A Sudanese teacher has invented a 'smart pancreas' that can help diabetic patients in times of emergency. The electronic device connects the diabetic patient with his relatives the nearest hospital supervising doctors and the police through a cellphone-based network.

The small-scale invention was displayed at the Knowledge Summit in Dubai that concluded last week.

Mohammed Baloola a lecturer with the Ajman University of Science & Technology said his invention consists of three units: The first is for the patient the second for the database and the third for the doctor. "The device smartly checks blood sugar on a regular basis and instantly alerts the (people) concerned - whether a relative a doctor or an official - about the patient's condition."

HOW IT WORKS Smart pancreas consists of three units: The first is for the patient the second for the database and the third for the doctor.

It automatically checks blood sugar on a regular basis and instantly alerts the people concerned - relatives doctors or officials - about the patient's condition.

The device also sends the patient's data and vital signs to the hospital and the doctor concerned every four hours automatically he said. "There are some other options but I intend to ... improve the device further."

Baloola said though he has done extensive research spanning over four years his device has only been tested in his lab. "My invention has been highly accredited and rewarded in international conferences in the US and Singapore and I got many promises to get my alternative smart pancreas produced commercially but nothing has happened so far."

Baloola's device cost him only Dh5000 but he has spent long hours on research and visits to patients to know about the problems they face and amend his smart apparatus accordingly.

"It took me around four years to invent this device because I bought some components from abroad and these took one to two months to be delivered operated and tested."

Baloola noted that he has not registered or obtained a patent for his device. "I have submitted a research paper on the same. It has been highly appreciated and rewarded everywhere and recently by His Highness Shaikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman."

Goodbye toxic gas

Another invention presented at the forum deals with the toxic and flammable H2S gas which is one of the main challenges hampering oil and natural gas drilling.

Emirati Mohammed Abdullah Al Lughani told Khaleej Times that his H2S remote tank can detect the toxic gas at a distance of 800 metres. "This sophisticated gadget can be remotely controlled in an easy way."

The small tank worth Dh35000 is equipped with a camera for night vision along with a powerful wireless fire extinguisher for emergency cases the young inventor added. "It took me four months to invent this critical tank which can carry a weight of up to 50kg."

The 30-year-old Emirati who is based in Sharjah said his robot gives instant reading on the amount of H2S oxygen and hydrogen on an LED screen. "This device is powered by only 24V and can work continuously for one and a half hours."

The remote tank can run on several platforms - pipelines branches of trees and the desert. Al Lughani said: "It is a heavy-duty and fire-proof device.

"I have invented many things before such as a submarine that can detect pollution on the beach. I am fond of invention and think of coming up with something new all the time to overcome a specific problem. It is a hobby of mine."

Since he could not secure any funding he paid for the device out of his own pocket. "I don't think I will produce the device on a large scale in the near future because I am still developing and upgrading it."

Automatic extinguisher anyone?

A Kuwaiti inventor at the forum Mohammed Abdullah Al Azmi displayed an automatic fire extinguisher that can be used by those who don't know how to use a regular one.

"It is a kind of a pot with specific accredited and environment-friendly materials that creates a safe passage for anyone surrounded with flames."

The smart device is self-balanced and can be used by just pulling out a valve and throwing it at a specific spot to put out a fire in an area of six square metres.

Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here I worked as an English language instructor chief En/Ar translator proofreader reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media Cairo University 2014 a bachelor degree in English language and translation Ain Shams University Cairo 1996 and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation interpretation EFL instruction and reporting. I am interested in technology aviation politics as well as community parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading writing exercising and surfing the web.