Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Community responded to COVID-19 threats through R&D

JOHOR BAHRU,Malaysia,Dec.29,2020 -- Researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have swung into action to respond to the threat posed by COVID-19 pandemic. Frugal innovations and inventions were developed to improve efficiency and quality in creating relevant and adaptable solutions for the healthcare industry.

UTMShield in support of COVID-19 frontliners all over Malaysia

An emergent,innovative,mixed-method research strategy and tried-and-tested processes were employed to ensure effective solutions for the frontliners and healthcare personnel. Health workers and doctors from hospitals and medical institutions in Johor,Klang Valley and other states in Malaysia are privileged to use the inventions described below:

I3S Cubicle for COVID-19 Screening

The I3S Cubicle which is based on Isolate,Examination,and Sampling concept can reduce the risk of infection as it does not require any face-to-face contact between health workersand those getting screened.

The space insideofthe cubicle is only for the health worker to avoid the transmissions of air contamination from thepatient. The cubicle can also reduce the dependency of thefrontliners' personal protective equipment (PPE) while implementing the screening process.

MCK19Delivery Robot

MCK19 or "MakcikKiah" is the first Malaysian-made delivery robot designed to assist the delivery of healthcare to COVID-19 patients. The use of MCK19 to deliver foods and medications to patients' rooms on its own can reduce the exposure of health workers from isolated patientswho may be highly contagious. It can be instructed via its touchscreen interface,laptops,phones,or tablets. An LCD screen enables health checks to be done remotely through teleconferencing.

Aerosol Boxor Intubation Box for Intubation Procedure

Anintubation procedurefor a COVID-19 patientis performed in Aerosol Box withvideo laryngoscopyto prevent virus infections toward the health workers from the possible occurrence of aerosol generatedby the patient's airway.It is used to ensure the safety of medicalfrontliners.

Over 1,000 units of these Aerosol Boxes were successfully distributed to hospitals and medical centres in Johor,Pahang,Negeri Sembilan,Melaka and Selangor to be used by the health workers.

Ventilator andSplitter Kit

Ventilators are equipment that take over the body's breathing process when the patients no longer can breathe on their own. UTMin collaboration withthe Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia has developed a ventilator prototype using 3D printing technology to give patients infected with coronavirus chances to survive. A splitter kit prototypethatenablesa standard ventilator unit to be shared by two patients from the same settings whilereceiving breathing assistance was also developed in collaboration with a private company.

3D Printed Face Shields & Hand sanitizer

UTM community members made use of 3D printers around the campus for the production processof the 3D printed face shield.

Hand sanitizers were produced in-house using various expertise and facilitiesavailable on campus which were distributed for students,security unit,and health workers aroundthe campus.

The development of these frugal innovations was done while collaborating with health professionals,researchers from other universities,and private companies for the benefit of the country.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovations who is now the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTM,Prof. Datuk Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi bin Ismail said," the UTMShield project which was launched on 11 April 2020 is one of our contributions to the country to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic with product innovations. We are proud to be able to contribute to making an impact on society."

About Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

UTM is a leading innovation-driven entrepreneurial research university in engineering,science,and technology located both inKuala Lumpurand Johor Bahru,Malaysia.

It is renowned for being at the forefront of engineering and technological knowledge and expertise. UTM as the biggest postgraduate research university in technology has also established a reputation for innovative education and cutting-edge research,with a vision towards the development of creative human capital and advanced technological innovation. UTM operates based on the core values of Integrity,Synergy,Excellence,and Sustainability. These values guide our practices and they are embedded in the strategic thrusts that propel the University to greatness. Website:https://www.utm.my/