detection, the system includes alert functions for prolonged prone sleeping and changes in skin temperature. These multi-dimensional monitoring capabilities enable higher-precision, real-time supervision and help reduce psychological stress on caregivers.

- Efficient Nap Check Record-Keeping

Data collected by the sensor is automatically recorded and stored in the dedicated app, reducing the burden of manual handwritten records and ensuring consistent, high-quality documentation.

- Operational Safety Without Button Batteries

The device is rechargeable via a dedicated charging dock, eliminating the risk of accidental ingestion of button batteries and reducing the burden of battery replacement, ensuring safer operations.

4. Comments from a Nursery Director

'We feel that this introduction has helped create a more comfortable and secure sleeping environment for the children. With multi-faceted monitoring by the sensor, combined with visual checks by our staff, the quality of supervision has improved. We will continue to prioritize safety and provide warm, attentive childcare.'

5. On-Site Implementation at Nurseries

Image: Child sleeping with sensor attached　　　　　　　Image: Caregiver conducting nap check

6. Contact Information

Meitetsu Smile Plus Co., Ltd. Contact: Ms. Yuiko Ota TEL: 052-756-2677 Email: [email protected]

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About Meitetsu Smile Plus Co., Ltd.

A 100% subsidiary of Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd., Meitetsu Smile Plus operates under the management philosophy of 'Spreading smiles throughout the community by supporting working parents.' The company manages 'Poppo-en' nurseries, after-school programs 'TELACO,' and children's sports facilities 'SPOCCO.'

Website: https://meitetsu-sp.co.jp/

About icuco® touch&care and icuco Inc.

icuco Inc. develops family-oriented services and related products, with the vision of 'visualizing parenting anxieties and creating exciting family experiences.' The company focuses on planning, designing, and manufacturing products such as the 'icuco® touch&care' nap sensor.