- A young boy wanted to help keep his parents safe against the novel coronavirus
- The 12-year-old created a device that allows for contact-free interaction with surfaces
- He used a 3D printer to create the handle that is made of plant-based bio compostable plastic
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced everyone to think outside the box for survival.
With millions of people infected with the disease and numbers continuing to rise, one boy developed the desire to help keep his parents safe.
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The San Fransisco native Mizan Rupan-Tompkins might only be 12 but he has developed a survival tool that helps stop the spread of COVID-19.
NBC reported Mizan used a 3D printer to create a device that allows people to open the door and press buttons without actually making contact with the surface.
It also has the ability to punch numbers on keypads, for whenever you are at the ATM, cash register or gas stations.
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Called the Safe Touch Pro Handle, it is made of plant-based bio compostable plastic which is meant to prevent scratches on surfaces when using the device.
The handle contains silver ion particles which repel microorganisms. This helps protect one against bacteria.
"It is gentler on surface, lighter, and anti-microbial to kill germs," Mizan said.
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Mizan came up with the idea after he saw his parents fumbling with their sleeves whenever they wanted to open a door. Little did he know the device could help people across the world.
He is not the first to dream up such a device, but he did his market research and provided an upgrade.
"No matter how old you are, you’ are still able to make a difference," said the 12-year-old.
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San Mateo County recognized Mizan's' efforts by naming Thursday in the county after the home-schooled boy who has an eye toward a career in aviation, aeronautical design, or technology.
Ultimately, the 12-year-old said he would love to get his invention into the hands of hospital workers and ride-sharing companies.
He was already an inventor of sorts, having built a computer and his own Alexa from scratch along with an age-guessing robot
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