UNAIR NEWS – A team of students from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has once again earned international recognition. At the International Invention and Innovation Competition (I3C) 2025, the UNAIR team secured a prestigious gold medal. Organized by the Malaysia Innovation Invention Creativity Association (MIICA), this year’s competition carried the theme Empowering Minds, Transforming Futures. The UNAIR team impressed judges with STIREACT, an Internet of Things (IoT)-based device designed to measure work fatigue.
The team consists of Ibrahim Al Khawwas, Nasywa Dhiyaul Haq, and Diva Firnanda Azzahra from the Faculty of Vocational Studies; Imamul Aziz from the Faculty of Pharmacy; and Farhan Aldan Khairian from the Faculty of Science and Technology. Competing against 1,500 teams from various countries, they showcased their innovative project in an online competition held on Sunday (March 10, 2025).
IoT-integrated work fatigue measurement
In this global innovation and invention contest, the UNAIR team developed the Smart Timer Reaction (STIREACT), a standardized device for measuring work fatigue. The invention was inspired by the widespread issue of occupational fatigue, which significantly affects industries by reducing productivity and increasing the risk of workplace accidents.
Many existing work fatigue measurement tools lack IoT integration. “This gap prompted us to develop an IoT-integrated work fatigue measurement device,” Ibrahim Al Khawwas explained.
Their research involved collecting data through the IoT-powered STIREACT device, supplemented by interviews and surveys. The data was then analyzed using internationally recognized work fatigue measurement standards. Results indicated that STIREACT demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in assessing work fatigue levels.
Strategies for international competition
Al Khawwas emphasized that success in international competitions requires ensuring the uniqueness and innovation of an invention through extensive literature reviews and global patent studies. “This step is essential to verify that STIREACT is a novel innovation with distinct advantages over existing technologies,” he noted.
Furthermore, strengthening teamwork and fostering collaboration were crucial in effectively distributing tasks, with support from supervisors. Careful time management and rigorous practice were also key to structuring a comprehensive competition strategy, ensuring thorough preparation in all areas.
Overcoming challenges
Securing an international title came with significant challenges. One major obstacle was refining the device’s design and IoT technology to ensure optimal functionality and accuracy. It was also crucial to validate STIREACT’s effectiveness by comparing it with globally standardized work fatigue measurement tools.
Another challenge, according to Al Khawwas, was balancing competition preparation with academic responsibilities and extracurricular commitments, as the team comprised members from three different faculties. “Funding was also a major concern, as financial support was necessary for the device’s development and research,” he added.
Reflecting on their victory, Al Khawwas described winning an international competition as an incredible experience. He attributed their success to consistency, innovation, and dedication. “We hope this research-driven innovation will benefit many, aligning with our principle of staying humble regardless of our achievements,” he concluded.
Author: Arifatun Nazilah
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
