Smart 'Anti-virus Fitting System' under Development
The Korean Institute of Advanced Science and Technology (KAIST) is developing advanced COVID-19 quarantine products that meet the demands of healthcare practitioners and doctors.
KAIST formed a task force (TF) led by engineering professors at the suggestion of KAIST president Shin Sung-chul in early April, when the virus was relentlessly spreading worldwide. The TF collected technical items that can be used to block and respond to the spread of COVID-19. More than 50 technologies have been discovered, and among them, 10 element technologies and two platform technologies were selected, including innovative technologies that can be commercialized the fastest by improving current technologies or within three years.
Representative technical items include reusable antiviral face masks, plasma virus sterilizers, breathable smart protective suits, diagnostic modules for virus infections, virus alarm devices, and switchable negative pressure ambulance modules.
Among them, reusable antiviral masks, plasma virus sterilizers and breathable smart protective suits are expected to be commercialized within six months if KAIST improves technologies it already possesses or combines them with new technologies. The government provided financial support to this project through the third extra budget. It has decided to provide 22.2 billion won in support funds via the Korean-Style Quarantine Package Project.
When KAIST develops the targeted items, doctors and nurses combating the novel coronavirus will be assisted by the so-called "anti-virus fitting system" before treating infected patients. As soon as a doctor or a nurse enters the fitting system, a robot will put breathable and lightweight smart protective clothing made of nano textiles on the person. Smart protective clothing is sterilized using plasma and can be worn again after one week.
The smart protective suit will be light and have good internal air circulation, so doctors and nurses can treat patients without fighting heat in the hot summer. It will also have a built-in wireless communication modul, which helps them give customized treatment to patients through communication without come into direct contact with the patients.