Pune-based startup NOCCA Robotics has decided to manufacture low-cost portable ventilators to make sure there’s an adequate supply of this life-saving equipment, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic. What’s noteworthy is that the company plans to offer each ventilator for Rs 50,000, which is around three times cheaper than conventional ventilators that Indian hospitals currently use. Existing ventilators are built in India using imported components, and companies like AgVa Healthcare are considered primary manufacturers of the equipment.
NOCCA Robotics has managed to come up with a cost-effective and portable solution within just 5 days of undertaking the project, which is a great feat in these tough and testing times. The research was conducted by a group of 7 engineers, the company said.Read - Coronavirus Pandemic: BMC To Acquire 50 More Ventilators
Further, the company reportedly has three prototypes of the ventilator ready that are currently undergoing tests with artificial lungs. NOCCA expects to have a fully-functional ventilator ready by April 7 pending approval from the authorities.This small group of engineers used data from open-source medical supplies groups online to get credible ideas for building a portable ventilator. Initial tests have reportedly shown promise, although it’s too soon to tell if this will be effective in the long run.
NOCCA Robotics has also reportedly sought advice from medical and industry professionals in the U.S. which included a 90 minute brief on how to handle production of this equipment. Doctors say that the goal is to provide a portable ventilator that’s suitable for Indian conditions.
26-year-old founder and CEO of NOCCA Robotics, Nikhil Kurele said - “We are not experienced. But we are very good at making products easily. The robots that we make are much more complex to make. But this is a life-saving machine and carries risk, so we have to be very, very careful that we develop a perfect product which clears all approvals.”
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