PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Carnegie Mellon University researchers are developing a new, low-cost ventilator to address shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic,
The “Roboventilator” uses CMU-developed robotic technologies and sensors to improve upon current low-cost options at an estimated cost of $500 to $700 a machine.
“We’ve already developed robotic and sensor technology that can detect force even as it drives an air pump,” said Howie Choset, professor of robotics at CMU. “When that is paired with air-management controls developed by Keith Cook, a CMU professor of biomedical engineering, we believe we can build a closed-loop system that can provide customized and appropriate ventilation to people with respiratory failure from COVID-19.”
“All of us are aware that ventilators are essential for treatment of the patients who are most seriously ill from COVID-19, and we know that this pandemic will be with us for a long time, with the potential for several waves of disease,” Choset said. “We are working to make the Roboventilator available in time to help meet these great needs and prepare for the worst with COVID-19.
A crowdfunding campaign for the endeavor is underway.
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