In the wake of coronavirus cases in the USA, which have skyrocketed to over 1.3 lakh, American carmakers are extending their support by using their mechanical expertise. Ford in collaboration with General Electric Healthcare have announced the production of 50,000 ventilators in 100 days and up to 30,000 a month thereafter.
Ventilators are machines providing mechanical ventilation to patients who are unable to breathe physically due to infected lungs. Ford is a manufacturing powerhouse while GE Healthcare leads in clinical expertise. Both companies will work collectively and will license the current ventilator design from Airon Corp. a private enterprise specializing in high-tech pneumatic life-support equipment. The GE/Airon Model AE ventilator uses a design that operates on air pressure without the need of electricity addressing the needs of most coronavirus positive patients. The ventilators will roll off Ford’s factory in Michigan in record time and volunteers from UAW (United Auto Workers) union will work at the plant, providing the needed human workforce.
Just a few days ago, even Mahindra and Mahindra announced the steps they were taking to assist manufacturing of ventilators in India. Mahindra’s engineering and design teams are currently working towards developing a low-cost ventilator for mass usage. Collective efforts and technological collaboration will be key in pushing down the SARS-CoV-2 spread and it’s commendable that carmakers are using their might in such testing times.