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Developing the Volaser (a volumetric scanner) from prototype to field-testable device. Looking for a product designer and a programmer
A laser-based measuring device was developed to measure volumes of faecal sludge inside latrines, to aid in planning for improved sanitation worldwide. To prepare the current prototype for field-testing, we are looking for a product/interaction designer and an app developer/programmer.
Keywords: Improved sanitation | Faecal sludge management | Faecal sludge volumes | Volumetric scanner | Onsite sanitation systems | International development | Sanitation planning | Product design |
Appropriate faecal sludge management (including treatment and planning) is dependent on knowing the quantities of faecal sludge that need to be managed currently, and in the future. Onsite sanitation containments have varying shapes and sizes around the world, they are constructed differently, and they are underground, which makes it difficult (if not impossible) to estimate the total amount of accumulated faecal sludge on a neighborhood or city-wide scale.
The Volaser is a measuring device that can measure the volume of faecal sludge inside an onsite sanitation containment. It consists of a measuring head with a distance-laser module, a tripod-stand, and a telescopic rod to measure depth. The tripod is set up over an access port to the containment. The laser-head automatically lowers into the containment, and measures at the same point inside the containment at every recurring measurement. The device measures the distance to the faecal sludge surface. It makes two rotations, whereby it determines the shape and dimensions of the perimeter of the containment. These measurements, the depth at which they were taken, and the GPS coordinates, are directly sent to a smartphone app. A telescopic rod (4m length) is used to determine the depth of the containment. Additional field observations and questionnaires can also be recorded. The app automatically calculates accumulation rates when measurements are made at the same site over time.
The Volaser was developed by a collaboration between ETH Zürich, Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (ZHdK), and Sandec; the Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development at Eawag; the Swiss Federal Institute for Aquatic Science and Technology.
To evolve the existing prototype into a device that can be field-tested in multiple locations around the world, we are looking for two short-term consultants near Zürich, Switzerland, to help us complete the final details:
• A product designer who will optimize the physical functionality of the device, and;
• An app developer/programmer who can create a user-friendly app for data collection and optimize operational functionality of the device.
Master students are encouraged to apply.
Appropriate faecal sludge management (including treatment and planning) is dependent on knowing the quantities of faecal sludge that need to be managed currently, and in the future. Onsite sanitation containments have varying shapes and sizes around the world, they are constructed differently, and they are underground, which makes it difficult (if not impossible) to estimate the total amount of accumulated faecal sludge on a neighborhood or city-wide scale.
The Volaser is a measuring device that can measure the volume of faecal sludge inside an onsite sanitation containment. It consists of a measuring head with a distance-laser module, a tripod-stand, and a telescopic rod to measure depth. The tripod is set up over an access port to the containment. The laser-head automatically lowers into the containment, and measures at the same point inside the containment at every recurring measurement. The device measures the distance to the faecal sludge surface. It makes two rotations, whereby it determines the shape and dimensions of the perimeter of the containment. These measurements, the depth at which they were taken, and the GPS coordinates, are directly sent to a smartphone app. A telescopic rod (4m length) is used to determine the depth of the containment. Additional field observations and questionnaires can also be recorded. The app automatically calculates accumulation rates when measurements are made at the same site over time.
The Volaser was developed by a collaboration between ETH Zürich, Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (ZHdK), and Sandec; the Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development at Eawag; the Swiss Federal Institute for Aquatic Science and Technology.
To evolve the existing prototype into a device that can be field-tested in multiple locations around the world, we are looking for two short-term consultants near Zürich, Switzerland, to help us complete the final details:
• A product designer who will optimize the physical functionality of the device, and;
• An app developer/programmer who can create a user-friendly app for data collection and optimize operational functionality of the device.
Master students are encouraged to apply.
The goal of this short term assignment is to make the prototype ready for field-testing by improving some physical features, improve the operating code, and make the app more user-friendly.
The goal of this short term assignment is to make the prototype ready for field-testing by improving some physical features, improve the operating code, and make the app more user-friendly.
For more information, please contact Nienke Andriessen at nienke.andriessen@eawag.ch.
For more information, please contact Nienke Andriessen at nienke.andriessen@eawag.ch.