An autonomous, motorized IV pole aims to increase mobility while navigating the hospital to promote the recovery of pediatric patients receiving IV fluids and TPN.

Child burdened by IV pole

The Problem

Annually, nearly a million children of ages 2-10 are hospitalized and require intravenous (IV) fluids or total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The current design of IV poles presents significant challenges for these pediatric patients. The weight and cumbersome wheelbase of traditional IV poles hinder the mobility of young patients, making it difficult for them to move freely and comfortably during their hospital stay. This lack of mobility not only impedes their physical and developmental growth but also poses safety risks, such as stumbling incidents and foot injuries due to the unstable base. Additionally, the need for constant assistance from nursing staff for patient transport during laboratory tests and procedures places an extra burden on healthcare providers.

The Solution