Ford's latest innovation is a simple, do-it-yourself anti-COVID air filter created using a common box fan - certainly an unlikely product from the auto giant.

Designed with fan manufacturer Lasko, the "Scrappy Filtration" system is made from a cardboard base, a 20-inch fan, and a 20x20x4-inch air filter. The air filter is placed inside the folded cardboard base, with the fan placed on top. The fan operates on high for maximum filtration - propelling clean air downward as it pulls unfiltered air from above. 

Ford says the system is intended to supplement a room's existing filtration system to further help reduce the risk of COVID-19 concentration.

It's based on scientific research which asked "if a low-cost box fan air cleaner could mitigate the risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19 in a classroom equipped with a single horizontal unit ventilator."

"The study found that box fan air cleaners like this can serve as an effective low-cost alternative for mitigating airborne transmission risks in poorly ventilated spaces."

Ford donated 20,000 kits to schools.

More information can be found here, as well as a downloadable template.