After experiencing an alcohol-induced blackout after three drinks, MIT Media Labs researcher Dhairya Dand has created a unique way of measuring his alcohol intake using new ice cubes he has created.
Electronics encased inside the glowing ice cubes keep a track of the alcohol you have consumed, changing their colour as the alcohol levels rise, and can even send a text message to a person of your choice when levels reach a critical limit. Watch the video after the jump to see the ice cubes in action.
“After an alcohol induced blackout, I made self-aware glowing ice-cubes that beat to the ambient music. The electronics inside the ice-cubes know how fast and how much you are drinking. The cubes change color from green to orange to finally red as you keep drinking beyond the safety limit. If things get out of control, the cubes send a text to your close friend using your smartphone.”
How the Ice Cubes Work
The innovative ice cubes created by Dhairya Dand are not just ordinary ice cubes; they are embedded with sophisticated electronics that monitor your drinking habits. Each cube contains an accelerometer to detect the motion of the glass, an LED light to indicate the level of alcohol consumption, and a wireless transmitter to send alerts. The accelerometer measures how quickly and how often you are taking sips, providing real-time data on your drinking speed and quantity.
As you continue to drink, the LED lights inside the ice cubes change color to indicate your current level of alcohol consumption. The colors transition from green, indicating a safe level, to orange, suggesting caution, and finally to red, signaling that you have reached a critical limit. This visual cue helps drinkers become more aware of their intake and encourages them to slow down or stop drinking.
Additional Features and Benefits
One of the standout features of these ice cubes is their ability to send a text message to a designated contact when the drinker reaches a dangerous level of intoxication. This feature can be a lifesaver, as it alerts a friend or family member who can then intervene and ensure the drinker’s safety. The text message is sent via the drinker’s smartphone, which is connected to the ice cubes through a wireless transmitter.
Moreover, the ice cubes are designed to be reusable. After use, they can be washed and refrozen for the next occasion. This makes them not only a practical tool for monitoring alcohol consumption but also an environmentally friendly option compared to single-use alternatives.
The glowing ice cubes also add an element of fun to social gatherings. They beat to the ambient music, creating a visually appealing and interactive experience for party-goers. This feature makes them a popular choice for parties and events, where they can serve both as a conversation starter and a safety measure.
In addition to personal use, these ice cubes have potential applications in bars and clubs. Establishments could use them to promote responsible drinking among patrons, potentially reducing the risk of alcohol-related incidents. By providing a clear and immediate visual indication of alcohol consumption levels, these ice cubes could help bartenders and staff monitor and manage the drinking behavior of their customers more effectively.
In conclusion, Dhairya Dand’s glowing ice cubes represent a significant advancement in the field of alcohol consumption monitoring. By combining technology with a simple, everyday item, Dand has created a tool that not only enhances the drinking experience but also promotes safety and responsibility. Whether used at home or in public venues, these ice cubes offer a practical and innovative solution to the challenges of alcohol consumption.
Source: TNW
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