A group of students from the Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education (FPTK) at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has successfully developed an innovative device named HEPIX, designed to automatically reduce indoor air pollution and can be controlled using Google Assistant.

HEPIX, an acronym for “Smart Air Filtration Utilizing IoT-Based Biomimetic Technology,” represents a significant effort to improve air quality in urban environments. The project has received funding from the 2024 Student Creativity Program (PKM).

Guided by Sri Rahayu, M.Pd., the project is a collaborative effort between two study programs at UPI: Building Engineering Education and Electrical Engineering Education. The team is led by Hanifah Indah Rahmawati and includes team members Mutiara Nabila Azmi (Progress & Activity Report Specialist), Mochamad Rizal Fauzan (Programming & Component Specialist), Rafi Zahran Fauzi (Activity Documentation & Circuit Specialist), and Wimbow Hatoragan (Design & Box Fabrication Specialist).

HEPIX was tested in three high-traffic locations, chosen based on their dense mobility. The trials demonstrated that the device effectively reduced indoor air pollutants, such as CO2 and emission gases, with a 55% efficiency rate. Additionally, HEPIX features an essential oil therapy function with customizable scents, providing a relaxing effect that can be easily activated through Google Assistant commands like, “Okay Google, turn on helo therapy.”

A user of HEPIX shared a positive testimonial: “HEPIX makes the air in my room feel fresh, especially with the essential oil therapy feature using lavender essence—it’s like being in a flower garden!”

This project aims not only to create innovative technological solutions but also to raise awareness about the importance of good air quality. With HEPIX, UPI students hope to make a tangible contribution to reducing air pollution, particularly in urban environments where air quality issues are prevalent.

This initiative marks a significant step in the university’s efforts to produce innovations that can be applied in daily life and to support interdisciplinary learning across various faculties.