Chesco Robotics Students Shift To Making 3D-Printed Masks

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — A Chester County-based robotics team has used their technology and skills to produce more than 100 masks to help fight coronavirus.

The non-profit group Out of the Box Robotics, which is made up of local high school students which typically build robots for national and international competitions, quickly shifted their focus once the outbreak began.

>>Sign up for Patch email updates here.

It was a welcome distraction from their frustration at the premature end to their competitive season, as the World Championships, scheduled in Detroit for late April, were cancelled. Out of the Box won the Pennsylvania state championships early in March.

The group has access to 3D printers, so several members of the team began gathering together whatever funds and supplies they had saved for the World Championships, and figured out how to apply that to creating face shields.

Among those volunteering are Eeshwar Krishnan, a sophomore at PA Leadership Charter School in West Chester. He's printed more than 100 shields. Samuel Tatum, a freshman at Devon Prep High School has packaged and delivered them.

"Ever since they realized how they can help health workers in our community fight the virus, the team has been printing face shields around the clock and non-stop to distribute," according to a description of their efforts provided by Out of the Box. "The team has quickly realized that in order for our community to combat Covid-19 we need to stand together and do what is necessary to protect our healthcare workers who are giving their lives everyday so that we can be healthy."

Together, the group has delivered these vital pieces of personal protective equipment to the emergency responders most in need.

Some beneficiaries include Atlantic Care Regional Hospital in Atlantic City, Brandywine Hospital, Paoli Hospital, Chester County EMS, the Uwchlan Ambulance Services, Westwood Fire Company, and Good Fellowship Fire Company.

If you'd like to donate or see if there is some way you can help out, email ftc7244@gmail.com.

>>>Full coverage of coronavirus in Pennsylvania here.