Faceshields were a great start, but as we move to reopen the economy, facemasks will be a necessary part of life. That’s where Smart Safe Science Inc. was born. From the start of the pandemic access to N95 masks has been difficult for everyone, with shortages for health-care workers, and very little supply for the rest of society. Smart Safe Science’s first product looks to tackle that challenge with a SmartMask that is reusable, has replaceable filters, is comfortable to wear for long periods, and offers smart features that provide health and usage data to the wearer.
Investing in Production
While designers and engineers have been working with their research partners at universities across the province to fine-tune the initial design, the production team has been working to quickly bring production capacity online. It’s been no small feat. Robotics, high-end machinery, and a skilled workforce are necessary to make the concept a reality. 3S’ dedicated team of Bracebridge, Ontario based assembly workers are transferring their skills building custom industrial components to producing the SmartMasks. They will soon be aided by a team of six-access robots newly purchased and programmed.
The final piece of the puzzle, the biggest and most advanced piece of machinery, a Niebling forming machine allows high capacity forming of the plastic components with the electronic circuitry fully integrated. This million-dollar investment will be housed in a new state of the art facility.
There is still work to be done. The first prototypes will soon come off the line and will be tested by CSA, UL, and Health Canada. Soon Smart Safe Science will have Canadian designed and manufactured SmartMasks in use by organizations large and small across Ontario and Canada.