Coronavirus Update: Mahindra develops ventilator prototype

The artificial manual breathing unit (AMBU) is a self-inflating device that aids patients with respiratory issues. Once approved, Mahindra will share the prototype design for full-scale production.

Soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nation-wide lockdown, automobile manufacturers were forced to shut down its production lines. Mahindra, however, decided to use its intelligence and resources to help the nation in this time of crisis. Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, said in a tweet “we at Mahindra Group will begin work on how our manufacturing facilities can make ventilators.”

Just three days after the Chairman revealed his plans, Mahindra has already developed the first prototype of a Bag Valve Mask Ventilator (BVM), also known as an AMBU bag (artificial manual breathing unit). The carmaker’s engineering teams based out of the Kandivali facility as well as the Nashik factory have been working on developing this prototype. Mahindra is currently waiting for approval on the design, once it gets the green light the design will be made available to all for manufacturing. Meanwhile, they are working on ways to make this current prototype lighter as well.  

Meanwhile, Anand Mahindra also tweeted, 'we are simultaneously working with an indigenous maker of ICU ventilators. These are sophisticated machines costing between 5 to 10 lakhs. This device is an interim lifesaver & the team estimates it will cost below ₹7,500.' Aside from developing the BVM ventilator, Mahindra has also offered Mahindra Holidays as temporary care facilities.

On the automotive side of things, Mahindra reassures its customers that any service scheduled or routine maintenance missed during this time of lockdown will be dealt with in a customer-centric manner. The company has also kept its toll-free number active with employees safely working from home. Roadside assistance service has also been kept active.

Also Read:

Coronavirus update: Ford joins GE & 3M to speed up the production of ventilators and respirators

Coronavirus update: Tata Motors extends warranty & service period