New Era Research and Development Center is now open and finding a way to make oxygen ventilator to help the COVID-19 situation in the country. Looking at the impact corona virus created on the country the center has decided to look for solution that can help fight the pandemic.
By looking in to that staffers have started a project that can help produced easily fabricated oxygen ventilators which can be used by the Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) or Critical Care Unit (CCU) in volume in a short period of time. This oxygen ventilator feed oxygen into lunges of patients with severe respiratory problems through a tube inserted down the throat. The ventilator also has a humidifier, which adds heat and moisture to the air to match patient’s body temperature. This ventilator is produced from using materials that can be accessed easily.
Oxygen ventilator NERD is a research center for university students, graduates and hobbyists to develop their concepts into prototypes. The center provides prototyping services for any hardware projects composed of mechanical engineering, electrical and computer science – mechatronics projects and specializes in designing and developing robot operating systems.
The company develops research content on aeronautics, mechatronics, ICT, artificial intelligence, block chain technology, precision agriculture, learning management systems and biomedical tools. “Our aim is to catalyze the science and technology growth in Ethiopia by bridging the gap on innovators, industry and researchers,” said the CEO of New Era Research and Development Center, Ato Minas Getu. He added “we aspire to be contributors and innovators as Ethiopian engineers to the international R.O.S (Robot Operating System) community”.
With the opening of the research and development center in March 2020, NERD proves that this innovation pushes the boundaries of technological innovation in the country. Natnael Kebede, CEO of NERD expressed that “it is important to have such a center to motivate and provide space for those who have innovation concepts in order to increase the speed of prototype constructions. NERD center is comprised of private researchers driven to get Ethiopian youths to engage in science and technology to positively impact the community”.
Natnael added “NERD started operation on 2019 by developing a web-based platform for educational contents, technical knowledge and exposure to be shared among experts, intermediates and amateurs. The primary purpose of the center is to promote research and technological development in Ethiopia.” NERD has already completed mechanical oxygen prototype and are working on 4 more different types. “Currently, we are working with hospitals in order to perfect these prototypes. After we finalize the prototype, we will share with large scale manufactures to mass produce them in order to meet the countries current need,” Minas explained.
The Ethiopian Herald April 12/2020
BY HIDAT ARKEBE
