Siemens and Auto-Info create COVID-19 mobile testing units with rapid test lab

• Closed system operation for patients and medical personnel’s safety
• Contamination protection with flexible, scalable HVAC control solution
• Compliant with healthcare industry standards
• Easy installation and operation from anywhere

Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) has teamed up with Auto-Info to jointly develop a modular COVID-19 examination unit. The mobile lab structure and system have been designed to avoid contamination among patients or from patients to medical staff by using the Climatix IC platform, a flexible and scalable advanced HVAC control solution from Siemens.

Easy installation to meet high demand

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on healthcare systems globally, including the availability of rapid and accurate testing. The mobile lab is an ideal solution for borders, airports and hospitals – all important checkpoints to detect infections with the virus. It makes it easy to implement the best medical precautionary measures to provide highly effective, flexible and standard testing labs, meeting the public’s requirements for safe and fast testing.

"With Auto-Info, we moved fast to create an easy-to-install test lab that supports urgent medical needs during the pandemic in a safe and compact environment," said Henning Sandfort, CEO of Building Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure.

"Air quality is an important factor to reduce the potential airborne transmission of the virus in indoor spaces. Our technology ensures this quality is kept under control."

To ensure adequate air ventilation in the mobile units, Siemens supplied the lab with its Climatix IC technology, which controls humidity, pressure, temperature and air quality. Specific algorithms have been programmed to cater to use cases in the field, to prevent any unintended contamination and exposure to the healthcare professionals in the mobile unit. In addition, a three-filter system provides additional safeguards against virus infiltration.

Auto-Info, a Thai automation specialist in the Life Science industry, combined its pharmaceutical as well as biotechnological expertise with automation technology to develop the modular examination units. They comply with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. for design standards, ISO 14644-3, and other healthcare standards for testing. In addition, the mobile structure is built from robust and durable material that can be operated anywhere once plugged into the electricity grid.

One of the major benefits of the solution developed by Siemens and Auto-Info is the speed and ease of commissioning. The modular systems with precise dimensions of 3x6x3 meters can be assembled in one month, faster than any other systems available on the market. This solution will initially be delivered to healthcare and industrial customers in Thailand, with the aim of expanding into Southeast Asia.

Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) is shaping the market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure for today and the future. It addresses the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change by connecting energy systems, buildings and industries. SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source – with products, systems, solutions and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption. With an increasingly digitalized ecosystem, it helps customers thrive and communities progress while contributing toward protecting the planet. SI creates environments that care. Siemens Smart Infrastructure has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland, and has around 72,000 employees worldwide.