Emergency Smart Pod

Product Description

The SmartPod is a rapidly deployable, ISO standard shipping container that can expand into a 37 m² (400 sq. ft) fully equipped space in 20 minutes, including infection control features (HEPA/UV filters, option for negative pressure), GPS tracking, and hardware/software for training and clinical support.

Potential SmartPod medical spaces include: Lab/pharmacy unit, public health surveillance, diagnostics, isolation, and treatment, screening, surgical care, triage, clinical management unit, women’s health, refugee care, primary care, and vaccinations.

This product was selected for inclusion in WHO’s 2021 Compendium of Innovative Health Technologies for Low‐Resource Settings.

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

SmartPod's are available from the manufacturer.

Manufacturing/Building Method

Manufactured in the United States.

Intellectural Property Type

Patent Protected

User Provision Model

Available from the manufacturer.

Distributions to Date Status

As of October 2020, 6 units have been deployed globally: 2 wards, 2 COVID negative pressure clinics, a BSL 2 lab, BSL 3 lab, and a pharmacy.

Intended number of occupants (#)

Unkown

Speed of assembly

20 minutes

Footprint area (m²)

37 m²

Internal volume (m³)

35.1 m³

Material composition

Aluminum panels and steel frame

Lifespan (years)

15+ years

Flammable Flash Point Temperature (°C)

Unknown

Maximum snow load (kg/m²)

Unknown

Maximum wind speed (km/h)

186 km/h

Suitable climates

Any

Design Specifications

The Smart Pod is made from aluminum panels and a steel frame that expands manually into a 37 m² (400 sq. ft) in under 20 minutes with 2-4 people. As the container is an ISO standard 2.4 X 6.1 m (8 X 20 ft), it can be transported via train, truck, helicopter, ship, or plane. Smart Pod was designed to be used in difficult terrains, can function off-grid and in adverse weather conditions (thermal-core resin), are air and water-tight, energy-efficient, and build from 100% recyclable materials. Multiple units can be integrated together to scale. The units include GPS tracking and hardware/software (connectivity, education and training, multiple languages, scanning system for patients and supply tracking).

Technical Support

A trained general technical should provide corrective maintenance.

Replacement Components

Available from manufacturer

Lifecycle

15+ years with 1-year warranty

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Smart Pods were designed for quick deployment and setup, and to be lightweight, eco-friendly, and versatile.

Vetted Performance Status

This product has been user-tested in Houston, Texas as well as Liberia clinics and labs, and has a demonstrated ability to eliminate 99.7 percent of dangerous pathogens.

Safety

Should be operated by trained individuals.

Complementary Technical Systems

Generator, water tank, and basic biohazard waste bins for clinical care

Academic Research and References

Petrova EV, et al., 2019, Remote Laboratory Management Respiratory Virus Diagnostics. J Vis Exp, Vol. 46, PMID: 31009009

Compliance with regulations

International Building Code (IBC) 2015 regulatory approval Meets or exceeds the following:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design
Texas Department of Health for Asbestos Abatement
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) shipping container
2015 International Building Code (& Amendments)
2015 International Fire Code
2015 Uniform Mechanical Code
2015 International Plumbing Code
2017 National Electrical Code
2015 International Energy Conservation Code
2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS)
(AIA) American Institute of Architects Guidelines for Pressurization
2003 American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning (ASHRAE)
American Society of Healthcare Engineers (ASHE)
Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities [Recommendations of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC)]

Other Information

Youtube Video Houston Chronicle Article Winner: Vulcan Inc.'s Paul G. Allen Ebola Program Baylor Global Health is one of seven awardees selected from Vulcan Inc.’s Paul G. Allen Ebola Program and one of three awardees to receive funding for emergency infrastructure and logistics; a challenge in any disaster response or infectious disease spread situation.

Winner: USAID Ebola Grand Challenge Baylor Global Health is an awardee of the Ebola Grand Challenge granted by USAID, The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of State. From more than 1,600 applications, Baylor Global Health is one of 12 winners selected.