As it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is among the countries experiencing frequent volcanic activities and regular earthquakes of smaller magnitudes.
Due to this, Filipino experts came up with the idea and have developed a type of quake-proof desks for kindergarten students. This creation also serves as an earthquake warning system.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) released a statement that a group of researchers from the Philippine Normal University (PNU), De La Salle University, and Technological University of the Philippines has developed a high impact-proof automated study desk for preschool children.
It is called LAMESA or Life-Saving Automated Mesa to Endure Seismic Activity.
“LAMESA combines technology with capacity building in terms of knowledge and infrastructure to best address such probable disaster, particularly in educational institutions,” reads the statement.
“LAMESA is equipped with an accelerometer, a device that senses motion, which feeds seismic measurements to a Wi-Fi-enabled microcontroller. This microcontroller then simultaneously triggers the actuator which causes the table top to fold 16 degrees upward.”
The table top of LAMESA desk is made of steel and coated with epoxy paint for durability so that preschoolers can easily hide under the desk.
There’s also a storage bin with a sliding door for keeping lighting devices, food, and water supplies for up to nine children.
A research team leader Dr. Marie Paz E. Morales of Philippine Normal University stated that a strong earthquake that may cause debris lasts about 30 to 40 seconds on average.
LAMESA’s four-second response time provides enough time to shield children from debris during an earthquake.
The researchers currently continue to make improvements to enhance LAMESA’s prototype design.
Credit: Yahoo! Philippines
