Automated sanitizer machine built by UPES students with limited resources

Final year students of School of Computer Science, UPES, make the best use of lockdown and program a fully automated sanitizer machine to deal with the pandemic

UPES students never fail to rise to an opportunity, even amid a crisis. Yet again, they have made the university proud. A team of two final year computer science students have created a fully automated sanitizer machine using limited resources during the lockdown. The team included Mayank from B.Tech., CS (Graphics and Gaming) and Kshitij from B.Tech., CS (Internet of Things).

Explaining the multifaceted functions of the invention, Mayank said, “This machine can do wonders in times of a global health emergency, where social distancing is the need of the hour. It solves several purposes apart from sanitization. The machine can be used to distribute masks and medicines to those under treatment or quarantine. It can also be used for patrolling containment areas to identify defaulters. Prototypes have already been used in the United States of America, China, and Russia. India can also implement this technology to deal with the crisis and protect our first line of defence.”

Engineers work with machines, designs and electronics that shape the society and improve the way of life. This fully automated sanitizer machine is a practical idea and can be produced even in a limited budget, informed Kshitij. He added that this was not the first fully automated machine that they have made as a team. “Before this, during our tenure in college, we made 3D books for nursery children and an electronic Electrocardiogram machine for heart patients. During this lockdown, we are unable to finish our prototypes but then we hope to finish it soon after,” he said.

When asked about the motivation behind such inventions, Kshitij said, “UPES organizes an event called Hackathon to promote the technical program awareness of young minds. I won two of the events, which inspired me to create automated machines.”

The prototype is made up of household trash including batteries, motors, water pumps coupled with micro-controller and sensor chip. When tested, the machine rendered successful in the very first attempt. Although limited resources posed a constraint to Mayank and Kshitij, an improved model can be of great help during these unprecedented times. Mayank further added, “I would like to thank the UPES faculty and staff for their constant support in providing us with high-quality education and a rich learning experience.”