Filipino scientists develop thermal scanners for frontliners

As the country grapples with the coronavirus disease, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is developing a non-contact thermal scanner that can be used by frontliners.

The DOST said its Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) had developed three types of thermal scanner, all of which have medical-grade sensors.

The first type was a modified wood moisture meter retrofitted with a thermal sensor that is already an existing product in the woodworking industry,

“The device looks like typical thermal scanners used in checkpoints with temperature readings displayed in a screen,” the DOST explained in a statement.

The second type was a small device that can be attached to smartphones using typical wire interfaces, while the third kind was a small device that can be attached to smartphones via Bluetooth or other wireless methods.

“The idea for the latter two was to develop a small attachment that can be fitted with a phone to take advantage of its availability and prevalence. Temperature readings will be displayed in the phone screen through an application,” the department said.

The project is being developed by the DOST-ASTI and the Philippine Earth Data Resource and Observation teams.

The DOST earlier unveiled six technologies that it was developing to combat COVID-19, including 3D-printed face shields, big data analytics, and nanotechnology-enhanced sanitizers.  — DVM, GMA News