An Indonesian researcher has unveiled a device that turns air into clean drinking water, offering hope for communities long plagued by drought.
Prof. Samsudin Anis from Universitas Negeri Semarang has developed the Atmospheric Water Maker (AWM), a machine that extracts moisture from the air through a process of filtration and condensation. The collected water is then purified to meet drinking standards, producing safe water ready for consumption.
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The idea was born out of the recurring droughts in southern Java and the eastern regions of Indonesia, areas where access to clean water remains a constant challenge. Dr. Samsudin said the technology is designed to provide a lifeline for residents struggling with shortages. He hopes the device can stand as a national innovation, pointing out that Indonesia has yet to produce a similar technology.
“The idea came from real problems faced by the community. In several coastal areas, including Kalimantan, there is plenty of water, but it is brackish. This device is expected to be a solution,” Pros Samsudin said.
UNNES has partnered with electronics company Polytron to prepare the device for wider production. The collaboration is expected to accelerate the move from laboratory to marketplace, with the goal of making the AWM accessible to households and communities across the country.
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The machine is designed for use in both the public and medical sectors. In hospitals and medical facilities, the water produced—pure H₂O—can be applied in therapeutic and clinical settings. For the wider public, it has potential as a source of drinking water in homes, offices, and public spaces.
With droughts expected to intensify in the coming years, the Atmospheric Water Maker represents more than a technological breakthrough. It offers a sustainable solution to Indonesia’s water crisis and signals a step forward in the country’s effort to transform research into real-world innovation.