Fight against Coronavirus (COVID-19): F1 and Supercars team to produce medical supplies

KUALA LUMPUR: Automakers around the globe are doing their bit in the fight against this deadly virus. While some are partnering up with pharmaceutical companies, others are using their 3D technology to produce medical supplies. Next in line, doing their bit are the UK Formula One teams and Australia’s Erebus Supercars team.

The seven UK-based F1 teams under ‘Project Pitlane’ will bring together their advanced manufacturing capabilities and will produce ventilators.

In an official statement, F1 said, “Project Pitlane will pool the resources and capabilities of its member teams to greatest effect, focusing on the core skills of the F1 industry: rapid design, prototype manufacture, test, and skilled assembly. F1’s unique ability to rapidly respond to engineering and technological challenges allows the group to add value to the wider engineering industry’s response.”

Project Pitlane has three primary directives -

• First to reserve engineer existing medical equipment
• Second, to support the production of the designs
• Lastly, to conceive & prototype new equipment for certification and production

The effort of the teams that consists if Racing Point, Renault, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, McLaren, Hass, Mercedes-AMG, and Williams - is a nationwide collaboration of manufactures coming together to built ventilators.

In Australia, Erebus Supercars team is designing and manufacturing medical devices to fight coronavirus. So far, the team has already developed the ‘e-Aerosol Box’ and ‘e-Mask’ with assistance from Supercars Medical representative Dr. Carl Le.

Erebus CEO, Barry Ryan said, “We are in a fortunate position where we have the ability to make this shift in our operations and help our health care workers and patients,”

The Erebus e-Mask is a face mask with a 3D-printed adaptor that is a replacement of P2/N95 filters. The said grade of filtration is reported to be effective in reducing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Medical professionals commonly use it.

As for the ‘e-Aerosol Box’ it is a large shield that is placed around the patient’s neck and chest. It has two provisions for doctors/healthcare workers to insert their hands.

Besides, Dr. Carl Le and Erebus are also working on implementing motorsport technology into two-way communication - that can be used in and out of the isolation room.

Also Read: Impact of Coronavirus on the global auto industry: Daily Roundup