Rapid prototyping for a biotech air purifier

The process

Based on the available high-level product requirements, the client presented us with his product idea, its purpose, and a brief overview of its functionality. The main goal of this project was a PoC development that allowed our client to investigate the capacity and effectiveness of moss for air purification. It was also to help determine the product viability for further commercialization. 

Providing our client with an engineering team of firmware, mechanical, and electrical engineers, PM, and QA, we divided the cooperation into three primary iterations. 

1. This stage included the research and development part with hardware component selection. We chose pumps, spray nozzles, and valves that were functional, sustainable, and adequately accommodated within the product.

Every week, we provided the client with interim deliverables for discussion, approval, or adjustments, like a change of LED type or ventilator diameter.

2. The next step was proceeding with hardware development, where we created a product electrical scheme, printed and collected all hardware components into a functional product prototype, and soldered chips. 

3. Our team developed ESP32-based firmware that allows for expanding product features and implementing BLE/ Wi-Fi connectivity in future iterations. We collected two product prototypes - for our internal testing and the client's field testing.

Currently, the product consists of three moss layers with spray nozzles at each level, lighting, a water tank at the bottom, and color sensors. Moss helps gather the air's mechanical pollutants like dust, hair, and metals. Integrated sensors define the moss conditions and turn on water spraying if the moss color critically changes because of gathering pollutants to support its life. 

Our team has already received final feedback from the client, and now we prepare for the successive development iterations to launch a commercial product.