ISO 13485 | AS9100
DUAL-CERTIFIED QUALITY SYSTEM
DUAL-CERTIFIED QUALITY SYSTEM
The Q-bud, an electronic inventory tag with an E-ink display, revolutionizes inventory management for loose and large items within the Cubex ecosystem. It integrates seamlessly with auto dispensing cabinets and software, providing real-time identification of contents and inventory count, along with user-friendly functionality.
Background and Challenges
The Q-bud project presented various challenges, including the need for prolonged operation on two coin cell batteries, necessitating meticulous power management. Implementing low-power wireless communication was crucial for seamless integration with the inventory management system. Balancing a compact design reminiscent of older units with the inclusion of a display and expanded functionality was essential. Designing a user-friendly interface with just three buttons required careful consideration to ensure functionality without sacrificing simplicity. Additionally, integrating E-ink display technology for clear visibility and low power consumption, along with designing intuitive icons and optimizing screen layout for easy readability, posed significant design considerations.
Achieving Results With Nectar
Wireless Electronic Inventory Tagging
Nectar developed the Q-bud as a wireless electronic inventory tagging and counting device, enabling seamless integration with Cubex’s inventory management ecosystem.
User Interface Design
Designed the intuitive user interface with buttons to add/remove counts and interact with the device’s functionality, ensuring ease of use.
Industrial Design
Contributed to the industrial design, optimizing the device’s form factor and attachment mechanisms for various storage solutions.
Electronics Expertise
Provided expertise in low-power electronics, E-ink display integration, and wireless communications, ensuring efficient operation and longevity of the device.
Cost Optimization
Ensured the device remained cost-effective while meeting performance and functionality requirements, enhancing its accessibility and affordability for users.
Darren is an accomplished, dynamic leader who founded Nectar, X-Naut, and BreathDirect. He is committed to improving the world through the synthesis of technology, science, and art. Under Darren’s leadership, Nectar is leveraging the latest advances in cutting-edge technology to transform medical device development and design. As part of his
Stefanie brings over 10 years of experience in regulatory affairs and quality assurance, guiding a wide range of medical devices and pharmaceutical products through complex global requirements. She has successfully managed FDA 483 responses, 510(k) submissions, and audits across U.S., EU, APAC, and LATAM markets. Known for her collaborative and solutions-driven approach, Stefanie helps both startups and established companies navigate evolving regulatory landscapes with creative, compliant strategies.
Bryan Chan is a Senior AI and Software Architect with extensive experience in developing AI-driven medical technologies that are both innovative and compliant with industry standards (ISO 62304). His accomplishments include leading the development of: an AI-powered, contactless remote patient monitoring device with LLM-based voice engagement, a closed-loop insulin pump for Type 2 diabetes using on-body sensors, a motorized smart walker with real-time gait analysis, and an FDA-compliant AI SaMD platform for gastrointestinal disease detection. Bryan excels at defining technical vision, building high-performance teams, and navigating complex regulatory pathways to deliver scalable, market-ready MedTech solutions.
Adam Marten has worked in the aerospace and consumer products industries since 2006 with lead engineering experience in conceptual design, product development, analysis and performance qualification testing. Adam has experience leading a range of technical projects, including multiple structural analyses for military and aerospace applications. He has also worked directly with engineering teams to develop medical devices and laboratory instrumentation.
James is a seasoned professional with over seven years of experience at Nectar, where he brings his expertise in industrial design, user interface, and user experience to the table. With a background in the highly competitive automotive industry, working for heavyweights like Daimler and Tesla, James is a true asset to the Nectar team. He is responsible for ensuring that the company adheres to user-centered design best practices, and he works closely with clients and partners on crucial human factors strategies for FDA submissions and the overall usability engineering process. James’ achievements in this field speak to his exceptional skills and dedication to the work he does.
With over two decades of experience in healthcare innovation, Kerry has been instrumental in transforming patient care and improving patient outcomes across the globe. Her extensive knowledge and expertise in the cardiovascular and cardiothoracic operating room, as well as her experience in emergency medicine, geriatrics, pediatric psychiatry, and main OR, make her a versatile and valuable member of the team. From small hospitals to large teaching institutions, Kerry’s 20 years of experience with patient documentation, including the use of EPIC, Cerner, and Meditech electronic charting systems, have positioned her as a leader in her field. Her recent involvement in helping transition the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center’s Cardiac Surgery program from paper charting to electronic documentation further underscores her commitment to advancing the healthcare industry.
Jonathan is a Human Factors Engineer with a background in psychology and sociology, bringing a unique perspective that bridges human behavior, usability, and inclusive design. Grounded in universal design principles, his work focuses on creating safe, accessible, and intuitive user experiences informed by both qualitative and quantitative research. At Nectar, Jonathan leads the Human Factors team, guiding research and risk management efforts through user testing, field studies, and evidence-based evaluations to ensure that every product decision reflects the real needs of its users.
Jenny is a Human Factors Engineer with a strong foundation in psychology, bringing a research-driven approach to usability, workflow analysis, and user-centered design. She has worked across clinical, consumer, and emerging technology spaces, leading studies that examine cognitive workload, fatigue, task performance, and product interaction to optimize safety and usability. At Nectar, Jenny collaborates with cross-functional teams to translate user needs into actionable design recommendations, supporting risk management, formative evaluations, and usability strategies for regulatory submissions.