Unprecedented situations inspire unprecedented actions. While the coronavirus pandemic has upended our lives, researchers across the globe have put their creative minds into action to restore normalcy. Our team at Warren B. Nelms Institute for the Connected World at the University of Florida came forward to join this global task force to fight the pandemic – we have put smart connected systems into use to monitor, detect, and prevent the spread of infection.
The ADAPT smart mask – aims to extend the functions of a traditional mask to render stronger protection. The ADAPT mask implements the concept of ‘active’ defense against germs that float in the air in the form of respiratory droplets or tiny aerosolized particles. Recent studies show that clouds of these particles may linger for a long time in various indoor settings, allowing them to travel through air currents and spread the infection upon entering our bodies. A mask – which comes in many forms and functions – provides effective personal protection against these floating viruses. Existing masks, however, act as ‘passive’ devices that simply filter the air that we inhale.