{"id":748,"date":"2020-03-19T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-19T06:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opentrons.com.cn\/?p=748"},"modified":"2024-04-20T16:17:08","modified_gmt":"2024-04-20T08:17:08","slug":"7-open-hardware-projects-working-to-solve-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opentrons.com.cn\/en\/news\/7-open-hardware-projects-working-to-solve-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"7 open hardware projects working to address COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The open source hardware movement has long championed the right to repair, the importance of full ownership of the technology you buy, and the ability to remix and reproduce gadgets, just like you can with music. So during this challenging time, open hardware is providing some answers to some of the questions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For one, hardware developers around the world are working to leverage open source to address supply chain vulnerabilities, the same philosophy that has driven the proliferation of new software technologies over the past 30 years. The hardware movement\u2019s past successes include the RepRap project, the open source ecosystem, and the open source beehive, proving that it can be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is growing interest in using 3D printing and other technologies to create replacement parts and manufacturing of safety equipment on demand. For example, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University laboratory provides 3D printed face shields for hospital staff. Italian startup Isinnova has teamed up with Milan\u2019s FabLab to create 3D printed replacement valves for resurrection equipment in hard-hit northern Italy. Companies are also releasing designs that adapt to our physical interactions, like this 3D printed hands-free door opener from Materialize. These examples of replacement parts and problem solving are a great start and appear to be saving lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another traditional hardware skill is booming: sewing. Agence France-Presse reported that masks are urgently needed around the world, and the World Health Organization has also provided guidance on their importance. As health care workers prioritize the use of disposable masks, in the Czech Republic, people are starting to sew their own masks. (Reusing masks does pose sterility issues.) The Facebook group Czech Sewing Masks set out to address this issue in their country, with tens of thousands of members using their home sewing machines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Open source hardware devices and machinery projects are also gaining traction. First of all, the testing equipment is sophisticated and capable. Next, for situations where there are no other options, medical devices can be classified as field grade (at best). A detailed overview of these projects is provided below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To learn more, I spoke with Jason Huggins, founder and CEO of Tapster Robotics in Chicago. Tapster Robotics designs and builds tabletop robots using 3D printing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, and open electronics like Arduino. He has the technical knowledge and industrial ability to make an impact. He hopes to devote the company's resources to helping the fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"Basically, we're in a mobilization moment for World War II right now. Even if I'm not a doctor, we should still abide by the Hippocratic Oath. No matter what I do, I don't want to make the problem worse,\" Huggins explained. \"By contrast, WHO Executive Director Dr. Michael Ryan's comments were: 'Speed \u200b\u200bbeats perfection,'\" Huggins argued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Huggins has extensive experience providing services when needed. His efforts were instrumental in helping Healthcare.gov scale after a challenging initial launch. He also created Selenium and Appium, the software industry standard testing frameworks. After this experience, his advice is well worth considering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I also spoke with Mark Tyson, a Seattle-based attorney at Tyson Law Firm who works with startups and small businesses. He has direct experience working with agile companies in rapidly growing industries. Asking the overarching question, Tyson began:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nGood Samaritan laws protect volunteers, known as \u201cGood Samaritans,\u201d from being held liable for their decisions to provide aid in an emergency. While the specifics of these laws vary from state to state, they share a common public policy rationale: encouraging bystanders to help others facing emergencies. This rationale could conceivably justify the application of these types of laws in less traditional settings, other than pulling car accident victims out of harm's way.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
In response to this specific situation, Tyson noted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"Before taking action, creators would be wise to speak with an attorney to conduct a state-specific risk assessment. It would also be wise to require larger institutions (such as hospitals or insurance companies) to contractually accept potential liability risks, e.g., through With an indemnity agreement, the hospital or its insurance company agrees to indemnify the creator against their liability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tyson understood the urgency and seriousness of the situation. This option to use contracts is not meant to be a hindrance; rather, it could be a way to aid mass adoption to have a greater impact faster. It's up to you or your organization to make this decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With that said, let's explore a project that is currently in use or under development (and may be ready for deployment soon).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7 open hardware projects to fight COVID-19<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
open TR ONS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Opentrons' open source laboratory automation platform consists of a suite of open source hardware, validated labware, consumables, reagents and workstations. Opentrons says its product can help significantly scale up COVID-19 testing, with its system capable of \"automating up to 2,400 tests per day within days of placing an order.\" It plans to increase the number of testing samples to 1 million by July 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n