A team led by Professor Olatunde Oni at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Nigeria has invented two mechatronic devices for the fight against COVID-19.
These are— automated disinfecting and screening chamber and automated hand sanitizer dispenser.
The automated disinfecting chamber reads individual temperature and hence triggers a sanitizer spray unit to disinfect an individual passing through the chamber.
It is self-service device which can allow or disallow entrance based on thermal reading. It can also be remotely monitored.
Professor Oni demonstrated the working of the devices to members of the press on Saturday June 20, 2020.
He said, if the temp reads above 37degree centigrade, the spray unit won’t be activated, indicating the individual is not fit to pass through the chamber. Hence, the person is screened out for further medical attention.
The automated hand sanitizer dispenser is capable of dispensing 20 liters of sanitizer preventing touch points cross-contamination and wastage of material disinfectant.
The two services are low energy (watts) devices which can be powered by battery and solar.
The LAUTECH’s Team Innovative includes Prof. John Adedapo Ojo of Electronic and Electrical Engineering Dept, Prof Taiwo of Agricultural Engineering Dept, Engineers Olaiya Abraham Olufolahan and Monsoor Adeagbo.
Some postgraduate students also lent helping hands. They are Aremu Adewale Abraham, Agboluaje Babatunde, Ayanlola Paul and Areo Samuel with Taiwo Ebenezer Olabisi.
Describing the inventions as phenomenal, Oni said the team has capacity to produce not less than 50 units of each of the two devices weekly because all the materials are sourced locally and within reach.
He said the automatic hand sanitizer and cubicle can be used in offices, schools, banks and other public places with controlled entrance. The devices can be produced in large quantity as their materials are locally sourced.
The LAUTECH don seized the opportunity to call for recognition in critical sectors of the nation’s development. He added that the inventions is a demonstration that Nigeria has inventors or capable hands that can save the country from dependent on foreign products and expenses if encouraged.
According to him, government should look inwards for the solution of her developmental challenges rather than depending on foreigners.
“This is the time for government at all levels to look inwards and fund local solutions to her challenges. The team only need motivation, a kind of start off grant and support,” he clamoured.
Oni, a nuclear physicist/computer and e-security expert said the VC LAUTECH spurred the team to achieve this feat by his confidence in the team and words of encouragement.
