The project brief
The brief
We collaborated with Advanced Healthcare Technology to develop and manufacture a carbon fibre transport device for young babies requiring emergency transportation. The safety standards in Formula One utilise extremely strong lightweight carbon fibre driver safety cells to protect drivers in the event of a crash, which inspired the Babypod; creating a safe environment for newborn babies requiring emergency transportation.
Prior to the Babypod, emergency infant transportation required the use of heavy and cumbersome incubators, devices which required both an electricity supply and dedicated vehicles. The hi-tech carbon fibre transport devices, which can withstand a 20 G-force crash, have been launched in Intensive Care Ambulances used at Great Ormand Street Hospital. They have also been used by the Children Acute Transport Service, who also advised on design requirements.
The work
The Babypod 20 provides the environment to safely transport infants at a significantly reduced price of a standard transport incubator. Lightweight and easy to handle, Babypod 20 can attach to any transport stretcher whether on a trolley, in an ambulance, car or even helicopter.
The outcome
Able to withstand a 20 g-force crash impact
Reduced price against standard incubators
Compact and lightweight
User friendly – flexible and manoeuvrable
