More than a year since the pandemic hit the country, temperature checks using thermal scanners are now a common sight at every building and establishment entrance. The Department of Science and Technology Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), along with many institutions and organizations had to come up with ways to deal with the challenges and demands of the new normal. Amidst these trying times, the institute recognized the responsibility of serving and being of aid to the Filipino people. 

Among the DOST-ASTI’s many COVID-19 initiatives is the development of three types of medical-grade thermal scanners for use by frontliners. The first type is a Modified Wood Moisture Meter retrofitted with a thermal sensor. Co-developed with the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) and Alexan, the thermal sensor is an already existing product initially designed for the woodworking industry. The other two types leverage on the availability and accessibility of smartphones. A small device is attached to a smartphone using either the typical wire interface and/or with wireless/Bluetooth interface. 

All three thermal scanners function as non-contact thermometers wherein temperature readings are displayed on a screen.  

In addition to this, the National Metrology Division of the DOST - Industry Technology Development Institute (ITDI) assisted in the calibration of the sensor while the DOST - Electronics Product Development Center (EPDC) conducted EMC (electromagnetic compliance) and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) to guarantee the safety of use of the thermal scanners. 

The project was made possible by the research and development efforts of DOST-ASTI's embedded, wireless systems, and the Philippine Earth Data Resource and Observation (PEDRO) teams. 

To know more, visit the DOST-ASTI website at https://asti.dost.gov.ph/projects/coare/ or through Asia Research News at https://www.asiaresearchnews.com/content/dost-advanced-science-and-technology-institute