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Automated handwashing solution that also reduces waste of water

Published: Fri 30 Oct 2020

Professor Nachi Chockalingam PhD CEng CSci PFHEA FIPEM, a fellow Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Engineers and Professor of Clinical Biomechanics at Staff Uni, is seeking help to find solutions to a problem that we all face: automating handwashing systems that ensure thorough washing whilst reducing waste of running water.

The problem lies in persuading people to wash their hands for 20 seconds, an option not feasible in busy working environments, whilst considering the amount of water which is wasted during the hand washing process. In his proposal, Nachi outlines the current problem, change in behaviour that is needed, environmental issues around water usage, and solutions.

Read the full paper and, if you can help, or know someone who can, please contact Professor Nachi or Barry Brooks CEng FIET (IET President 2013-104).

 

What is the call to action from the wider engineering membership?

Challenge

  • Is there an automated, touchless, hand washing system that meets the recommended COVID-19 hygiene cycle and is not wasteful of water?
  • If not, who would help to make an affordable version for general use?

What are we looking for?

The conceptualising team believe that the technology for this process already exists but is used for different purposes. The team also believes that this proposal will have benefits in all aspects of public life including Airports, Healthcare, and the hospitality sector to name a few.

The idea has support from both Staffordshire University and Royal Wolverhampton NHS trust. The proposing team are looking for industrial collaborators to design and develop prototypes. The team at Staffordshire can help with testing the devices and conduct studies on behavioural change. This will help the company to take the product to market.