The Tappy is a special NFC (Near Field Communication) technology-embedded hat that allows parents to enjoy some peace of mind when they find themselves in crowded public areas with children. It's common for children to get lost when at festivals, amusement parks and other large public gatherings. This hat uses easily available modern technology to help parents locate and reunite with their lost children.
These hats feature NFC tags encoded with the cell phone number of a parent or guardian. When tapped by an NFC-enabled smartphone, the system initiates a call with the person's cell phone. So if a child is lost in a public place, any smartphone user can tap the tag on the brim of their hat, allowing them to inform the parent or guardian of the child's location.
The Tappy was initially invented by Justine Mittelheuser for her child, but is now being offered to other parents.
Communicative Children's Caps
The Tappy Hat Uses NFC Technology to Help Parents Keep Track of Kids
Trend Themes
1. Nfc-enabled Wearable Technology - Opportunities for technology companies to create more NFC-enabled wearable devices that can help consumers track other items or individuals.
2. Child Safety Technology - Opportunities for entrepreneurs to create more child safety technology products that use advanced technologies to improve safety measures and communication between adults and young children.
3. Lost and Found Solutions - Opportunities for startups to create lost-and-found solutions using advanced technologies like NFC that can help people find their lost items or track their location in real time.
Industry Implications
1. Wearable Technology - Wearable technology companies can expand their range of products and services to include child safety-oriented wearable devices.
2. Childcare and Education - Childcare and education providers can integrate smart safety technologies like NFC-enabled devices to promote a safer environment for children.
3. Entertainment and Events - Event organizers can partner with wearable technology brands to offer safety-oriented products like the Tappy hat to help mitigate common safety risks associated with large public events.