Air-powered computer set to transform healthcare monitoring

Researchers have unveiled a pioneering air-powered computer designed to detect failures in medical devices using air pressure rather than traditional electronic sensors. This innovative approach promises a safer and more cost-effective alternative, with potential applications in hazardous environments.

The newly developed computer can monitor medical devices and alert users when a malfunction occurs, eliminating the need for electronic sensors. “IPC devices can save lives, but all the electronics in them make them expensive. So, we wanted to develop a pneumatic device that gets rid of some of the electronics, to make these devices cheaper and safer,” explained William Grover, associate professor of bioengineering at UC Riverside and the study’s lead author.

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices, which are used to prevent blood clots by periodically squeezing a patient’s legs, are typically powered and monitored electronically. However, the new air-powered computer simplifies the monitoring process by using compressed air to detect issues, making the technology both more accessible and reliable.

Grover’s team applied pneumatic technology to create a system that functions similarly to electronic circuits, using air pressure to perform parity bit calculations. This ensures that any errors in device operation are quickly identified. “This device is about the size of a box of matches. It replaces a handful of sensors as well as a computer,” Grover said.

Looking ahead, Grover envisions expanding the use of air-powered computers to environments where traditional electronics are unsuitable, such as grain silos, where a single spark could trigger a deadly explosion. “I want to make an air-powered robot that could work in this explosive environment, not generate any sparks, and take humans out of danger,” he added.

The concept of air-powered computing, though over a century old, is gaining renewed interest as researchers explore its potential in modern applications. Grover’s work demonstrates that even historical technologies can offer solutions to today’s challenges, particularly in creating safer, more efficient systems for critical tasks.