New Intel tech device could save babies' lives

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A tech conference is typically for adults, but if you know where to look, there's plenty at this week's Intel developer forum for kids. There are things to inspire them and things to keep them safe.

Amid all the engineers and business people, there was a 13-year-old. We first met Alannah Forster at another tech conference, when she was only 11. At the time, she had just started the Coding Clubhouse. Now, at the Intel developer forum, she's finding more ways than ever to show that code is cool.

"There used to not be as much cool hardware, and that's a lot of what gets kids interested, is the hands on stuff," Forster said.

At this conference there were things like a connected Nerf gun, a smart mirror and a video game with your face in it that you can share with your friends.

There was also a robotic bass guitar called "MechBass" built by James McVay. He said, "We take it to schools and we do it for outreach events. We can show people what you can actually do in engineering."

But perhaps the most important connected thing here, as far as kids are concerned, is one that'll keep them safe in their youngest years. One mom who works for Intel is giving child safety seats an upgrade.

Intel innovation product lead Marcie Miller described what the Nabi Car Seat Clip can do. When the clip is attached to a child's car seat, it will activate the device and can tell you if your little ones come unbuckled, get too hot or if you accidentally leave them in the car. It's costs under $50 and will work with any car seat.

The clip automatically connects to your phone and alerts you if you get too far away while your child is buckled in. Like a true entrepreneur, Miller set up shop in a garage and tested the clip with her own daughter.

Miller said the number of child deaths, due to parents leaving them in a hot car, was a big motivation for her. She told ABC7 News, "On average 40 children a year pass away from this tragedy. It's a really rewarding process to get something out there that could save lives."

This conference also is inspiring tomorrow's innovators.

"Kids are the future. So if we get kids interested today, they will be immersed in technology for the rest of their lives," Forster said.