By Dhel Nazario
Drones mounted with artificial intelligence-powered thermal scanners are set to be produced to easily scan and pinpoint people with high body temperature. These drones are among the technologies unveiled by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) developed by Filipino innovators to fight the spread of COVID-19.
(DOST / MANILA BULLETIN)
Six of these drones are targeted to be produced in partnership with DWARM Technologies, FEU Institute of Technology Innovation Center, UPSCALE Innovation Hub, Orbital Exploration (OrbitX) Technologies, and PLDT innohub. These drones provide real-time data transmission, are equipped with GPS, and have a 2-km range for communication.
This technology will shorten the queuing of people and minimize contact between individuals at checkpoints. Initially, six units will be produced for testing and deployment in selected local government units (LGUs).
Nanotechnology-enhanced alcohol and hand sanitizer
Other technologies include the nanotechnology-enhanced ethyl alcohol and hand sanitizer developed by the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) Nanotech Laboratory.
It contains zinc oxide nanoparticles infused with turmeric extract, a mixture proven effective against H1N1 influenza and SARS viruses, which are both coronaviruses. Thus, applying such to surfaces could be effective in deterring the spread of COVID-19.
Face shields
The Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCEN) and the Additive Manufacturing Research Laboratory (AMREL) of the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) are currently producing 3D-printed face shields for health workers.
The Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) is working on the production of 500,000 reusable and washable (RW) face masks for up to 50 times.
Big data analytics
The De La Salle University (DLSU) is currently pursuing big data analytics and transportation network analysis to support traffic management during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period.
The simulation results showed relative intensities of incoming traffic to Metro Manila at various entry points. This will be of use for those managing the checkpoints like the PNP and AFP in the periphery of Metro Manila.
Infomercials
In coordination with the Toon City Academy (TCA), six infomercials on several COVID-19 infographics for public health awareness will be produced. Four have been aired on social media and two more will be aired soon.
Topics covered include proper hygiene, community quarantine, social distancing and proper verification of information. TCA has ongoing Project on Original Content Development and will tap the graduates of the animation training from Dagupan City to produce the material.
Filipino researchers
DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara lauded the Filipino researchers who came up with these timely innovations.
“We thank our Filipino researchers for making change happen through these technologies that we are working on. We hope to see them soonest in the hands of our frontliners and the general public greatly affected by COVID19,” she said.
PCIEERD executive director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit expressed support to Filipino researchers who will be generating these technologies, hailing their immediate response to the need.
“As leader and partner in enabling innovations in the country, DOST-PCIEERD will guide our researchers in providing solutions to the challenges on hand. We will maximize the use of our technologies to support our frontliners and help in our fight against COVID19,” he said.