Researchers from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of the University of Indonesia (UI), a team of experts and researchers from the University of Indonesia (UI), initiated and developed a prototype of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the form of a face shield using Powered Air Purifying Respirator (RPUBB) technology.

This device can operate for six hours continuously and can be attached to a special bag or belt for operation. This innovative PPE from UI is expected to protect medical personnel treating COVID-19 patients.

The development of the Air Purifying Respirator PPE by FMIPA UI researchers is a collaboration with research teams from the Faculty of Medicine (FK) and the Faculty of Nursing (FIK), under the coordination and funding support of the Directorate of Innovation and Science Techno Park UI (DISTP UI). The RPUBB PPE prototype will be tested at the University of Indonesia Hospital (RSUI).

The high number of medical personnel falling victim to COVID-19 transmission while carrying out their duties in the field is the driving force behind the development of this device. This PPE is equipped with an air purification module, a data panel to measure the quality of the filtered air, a full-face mask complete with an air hose, and a battery module to power the device.

The Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at the University of Indonesia (UI), Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Abdul Haris, stated that handling the COVID-19 outbreak is a shared responsibility of all Indonesians. “As a contribution to the nation, we are mobilizing a team of experts and researchers at UI to jointly develop PPE that can assist healthcare workers in carrying out their duties amidst the outbreak that has gripped Indonesia and has claimed many lives,” Haris said.

The development of this Air Purifying Respirator PPE is expected to become one of the medical support tools that can assist in handling the COVID-19 pandemic and increase the number of medical devices that can be produced domestically. The UI research team that developed this device invites all parties to participate in assisting with the mass production of this PPE so that it can be utilized by all healthcare institutions throughout Indonesia. The participation of all parties will significantly assist the government in combating this epidemic that threatens all elements of the nation.