As part of efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, Marcopolo Next, Marcopolo’s division focused on innovation, launched open innovation challenges in early April, looking for start-ups and technologies specialising in bio-safety to make public transport safer against viral contamination. The manufacturer says project selection was conducted by a multidisciplinary technical group of infectologists, engineers and specialists from Marcopolo and following criteria such as suitability for application on buses and the maturity level of the solution.
With a focus on offering embedded bio-safety packages or those available in a service format, over 20 of the solutions presented were chosen and, among these, some are already in the process of concept approval with operators and customers.
Solutions included:
– Sanitation: bio-safety, sanitation and sterilization solutions that make the inside of the bus, as well as the luggage compartment, less likely to spread viruses during travel.
– Isolation and screening systems: in order to promote safer and more comfortable trips, these systems allow contact to be restricted between passengers and also with the drivers, including solutions that identify passengers with symptoms, temperature measurement.
– Nanotechnology and materials: new ways to facilitate sanitation and sterilization of the internal environment of the bus.
– Information/communication systems: ways to guide passengers, drivers, mechanics, janitors, etc. about good sanitation practices in the vehicle, luggage areas and other products offered during the trip.
