ABC Squared Technology
A needle-free, all-in-one wearable CGM & insulin pump
Our Design
This project presents the design and development of a compact, hybrid closed-loop insulin pump system aimed at improving Type 1 diabetes management for children and their caregivers. The device integrates continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with automated insulin delivery, while addressing key challenges such as needle anxiety, frequent site changes, and caregiver burden. Designed with sustainability, safety, and usability in mind, the system features a modular, needle-free injection mechanism, vibration alerts to reduce alarm fatigue, and a cloud-connected dashboard for remote monitoring. By combining innovative hardware and intelligent software, this solution seeks to simplify diabetes care and enhance quality of life for young patients and their families.
Introducing the Apollo Insulin Drug Delivery System
The Apollo Design
Rotating Injection Wheel
Insulin Delivery Site
Reimagining Diabetes Management with Apollo
Type 1 diabetes requires constant monitoring, decision-making, and manual intervention—tasks that are especially overwhelming for newly diagnosed children and their caregivers. Existing insulin pump and CGM systems are often fragmented, complex, or ill-suited for pediatric use. Frequent site changes generate medical waste, needle-based systems trigger anxiety, and parents struggle to stay informed in real time. Motivated by personal experience and inspired by a teammate’s younger brother living with Type 1 diabetes, our team of biomedical engineering students at Wichita State University set out to create a more intuitive, sustainable, and child-friendly solution. This project combines embedded systems, smart software, and user-centered design to build a device that not only delivers insulin safely but also empowers caregivers with accessible, real-time data.
The Problem
Current insulin pump systems used by children with Type 1 diabetes are often bulky, intimidating, and require frequent site changes—typically every three days. Each site change generates significant medical waste, including adhesive patches, plastic reservoirs, and tubing, which is both environmentally unsustainable and financially burdensome for families. Additionally, the manual nature of insulin dosing decisions, paired with needle-based delivery, contributes to treatment fatigue, needle anxiety, and poor adherence. Caregivers—especially parents new to managing diabetes—often feel overwhelmed by the steep learning curve and the constant decision-making required for safe insulin administration.
Need Statement
There is a need for a compact, child-friendly insulin delivery system that minimizes waste, reduces needle use, and integrates continuous glucose monitoring with automated, cloud-connected dosing logic. The system must support easier, longer-term wear through site rotation and modular insulin replacement, while offering real-time tracking and alerts for caregivers. A sustainable, intuitive solution is critical to improve daily management, reduce caregiver burden, and increase adherence among young patients.
One Site change
About Us!
Apollo – A Smarter, Safer Insulin Pump for Kids
Apollo is a compact, all-in-one wearable device created to make life easier for families managing Type 1 Diabetes. Designed with children in mind, Apollo combines two essential components—a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and an automated insulin pump—into one streamlined, intelligent system. It monitors blood sugar levels in real time and delivers insulin automatically when needed, reducing the burden of constant monitoring and decision-making.
At the heart of Apollo is a Raspberry Pi 4, which serves as the device’s central processor. It continuously reads glucose data and follows built-in safety protocols to determine when and how much insulin should be delivered. If a child’s blood sugar drops too low, the system pauses insulin delivery and notifies the user. A manual bolus button also lets users request an extra dose of insulin when it’s safe to do so.
What sets Apollo apart is its needle-free insulin delivery system. Instead of relying on a traditional needle and plastic cannula, it uses high-pressure microjet technology to deliver insulin just beneath the skin—painlessly and without the fear many children associate with needles. A rotating injection site mechanism ensures insulin is distributed to different areas, promoting healthy absorption and reducing skin complications over time.
Apollo’s data syncs to a mobile dashboard that allows parents and clinicians to track trends. With customizable outer shells—including Marvel and Star Wars themes—Apollo brings both function and comfort to diabetes care.
At its core, Apollo is about empowering families—with safety, simplicity, and imagination.
Cost:
Market Analysis
Over 1.5 million children globally live with Type 1 diabetes, and the need for more child-friendly, intuitive solutions is growing. While companies like Medtronic, Omnipod, and Dexcom lead the market, their devices often remain bulky, needle-based, and intimidating for young users.
Our system fills that gap with:
A needle-free design to reduce fear and trauma
A rotating injection site to minimize scarring and extend wear time
Integrated CGM and insulin delivery
A cloud-connected dashboard for caregivers
We target families of newly diagnosed children, pediatric providers, and health systems focused on long-term outcomes.
R&D Costs – product development and prototype research
Production – mass producing the consolidated design
Marketing – advertisements to promote the product
Revenue Model:
Device Sales
Insurance Reimbursement
Licensing Glucose Data Analytics
Insulin Pumps: $6.1B (2023), CAGR 7-9%
CGMs: $1.4B (2023), CAGR 6-8%
Meet Our Team!
Bao Nguyen - Research & Mechanical Design
Bao Nguyen is a biomedical engineering student with a strong focus on research and mechanical design. He contributed to refining the device’s structure and validating its medical feasibility through detailed literature review and clinical input. With a deep interest in human health and innovation, Nguyen plans to pursue medical school after completing his undergraduate degree to further bridge the gap between engineering and patient care.
Ahmad Jesri - Data Analysis & Research
Ahmad Jerri is a biomedical engineering student with a passion for dentistry and healthcare innovation. He currently works as a dental technician and contributed to the team’s research and data analytics efforts, helping translate patient feedback into actionable design improvements. Ahmad plans to attend dental school after graduation, where he hopes to merge his engineering insight with clinical expertise to enhance the future of dental care.
Clay Shaw - 3D Design & Visual Effects
Clay Shaw is a biomedical engineering student specializing in 3D design and visual effects. He played a key role in developing the physical form and mechanical layout of the device. With a passion for precision and aesthetics, Clay blends creativity with technical skill. When he's not designing, he enjoys long-distance running and pushing his limits both physically and creatively.
Cameron Todd - Software Architect
Cameron Todd is a biomedical engineering student and the lead software developer for the team. He currently works at NetApp, where he applies his skills in systems automation and backend development. With a strong interest in embedded systems and real-world problem solving, Cameron led the integration of hardware and cloud-based software in the project. Outside of engineering, he enjoys longboarding and exploring creative ways to combine tech with impact.
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