'Intellicot' tries to automate parenting

(Credit: Intellicot)

We've long cautioned against overuse of technology to replace basic parenting responsibilities, but our concerns usually focused on such items as baby cams and RFID backpacks. The "Intellicot," however, takes the proverbial cake.

Cencio, the manufacturer, says the Intellicot is a high-tech alternative to a "wooden cage with a mattress" and helps develop regular sleeping patterns while controlling temperatures. But we agree with the assessment by GearLive instead: "The gadget rocks your baby, has a video camera for surveillance, a built-in lift system, and circulates air. Called a 'labour of love' by Britain's Coventry University, we call it a glorified ant farm and a terrible replacement for a couple of hugs and a good old-fashioned rocking chair." Amen.

[Suzysuzy]

Would you buy it?

The Cencio Intelligent Cot or Intellicot does appear to be far fetched, As a new mother / parent would you buy one? For the European market in general have smaller houses how can we expect to fit this in a nursery? not to mention the colour can you really match this with baby furniture? I assume the price will be sky high and after you have paid this what happens to it when your child grows up? By the looks of thing you can simply fold it away and store this for the next child can you? and what about warranty or if this breaks down? will the child's hand get caught in the lift mechanism? and will the company be liable / of cause not. The baby monitor may be portable and wireless but who else can see this? I would imagine anyone with a wireless laptop computer or a identical monitor could view my child. I personally would not buy the Intellicot, would you?