PPE
Disposable surgical masks are best for being heard clearly
Surgical masks are the best personal protective equipment (PPE) option for being heard clearly according to University of Illinois researchers, which can be a challenge for engineers, manufacturers and other essential workers who operate in noisy environments.
Contactless measurement developed for COVID-19 tests
A contactless measurement system that could help detect illnesses such as COVID-19 has been developed by University of Michigan researchers.
Institute receives grant to improve mask materials
North Carolina State University’s Nonwovens Institute (NWI) received a $400,000 grant to investigate improving the properties of materials they’re using for masks and respirators.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles November 16-22, 2020
Articles about Product of the Year finalists, maintenance automation, wearable exoskeletons, facility safety and building a maintenance program were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from November 16-22, 2020. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Researchers designing wearable exoskeleton
Designing a wearable exoskeleton will help workers thrive and function longer in harsh, physically strenuous environments such as construction.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles October 26 to November 1, 2020
Articles about interchangeable masks, edge I/O, heated face masks, mini-brains for robots and collaborative robot optimization were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from Oct. 26 to Nov. 1, 2020. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Frame created for interchangeable mask
A team of Texas A&M students bonded together to create the EASYMASK, which is designed to provide a reusable and inexpensive face mask for the general population.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles October 19-25, 2020
Articles about heated face masks, R&D project performance, facility energy management, collaborative robot optimization and COVID-19 worker risks were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from October 19-25, 2020. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Heated face mask designed to filter and inactivate coronaviruses
The reusable mask includes a heated copper mesh powered by a battery and surrounded by insulating neoprene, which could help health care professionals and in other situations where social distancing is difficult.
Manufacturers’ response to COVID-19 uncoordinated, unprepared
Many manufacturers have taken steps to mitigate COVID-19's effects, but it is largely reactive and uncoordinated and they often don't have plans for managing an outbreak.
