Smart Face Masks
Shaping Smart Face Masks
Forcit and Smart Face Masks
During the corona pandemic, many people were faced with the fact that wearing a face mask involves a number of inconveniences. The main complaints are that they feel uncomfortable, make it difficult to communicate, are often misused and can be irritating. The discomforts are often expressed in the operating room, where more complex face masks (FFP2, FFP3) are worn in combination with a face shield, for example. To address these discomforts, Forcit, Tenco DDM and Holst Centre, at the request of a Belgian vascular pulmonary surgeon, started developing a "smart face mask" that combines state-of-the-art technology with ease of use.
For the development of the smart face masks, a new venture, NextGenics, was set up with guidance from Forcit Benelux. NextGenics also received a VLAIO subsidy to invest in the development of the smart face masks and will travel to the United States in the fall as part of the Belgian trade mission.
Phase 1
During first phase of the project, a pilot version of the first generation of the smart face mask was developed using 3D printing and Holst Centre's technology. It involves a smart face mask that:
voice amplified through a built-in microphone and speaker;
connected via bluetooth to an application that guides the user in the proper use of the mask;
provides an alert when it is time to change the filter;
facilitates breathing;
holds the shape of the mask firmly in place;
has EU certification.
The pilot version can already be ordered by physicians through smartfacemasks.org. That way, you can help put the finishing touches on the mask. The final version of the smart facemask is scheduled to hit the market in the spring of 2022.
Phase 2
The second phase of the project aims to develop a second generation of smart mouth masks. This will involve adding sensors to the mask that will measure a number of the user's vital parameters. These parameters include temperature, oxygen saturation and respiratory rhythm. The data will then be sent to the application. In this way, the mask can be used to monitor and predict the health status of a user/patient.
Preview
In this video render, you will see how the product development of the mask is technically engineered and ultimately provides both protection and comfort.
Interested in trying the product? Then sign up through the Smart Face Masks website.
In the media
This project has received the necessary attention in the press. You can read more about it in the following articles: De Tijd, De Morgen, Het Laatste Nieuws, Kanaal Z.
More info website Smart Face Masks
Pathways: Hack it, Shape it, Build it
8 prototypes
2 pilot projects
Underwriting SDG: Good health and well-being
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