Unhas Faculty of Engineering Delivers Second-Generation Smart Technology-Based Hand Washing Machines
The Faculty of Engineering (FT) at Unhas has once again presented the results of its innovation: a second-generation hand washer that incorporates smart technology. This innovative product was received directly by the Rector of Unhas, Prof. Dr. Dwia Aries Tina Pulubuhu, MA, on Wednesday (April 22, 2020) on the ground floor of the Unhas Rectorate Building.
Designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this hand-washing machine is a collaborative effort between faculty members and students of the Unhas Faculty of Engineering. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Partnerships at the Unhas Faculty of Engineering, Mukti Ali, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., explained that this second version—named HWS-2—differs in several ways from the first version that was previously presented.
“Version one relied on a manual system, without electricity, and water flow depended on gravity. Meanwhile, version two uses electricity and a pump; it is simpler and more compact, so it can be used indoors and is easy to move,” said Mukti.
The production of version two took two days. Members of the public who wish to purchase this product can place an order through the FT Unhas workshop. Since this product has not yet entered mass production, orders are currently limited and can be placed through the Head of the Unhas FT Workshop, Dr. Rustan Tarakka.
The Dean of the Unhas Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Ir. Muhammad Arsyad, M.T., added that this second version is a continuation of the first version that was previously delivered. It has been adapted to meet the needs of the community that will use it.
“So we are encouraging the creation of innovations that meet real needs. I believe that is the principle of smart technology—technology that is not only advanced but also capable of addressing human needs. While the first product was primarily intended for outdoor use, this second version is better suited for indoor use,” said Prof. Arsyad.
Meanwhile, the Rector of Unhas, Prof. Dr. Dwia Aries Tina Pulubuhu, MA, expressed pride and appreciation for the response of the FT Unhas academic community in addressing the current COVID-19 emergency. According to her, the university is called upon to maximize its role and contribution to society.
“Good technology is technology that addresses the needs of society and can be utilized to solve the problems faced by the community. Right now, we are facing the COVID-19 pandemic, so products like this certainly need to be produced in greater quantities. What the FT Unhas has produced is truly remarkable,” said Prof. Dwia.
The Dean of the FT Unhas noted that there are several other innovative products currently being developed by the FT Unhas. In addition to the hand washer—which comes in three versions (with the third version currently in the final stages of development)—there are several other machines being developed to address the COVID-19 emergency.
“The next products currently in the final design stages are a ventilator, an aerosol suction unit—which is an air circulator for medical procedure rooms—and a machine we call the ‘rice ATM.’ As for what they’ll look like, we’ll just have to wait and see the results,” concluded Prof. Arsyad.
