From an ethical perspective, smart hydration products can promote healthier lifestyles and more sustainable consumption. By tracking hydration and increasing confidence in tap water quality, users may change their behavior and reduce the purchase of environmentally harmful single-use plastic bottles. Since the product is in frequent contact with the body, safety, reliability, and responsible design are essential. A product must be safe, reliable, and meet legal standards. Addressing these aspects helps create a responsible and sustainable solution.This chapter evaluates ethical considerations from the perspectives of engineering duties, environmental impact, sales and marketing ethics, and product liability.

Engineering ethics refers to the moral responsibilities and professional standards that guide engineers in designing and developing technology. It focuses on protecting public and individual safety, acting honestly and objectively, working within one’s competence, and ensuring fairness and transparency in technical decisions and communication. Ethical engineering also includes resisting misleading marketing, avoiding conflicts of interest, and contributing to sustainable and socially beneficial innovations. Ultimately, engineering ethics ensures that technological progress serves people, society, and the environment in a responsible way.

The following section explains some of the responsibilities and duties of engineers and then applies them to our project. These duties are based, on the one hand, on the course content [1] and, on the other hand, on the german fundamental ethical principles of the engineering profession [2]

The duty to oppose unfair competition means that engineers have the responsibility to act fairly in the market and avoid misleading practices that could harm competitors or deceive customers. This includes making accurate performance claims and respecting intellectual property, such as patents and protected designs. Engineers must avoid copying patented bottle mechanisms for example the sterilization technologies from other brands. Fair competition ensures trust in engineering solutions and protects innovation. We therefore specifically sought out alternative solutions, such as a combination of various features already available on the market. Moreover, engineers and companies must communicate product capabilities realistically and responsibly, without exaggerating benefits. Especially with technologies like UV-C sterilization, it is important to explain that the system reduces microorganisms but does not necessarily remove all contaminants. For example, we cannot guarantee 100 % the destruction of microorganisms. Nor can we guarantee complete drinkability through the bottles, because the bottle does not cover comprehensive drinking water tests. This must be made clear in our communication with customers. Another issue is the recommended daily water intake, which is highly individual and depends on many factors that are not adequately addressed in the app or when setting the daily drinking goal. Transparency with customers must also be established in this regard.

This duty is similar to the duty of of sobriety in advertising. It means that engineers and companies must communicate product capabilities realistically and responsibly, without exaggerating benefits. Advertising should therefore focus on evidence-based advantages, such as improved hygiene or convenience. Clear communication helps users make informed decisions and prevents false expectations that could lead to unsafe usage. Engineers should only take responsibility for tasks that match their technical expertise and time capacity. Developing smart products requires interdisciplinary knowledge, for example in electronics, informatics, design, materials science aswell as in water chemistry and medicine. An engineer designing a smart bottle should therefore collaborate with electrical or biomedical specialists when integrating UV-C systems, filters, or sensor electronics. For the development of TRAQUA, this means that we must increasingly engage with fields not represented within the group, such as medicine and water chemistry. In addition to scientific papers, experts are being consulted on this matter.

Another duty is the duty of non-discrimination. Engineering solutions should be designed to be inclusive, accessible, and beneficial to a wide range of users. This includes considering different physical abilities, ages, and technological familiarity. For example, a smart bottle system could include voice control or audio feedback in the app to support visually impaired users, or simple visual indicators for elderly users. Inclusive design increases product reach and ensures that technological innovation benefits society as a whole rather than only a limited user group.

Across all these duties, user safety must remain the highest priority, especially when integrating technologies such as UV-C light and electronics into consumer products. Engineers must ensure that UV radiation is fully contained within the device so that no direct exposure can harm the user’s skin or eyes. Materials used in contact with water must be food-safe, non-toxic, and resistant to degradation, preventing contamination or health risks. Additionally, the product must be designed to be fully water-resistant and electrically safe, guaranteeing that under no circumstances electrical current can enter the water and injure the user.

Provide here the conclusions of this chapter and make the bridge to the next chapter.

Based on this ethical and deontological analysis, the team chose <specify here the design, technique(s) material(s), component(s)> for the following <specify here the relevant ethics-related reasons>.
Consequently, the team decided to design a solution with the following <specify here the features added for ethical reasons>.