Open Source Hardware

In Jordan, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, a pressing need emerged for rapid and locally sourced solutions to manufacture critical medical equipment. In response to this urgent call, a group of dedicated open source enthusiasts united through a Facebook group. Their collective mission? To brainstorm innovative designs for essential medical gear, including ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE), and various sanitization tools.

This grassroots initiative exemplified the power of community-driven collaboration, showcasing how individuals with diverse skills and a shared passion for open source technology could come together to address the most critical challenges in times of crisis. Their efforts not only provided valuable solutions but also underscored the resilience and resourcefulness of Jordan's open source community in the face of adversity.

This workshop demonstrated how open source technologies can be used for the design of medical hardware. Mohammad Abu Matar from the Glia project talked about his experience in Gaza, designing medical hardware (stethoscopes and tourniquets) for a low-resource setting and conflict-stricken zone. The workshop introduced participants to the basics of CAD design with the OpenSCAD program, and 3D printing.

In celebration of Arduino Day 2015, JOSA and RESC jointly organized an engaging hands-on workshop. During this event, participants had the opportunity to delve into the versatile world of Arduino, discovering its pivotal role as a central component in creating innovative smart home applications.

This workshop was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the tech community, fostering creativity and exploration in the realm of open-source hardware and automation.