The HS4U system architecture is key to ensuring a proper interconnection between HS4U technologies/solutions and the HS4U-related ship systems and areas. Within Work Package 3 “Technical and Technological research” consortium partners work to identify needs for hardware in HS4U concerning sensing and actuation systems that will be tested in its pilot cases to perform small-scale experiments. In addition, risk assessment methodologies, models and algorithms are currently under development.

Task 3.1 contributors aim to install sensors and actuators in different ship areas for the prevention and early detection of communicable health diseases. For the detection and identification of diseases carried by individuals, passengers, and crew alike, symptom screening (such as abnormal vital signs, respiratory sounds, toilet flushing frequencies…) was proposed as the most efficient method to detect potential health issues; solutions relying on either smart wearable device carried by the individuals or on fixed detection points within the ship’s public areas (Disease Pre-identification via Symptom Screening). For the detection of diseases at the ship scale, a real-time virus detection system is being developed for integration, first to the ship’s HVAC system, and then to the ship’s blackwater system.

Shifting to actuators for prevention and mitigation measures for disease outbreaks, three solutions were identified. First, anti-pathogen coatings are being developed to be applied on ship surfaces, particularly textiles and door handles, to kill bacteria and viruses. Second, the continuous disinfection of HVAC systems & air via aerosol probiotics is under implementation. Third, the dynamic partitioning of piping systems of the ship will allow virus- and bacteria-proof sealing between different parts of the ship, enabling containment of diseases.

Furthermore, mathematical models and software components for risk assessments of health hazards are being developed based on the proposed sensors and actuators scenarios. They will be integrated into HS4U ‘s Collaborative Digital Framework (CDF), which will allow end-users to easily understand risks and decide accordingly the relevant mitigation actions. Once the inputs from the rest of Work Package’s 3 Tasks are provided, the next step is to complete Deliverable 3.1 – “Requirements for hardware-related for sensing and actuation systems and overview of hardware development and functionalities” to be submitted on M28 (December 2024).