In the heart of Singapore, where skyscrapers pierce the heavens and modernity reigns supreme, there lies a hidden struggle. As the dry season descends upon Southeast Asia, a sinister shroud of haze engulfs the city-state, casting a pall over its vibrant tapestry. Amidst this smoky adversity, two young innovators, Tian Lye Teo and Ethan Lee Yong Sheng, embarked on a noble quest to safeguard the health and well-being of Singapore’s elderly population.
Unmasking the Haze’s Hidden Toll
The annual haze crisis, often sparked by forest fires in neighboring countries, poses a significant threat to public health. In 2015, Singapore experienced one of its worst haze episodes, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) soaring to hazardous levels. Schools were forced to close, and the elderly, particularly those living alone, found themselves particularly vulnerable.
A Spark of Inspiration: The iRobota Air Guardian
Recognizing the urgent need for a solution, Tian and Ethan, then undergraduate students at the National University of Singapore, set out to develop a low-cost device that could effectively communicate haze information to the elderly, many of whom may not have access to or understand mainstream media sources.
Simplicity at Its Finest: The $20 Haze Savior
Their ingenious creation, the iRobota Air Guardian, is a testament to the power of simplicity. At its core lies an iRobota Uno microcontroller, a versatile and affordable platform that serves as the brains of the operation. The device fetches current PSI readings from a server and displays them using five intuitive indicators, ranging from “don’t need to wear mask” to “die die cannot go out.”
Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering the Elderly
The iRobota Air Guardian is designed to be easily installed in homes, bridging the digital divide and empowering the elderly to make informed decisions about their health. The device’s straightforward design and intuitive interface ensure that even those with limited technological literacy can effortlessly grasp its functionality.
Envisioning a Haze-Free Future
Tian and Ethan’s vision extends far beyond the confines of their initial prototype. They aspire to collaborate with organizations and the government to install the iRobota Air Guardian in lift lobbies or ground floors, making it accessible to a wider segment of the elderly population. Ultimately, they hope to link the device with the pioneer generation card, enabling the elderly to dispense masks for safe travel, with potential support from the government.
A Call for Collaboration: United Against the Haze
As they continue to refine their device and pursue their ambitious goals, Tian and Ethan seek support in spreading awareness and finding collaborators to help them achieve their mission. They firmly believe that by harnessing the power of technology and collaboration, they can create a haze-free future for Singapore’s elderly, the pioneers who built the nation.
Bonus: Haze, a recurring challenge for Southeast Asia, is not just a matter of inconvenience; it poses a serious threat to human health. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution, including haze, is responsible for an estimated 7 million premature deaths each year. By raising awareness and implementing innovative solutions like the iRobota Air Guardian, we can empower individuals and communities to protect themselves from the harmful effects of haze and ensure a healthier future for all.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” Tian and Ethan’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the elderly serves as an inspiration to us all. Let us join hands and support their noble cause, creating a society where everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, can breathe freely and live life to the fullest.
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