Love for his mom neccessitated this invention

Kozhikode: Necessity is the mother of invention, but love for mother can be a reason for invention too! Amal Varun Mathew, 20, hailing from Kattangal in Kozhikode invented an automatic sensor-triggered sanitizer dispenser which does not require touch to operate. Amal developed an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser for Amala Rural health Centre where his mother Dr Mary Joseph, works as centre director.The equipment reduces the risk of virus spread as people can disinfect their hands without touching the dispenser.
The major highlight of the dispenser is that he made the instrument which comprises of only four electronic components which costs just Rs 200. In addition, the device needs a box made of plywood, pipe and wire with a total cost of Rs 400 including labour charges.
Amal, pursuing his final year Polytechnic in Mechatronics at Thalassery-based Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF) has been receiving many inquiries from educational institutions, churches and shop owners for his invention.
The equipment is sensor triggered and if one extends their hand in front of the sensor, the machine automatically dispenses the sanitizer onto the hand to avoid human touch. The invention gains momentum as washing hands using soap and sanitizer is recommended as one of the most effective Covid-19 preventive measures there is.
Amal has already installed the automatic sanitizer dispenser in vigilance special cell, Thondayad and Kunnamangalam police station.
“A total of 10 new machines would be donated to my college following request put forth by the college authorities,” he said adding that he had developed it for his mother’s clinic. “I have never thought of manufacturing it in bulk quantity so far,” he said.
Professor Varughese Mathew, principal, LISSAH College, Kaithapoyil, Kozhikode and Amal’s father said that they are getting inquiries for the automatic hand sanitizer dispenser from educational institutions, churches and shops. “Many inquiries came from traders and other commercial establishments demanding a trendy and contemporary design,” he said.