Development of Algorithms, Electronic Devices, Firmware, and Valves for Optimizing Battery Consumption in Interconnected Electromedical Devices for Airway Drug Delivery
The Partnership
The SAFER project is based on a highly qualified and complementary partnership, capable of integrating industrial, electronic, digital, and applied research expertise.
The project is led by Cavagna Group, an international company founded in 1949, which has grown while maintaining a strong family and manufacturing identity, and is now present with its products in over 165 countries. A benchmark in the treatment, distribution, control, and measurement of gases, Cavagna Group brings to the project extensive experience in the design of valves, regulators, measurement systems, and integrated devices for the energy, medical, and renewable gas sectors. Its strong drive toward technological innovation, digitalization, and the adoption of IoT solutions represents a strategic asset for guiding the development of intelligent, safe, and sustainable systems.
Alongside Cavagna operates Computec Srl, an Italian company founded in 1992 and specialized in the design and production of electronic boards and devices for various industrial sectors. With over thirty years of experience, strong manufacturing capabilities, and continuous investments in research, development, and advanced technologies, Computec contributes to the project with key expertise in hardware development, electronics, and the industrialization of reliable, high-performance solutions.
The partnership is further enriched by the presence of TapMyLife Srl, an innovative company active in indoor localization, flow management, and safety in complex environments, with particular specialization in the healthcare sector. The company develops solutions based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technologies and RTLS systems for tracking devices, patients, and resources, with applications already adopted in numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities. Its contribution is particularly relevant for monitoring, traceability, and intelligent management of interconnected devices.
Completing the group is the University of Brescia, through the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (DIMI), a center of excellence in research and technology transfer in the fields of automation, Industry 4.0, energy efficiency, advanced materials, and the integration of mechanics and information technologies. Thanks to strong connections with the industrial sector and extensive experience in multidisciplinary projects, the department provides essential scientific and methodological support.
The combination of these different areas of expertise makes it possible to address the project’s technological challenges in an integrated manner, leveraging applied research, industrial development, and technology transfer through a complete and synergistic value chain.
The Project
Innovation in the field of portable medical devices is now a crucial factor in improving the management and administration of drugs, with a direct impact on patients’ quality of life, treatment effectiveness, and overall process efficiency.
The SAFER Project focuses on the development of advanced algorithms to optimize energy consumption in electromedical devices used for airway drug delivery. These devices, mainly used in home care and continuous assistance settings, must operate reliably over long periods, even without direct connection to an electrical power source. This makes careful optimization of battery consumption essential, as it is one of the most critical resources for ensuring continuous and prolonged device operation.
The project aims to create an advanced system capable of monitoring and analyzing data related to gas cylinder consumption and device autonomy, integrating sensor technologies and artificial intelligence for energy monitoring and optimization.
A key element of innovation lies in the introduction of digitalized valves, which would be capable of collecting real-time data on usage conditions and transmitting this information to a remote processing system. This would enable a detailed view of the remaining cylinder autonomy, based on consumption parameters that may vary depending on the patient’s clinical condition and device usage.
The presence of an integrated sensor network allows monitoring of various operational aspects, from battery energy consumption to environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, which can affect device functionality and the quality of the delivered drug. The project also aims to leverage sensor data to improve supply chain management and pharmaceutical logistics.
The integration of GPS or similar localization systems makes it possible to monitor device location in real time, facilitating inventory tracking and optimization of replenishment processes.
Through predictive data analysis, it will be possible to optimize delivery and cylinder replacement processes, reducing management costs, preventing shortages, and minimizing the need for redundant stock. The ability to monitor the status and expiration of drugs contained in the devices also ensures compliance with safety standards and helps avoid waste, with positive impacts on both the environment and operational costs.
Another objective concerns the miniaturization of portable devices. Since these devices cannot rely on continuous connection to the power grid, they must operate for extended periods using compact batteries, requiring a redesign of both hardware and software. By using advanced simulation environments to test different sensor configurations and optimization strategies, the most efficient solutions can be identified, reducing development and testing time.
During the experimental phase, neural networks and machine learning algorithms will be used to analyze data collected from the devices and identify patterns in energy consumption and cylinder usage, enabling intelligent device management that adapts to the specific needs of each patient.
The SAFER project is funded by the European Union, the Italian Government and the Lombardy Region, under the ‘Collabora & Innova’ call for proposals, an initiative promoted by the Lombardy Region as part of Action 1.1.3 ‘Support for the implementation of complex research, development and innovation projects’, Specific Objective 1.1 “Development and strengthening of research and innovation capacities and the introduction of advanced technologies”, Axis 1 “A more competitive and smart Europe” of the Lombardy Region’s 2021-2027 ERDF Regional Programme