Health services at the village level, such as integrated health service posts (Posyandu), often face obstacles, one of which is long queues when measuring height. Manual height measurements were not only time-consuming, but also produce suboptimal accuracy. In fact, for children, accurate and efficient height measurements are very important as a basis for monitoring growth and early detection of stunting. Inaccurate data can affect the assessment of children’s nutritional status and risk delaying intervention.
Based on this problems, Students Community Sevices Universitas Gadjah Mada (KKN UGM) students Swarna Bandar presented an innovation in the form of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based Automatic Height Measurement Device. This device is designed to speed up the measurement process while improving the accuracy of height data at the Bandar Village Posyandu.
The device works by utilizing an ultrasonic sensor that automatically detects the distance from the head to the floor. The data is then processed by a NodeMCU (ESP8266) microcontroller and displayed directly on a digital LCD screen. Users simply stand upright under the measuring device, press a button, and the measurement results will appear accompanied by a buzzer sound indicating that the measurement results have been displayed.
This work program is a form of utilization and application of IoT-based Appropriate Technology at the village level. Not only that, this work program is also accompanied by educational and socialization activities for the Bandar Village Posyandu cadres on how to use and maintain the equipment so that it can be used sustainably.
With the introduction of the Automatic Height Measurement Device based on the Internet of Things (IoT), the UGM Swarna Bandar KKN-PPM students hope that the services provided by the Bandar Village Posyandu will become more efficient, accurate, and comfortable, both for the cadres and the local community.
This IoT-based automatic height measurement device is an effort by KKN students to support Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being.