LocationsWe're excited to announce the Impact Winners from the fifth round of judging in the COVID-19 Detect and Protect Challenge! We have now announced all 20 finalists of this challenge - we will soon share updates on the progress we are making in bringing these solutions to 7 initial target countries.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Hackster.io, an Avnet company and the largest online open-source technology hardware community, launched #COVID19DetectProtect this April to create open-source technology that developing countries can leverage in the fight against this global pandemic.
The new design challenge is a call to action for all hardware and software developers, product designers, scientists, hackers, makers, innovators and inventors to come up with innovative ideas to cost-efficiently support COVID-19 response efforts in developing countries.
Big Red Button
Social isolation is one of the biggest issues facing the aging community. With many countries in national lockdowns or enforcing strict social distancing, this issue has been further exacerbated. As many of the newer technology-based communication tools might be challenging for the elderly to operate, the Big Red Button aids the elderly to contact their families and loved ones, especially in medical emergencies, by the touch of a button.
Automatic Water and Soap Tank
This automatic hand sensing water and soap tank with a tap provides people with hand washing facilities in public spaces without the need to come into contact with the faucet.
CoroFence Thermal Detector
Higher than average body temperatures can be a sign of a COVID-19 infection. Therefore, it is important to regularly monitor the body temperature of oneself as well as those coming in and out of our homes or offices. This thermal camera detector is based on Panasonic’s MEMS technology and can measure temperature of the entire specified area without any contact.
Digital Stethoscope AI
This digital stethoscope uses AI to spot and analyse respiratory symptoms which can empower doctors to diagnose a likely COVID19 infection remotely. This device uses open source technologies and costs only $1 to make.
Connected Visor
This open source connected visor uses sensors to notify when the user is in contact with someone less than one meter away, time hand washing for 20 seconds, monitor their body temperature and protect the face form germs. This device is composed of an ultrasonic sensor for distance measuring and an infrared thermometer for temperature monitoring. There is also piezoelectric speaker to alert and guide the user, as well as a bluetooth module to connect the visor to its mobile application.
The UNDP Global Centre Singapore will work with Country Offices and partner tech companies to meet the needs of countries and regions with lack of resources where COVID-19 could have the greatest impact. UNDP will work with governments to help ensure regulations, procurement procedures, and policies to catalyse and make use of innovations.
