AirBeetle

Aim

AirBeetle gives you a tool to measure air quality around you and assess the local risk of viral transmission - http://www.verofabtech.com/

Back to Work!

Pressure is mounting on us to go back to our workplaces, which means use public transport (because let's face it, it is not realistic to expect everyone to commute by bike) and open space office that sometimes are not fit for social distancing.

This is what the WHO says in its guidelines:

"Recommended precautions also include avoiding indoor crowded gatherings as much as possible, in particular when physical distancing is not feasible, and ensuring good environmental ventilation in any closed setting"

Indoor Air Quality needs more attention

It is clear that indoor air quality plays an extremely important role in affecting risk of viral transmission. However, this aspect is rarely considered in official guidelines and it is overlooked on public transport and in offices.

AirBeetle

This is the reason why we developed the AirBeetle, which is a small and lightweight device that measures air temperature, humidity, volatile organic compounds (which are another important indicator of virus transmission risk) and CO2 and send data to your phone via Bluetooth.

It is designed to be used in many different setting: clipped on clothes, backpacks, attached to strings ect.

These sensors measure temperature and humidity (which are demonstrated in multiple studies to be very important in affecting transmission risk), plus volatile organic compounds (which are directly correlated to Covid) and CO2 (used to account for air pollution).

Air Quality Monitors are not enough!

Measuring a bunch of data alone is not nearly enough to assess our risk of transmission, we need to contextualise these data using the latest scientific findings. The issue is that many studies are not robust enough to provide reliable conclusions, and different studies may find different things. 

This is normal at this early stage, and requires a bit of familiarity with research to be able to turn these studies into actionable insights that we can use to assess our local risk. 

Risk score algorithm

This is what we have done with our risk score algorithm, which is based on a meta-analysis of the literature and will be updated regularly to include the most up to date studies. 

A meta-analysis is a statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple scientific studies. It is performed when there are multiple scientific studies addressing the same question, with each individual study reporting measurements that are different or even contradictory. The aim is to pool results from all studies and then use robust statistical techniques to produce estimates that are much closer to the truth.

This is the final piece of the puzzle and it is what makes the AirBeetle unique. Without the algorithm that tells you exactly how your environment can impact transmission risk and how to solve the problem, the device would be useless.

Current Stage of Development

We are in a very early stage. The risk score algorithm is complete, and the initial prototype is fully functional. The sensors readings are correct and the data are successfully transmitted to a phone via Bluetooth.

As you can see from this image, the design is compact, and it will get even smaller once we are are able to scale up and go into production. 

The 3D rendering you see above have been sent to a 3D prints services and in a few days we will receive the box and the prototype will be completed.

Campaign aims

The main objective for this campaign is to get some early traction for the project and enrol alpha and beta testers that can help us bring the product to life.

Your support is needed to help us design a face mask that is safe but also comfortable and pleasant to wear for you.

The money we are going to raise will be used at a later stage to assemble our first prototypes and start distributing them to our beta testers to gather early feedback. 

Future steps

If we are able to demonstrate early traction and enrol alpha and beta tester, we are in contact with a startup incubator that will be ready to discuss additional funding to go for the early prototype to the final product and then scale.

This project closed unsuccessfully on 9th October 2020