More information
Description
Bio risk compounds are classified based on various factors, including their prevalence, speed of dispersal, and ability to transmit. When an area is infected with biological agents and not adequately cleaned, the agents can spread to other locations, causing health problems. BIOT, an affordable IoT device, can be installed in various locations to verify cleanliness levels and alert when infestation exceeds accepted standard
The main objective of the first project is to perform R&D and prepare production and commercial launch of a new product called BIOT, which aims to monitor biological threat agents and active place screening like kitchens, hospital areas, toilets, transportation etc.
The goal for the extended project is to incorporate machine learning into the cleaning algorithm, allowing it to learn from sensor data streams and types of infestations, enhancing the handling of surface cleaning procedures. Incorporating machine learning into the BIOT product and service offers significant advantages in managing diverse surface cleaning scenarios. To increase commercial appeal, the product and service must be certified and accompanied by at least one metrological report.
There are 3 outcome directions that the solution will deliver value for the company. First direction has a social impact on people health, and their exposure to the biological threat agents (fungal, bacteria, viruses etc.), so BIOT will monitor areas for biological threat agents'' infestation. Second direction is related to lowering emissions from the biocide''s composition (i.e., Chlorine) used to clean those areas. Third direction is related to energy and people costs to sanitize the areas (facility maintenance). Key activities include:
Summary of project results
The primary challenge was to develop a device capable of detecting and identifying life-threatening biological agents early on. This is crucial for bio-threat management, as it allows for early warning, protection, and appropriate medical countermeasures, thereby limiting injuries and deaths. The project sought to create an innovative and environmentally friendly solution. By monitoring the level of infestation, the device could reduce the need for frequent sanitation interventions, thereby lowering emissions from biocide products and their reactivity in water. The device aimed to improve public health by ensuring that areas like toilets, kitchens, hospitals, and public transportation are adequately cleaned and free from biological threats. This helps prevent the spread of infections and health problems.
The project also focused on reducing the costs and energy associated with sanitizing areas. By optimizing the management of cleanliness, the device could lower the expenses related to biocides and the manpower required for cleaning. The project aimed to integrate advanced technologies such as edge computing, image processing, and AI to enhance the effectiveness of the device. This included developing hardware and software solutions that could accurately detect and analyze biological threats. The project faced challenges related to the electronic components crisis and the geopolitical situation affecting manufacturing and delivery. Contingency plans were put in place to mitigate these risks.
The project undertook a series of activities aimed at developing and implementing the BIOT product, which is designed to monitor biological threat agents and ensure cleanliness in various environments. Here is a detailed description of the activities and outputs:
The project began with the design and construction of electronic hardware, including the development of electronic boards and the testing of various electronic components. This involved assembling the electronic boards using PCB/PCBA services. Simultaneously, the mechanical hardware was developed, focusing on building an enclosure resistant to disinfection substances and designing a specific optical lens for filtering on particular wavelengths.
Embedded software development was another critical activity, which involved edge computing and image processing to analyze data from the device. Additionally, cloud software was developed to support the service and payment system, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
The project also included the creation of a production and sales strategy, as well as efforts to disseminate information through publications and register the BIOT trademark. The functionality of the product was designed to include special light-emitting diodes that perform emissions on specific wavelengths. The device captures the reflected light using a light optical filtered sensor, which is then digitally transformed and edge computed to determine the level of infestation. The computed information is sent to the cloud, notifying all involved parties and calling for action when necessary.
To address potential risks, the project implemented a risk plan that included contingency actions for issues such as the electronic components crisis, product manufacturing challenges, and the impact of the COVID-19 situation.
The project resulted in several key outputs, including the development of innovative technologies and processes such as the BIOT optical scanning module, computing edge biological threat agents data analysis, and the BIOT analytics service. The project also applied these technologies in the form of the BIOT hardware electronic and optical product, as well as the BIOT cloud service for biological threat agents.
The project achieved significant results, benefiting various stakeholders. Primarily, it enhanced public health and safety by effectively monitoring biological threat agents in environments such as hospitals, public transportation, and food service establishments. This innovation reduced the risk of infections and health problems, contributing to a cleaner and safer environment. Additionally, the project had a positive environmental impact by optimizing cleanliness management, reducing the need for frequent sanitation interventions, and lowering emissions from biocide products. Organizations also benefited from cost efficiency, as the BIOT device helped lower expenses related to biocides and manpower required for cleaning. Technological advancements, such as the development of the BIOT optical scanning module and computing edge biological threat agents data analysis, further strengthened the company''s market competitiveness.
The project also created three new jobs and led to the submission of two new Intellectual Property Rights applications. Employee development was another key outcome, with training on AI and machine learning enhancing the workforce''s skills. The project also aimed to achieve certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and CE for the BIOT product, enhancing its commercial appeal and consumer trust. Overall, the project delivered broad-ranging positive outcomes, benefiting public health, the environment, organizational efficiency, technological innovation, economic growth, employee development, and regulatory compliance.