F1 technology keeps babies safe

UK company Advanced Healthcare Technology has teamed up with Williams Advanced Engineering, to create the Babypod 20, a hi-tech transport system that uses the technology found in Formula 1 racing cars.

The 9kg pod can withstand 20G force in a crash due to its strong carbon fibre shell – the same composite material that protects drivers in highspeed racing cars. It is quick and easy to fix into place in a road or air ambulance, and uses the same strapping that secures a racing driver into an F1 car. It is currently being manufactured alongside the cars at Williams Group HQ in Grove, Oxfordshire, and can carry infants from 2kg up to 8kg in weight. It costs £5,000 per unit.

The Children’s Acute Transport Service based at Great Ormond Street Hospital has trialled the new pod and assisted with the design requirements. Babypod 20 took 18 months to design and 16 weeks to build. Williams has now started production of 300 Babypod 20s this year, and aims to produce 500 a year thereafter.