Integrating the Internet of Things to Improve COVID-19 Screening

COVID-19 screening has become routine when we enter or exit premises; whether it be shops, malls or campus. Part of these measures are temperature “guns”, which have become iconic to the general population. These devices use infrared sensors to quickly measure the surface temperature of a person’s skin. The aim is to screen people for fevers and, in doing so, aid in slowing the spread of COVID-19. However, one day when I was being screened while wandering through multiple shops for essentials, I noticed that when being screened, the range of use varied quite a lot. Those wielding the tools did not always hold them close enough, generating unusually low temperature readings. Or the guns were held too close, resulting in higher readings or actual contact between people.

To address this, the MakerSpace was used to investigate a way to enhance these devices to improve the accuracy of the screening process for temperature readings. To do so, an add-on was added, which includes a distance sensor and LED indicators to assist users in accurately placing the non-contact thermometer at the correct length from the person for taking accurate temperatures.

Several versions were used to prototype a working unit. Rapid prototyping includes a variety of manufacturing technologies. Most temperature reading “guns” utilise layered additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing and integration of other advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT). In this case we made use of the following:

• Hardware: Arduino Nano, Ultrasonic distance sensor, Traffic Signal LEDs (IoT component).
• Skills needed: Basic programming of an Arduino and design thinking.
• Basic knowledge on circuits: The device is a small circuit built around the body of an Arduino Nano.
• 3D printed casing: Basic CAD skills and a 3D printer to build the simplest casing to create a minimum viable product.

The MakerSpace  continued its role of guiding innovation by indicating how low-cost solutions can be created with a little bit of creativity, rapid prototyping and a working knowledge of coding and electronics. In regards to the future, we are looking to extend this rapid prototyping concept towards an integrated IoT system. What this results in is a temperature device which can collect data and be integrated into a system to note metrics like average temperatures, fail rates and areas of concern across various areas.

Watch this space going into the future! But firstwe must consider ethics and conduct further testing.

Completed unit attached to a temperature gun to note the most optimal distance