TED: How NASA invented a ventilator for COVID-19 ... in 37 days | Dan Goods

The video discusses the Jet Propulsion Lab's (JPL) role in space exploration and a special project where JPL engineers developed a COVID-19 ventilator in 37 days. The project began with a conversation about potential ventilator shortages during the pandemic. The team, initially unsure of their suitability, realized their expertise in creating robust space instruments could be applied to ventilators. They focused on a simple, cost-effective design specific to COVID-19 needs. The project involved rapid prototyping, collaboration with doctors, and resulted in a successful prototype now being produced globally.

What is the primary mission of the Jet Propulsion Lab as mentioned in the video?

• To conduct climate research on Earth

• To create robotic missions to explore the universe

• To develop new technologies for the military

• To manufacture commercial satellites

What prompted the JPL engineers to start working on a COVID-19 ventilator?

• A personal interest in medical devices

• A conversation about potential ventilator shortages

• A government mandate

• A request from a hospital

How did the JPL team ensure their ventilator design was suitable for global use?

• By translating the manual into multiple languages

• By partnering with international companies

• By using parts available worldwide

• By conducting tests in different countries

What was a key design criterion for the JPL ventilator?

• To be the most advanced ventilator available

• To be compatible with all existing hospital systems

• To use existing ventilator parts

• To be simple and cost-effective

What was the role of the team culturalist in the ventilator project?

• To manage the project's finances

• To document the project and enhance team connectivity

• To design the ventilator's interface

• To lead the engineering team

How did the JPL team collaborate with medical professionals during the project?

• By hiring doctors to work full-time at JPL

• By consulting with doctors remotely for feedback

• By sending engineers to hospitals

• By reading medical journals

What was the outcome of the JPL ventilator project?

• The ventilator was adopted by 27 organizations worldwide

• The ventilator was not approved for use

• The ventilator was too expensive to produce

• The ventilator was only used in the United States