CES 2021 proposes masks, sensors and other technologies to combat COVID-19

This story is part of CES, where our editors will bring you the latest news and the most popular articles from the all-virtual CES 2021.

The coronavirus pandemic has intensified lives around the world in recent years, causing changes in our way of life, work and even eating. At the annual CES show this week, technology companies are discussing a variety of ways to fight back against COVID-19 through masks, disinfectants, air purifiers and touchless technology.

The businesses understand that no one technology can win the battle against the virus, and therefore many of them are positioned as part of the new normal in which life is changing. One such company, Plott, has built a doorbell called Ettie that can take people’s temperature before they are admitted. Another, Alarm.com, Created a Touchless Video Doorbell in an effort to reduce the transmission of bacteria and viruses that we otherwise often find in places where we are affected.

“This is another way we can be vigilant and protect each other,” Alarm.com said.

There are robots which emits ultraviolet light to disinfect alarming areas with heavy traffic in an office, shop or restaurant. There are sensors that stick to your body to detect symptoms with an almost accurate degree in the hospital. And there is a mask with a built-in microphone, so you can still make calls and be easily heard if you keep your mask on. The name is appropriately MaskFone. “The MaskFone is a daily necessity that protects you and everyone you cross with from harmful bacteria, viruses and pollution.”

These new coronavirus control products are just the latest way in which technology is becoming an important part of modern life. In recent years, countries around the world have introduced health locks, forced workers to count and asked families in different households to stay separate. As many people have followed these guidelines, they have focused on video conferencing, social networking, and messaging programs to keep in touch.

They used phones powered by Apple and Google software to warn each other when they might be exposed to the virus. And governments have created websites to help people avoid getting sick and identify when that would happen.

Many tech companies see this moment as an opportunity to prove their worth, despite years of privacy and political scandals that have damaged their reputation and weakened trust among their customers.

Armed with more power and cash than almost any industry in history, the technology industry says it sees a calling to help.

“Our mission is to create products that play a significant role in people’s lives,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said at one of the company’s live presentations in November. For 2021, he announced that Apple will do even more.

However, it is important to keep in mind that new products displayed at CES are still in their development phase. Health products in particular may not have independent studies to back up their claims.

These new products do offer a see what’s coming and what can help make life a little easier during this crisis.

More masks

While the MaskFone is practical for working people, there are other mask technologies built around health.

One such mask is the AirPop Active +, a smart mask that comes with a sensor that tracks your breathing and mixes it with local air quality data to determine when to replace your filter. AirPop, the company behind the mask, said the masks will be offered for $ 150 this month.

Another, Amazfit, has built a transparent disinfectant mask that claims he can clean his filters with built-in UV lights within ten minutes.

Perhaps the most flashy mask on the show floor comes from Razer, the maker of the computer and accessories. That company Project Hazel announced, a transparent mask with a built-in microphone, lights and speaker that helps people see and hear you more easily when you speak.

It thrived on others like silicone edges to create an airtight seal and a sterilization case. Razer did not say when it would be available.

If standard filtering is not enough for you, LG can set it an air purifier on your face. The PuriCare Mask has a built-in HEPA filter, air circulation fans and sensors. It works through batteries, takes up to eight hours and takes about two hours to charge via USB-C.

The device also has a case that disinfects the mask with UV lights within 30 minutes. So far, it is only sold in Asia and the Middle East, and LG has not yet said when the mask will hit US markets or how much it will cost.

In the air

Another way technology companies think they can help fight coronavirus is through air filtration. The Luft Duo, for example, is a battery-powered air purifier that claims to clean the air around you. It does this with a combination of disposable HEPA filters and UV light. This is about the size of a bubble head for your car dashboard.

Another, CleanAirZone, has built an air filter that uses ‘natural biotics and enzymes from nature’, rather than traditional filters. Whether it actually does something meaningful remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, Airthings built a sensor called Wave Plus, which tracks carbon dioxide levels, humidity and temperature, which can help determine how much more likely the virus can transmit. The Wave Plus is built for offices, while the smaller Wave Mini is intended for home use.

However, all these technologies are not enough to defend on their own. The Environmental Protection Agency said they could not protect you against COVID-19 alone. It says people should use it in addition to ‘other best practices recommended by CDC and others.’

Light the way

Robots and masks built with UV light as disinfectant. There are also refrigerators that use UV light to disinfect your water while it is being dispensed.

This is the idea behind LG’s range of InstaView refrigerators, which – as their name suggests – has a semi-transparent glass window on the door that burns when you knock on the glass twice. And the new models announced at CES have a few COVID-19 upgrades.

Apart from the UV disinfectant, the fridge now also has a microphone and speaker, so you can say ‘open the fridge door’, and it will do exactly that. LG did not say how much they were going to cost, but previous premium LG refrigerators amounted to $ 4,000.

Businesses also offer UV light products for cars. Engine supplier GHSP announces a Grenlite UV system for everyday cars. It is already used in emergency service vehicles, mass transport and commercial vehicles.

“GHSP’s Grenlite system wants to give drivers more peace of mind that their car is safe and germ-free,” GHSP said in a statement.

Touchless throne

Pandemic techniques reach our face, our phones, our food and our air – it was only a matter of time before it would also appear in our bathrooms.

Kohler built a toilet that flush with the hand wave, for example. You can live out your Jedi dreams for up to $ 1000 from March.

The company also has a $ 3,100 toilet with a few extra features, including automatic opening and closing, a remote control and a fine bidet.

We will be looking for more COVID-19 combat technology during the week. So stay tuned to CNET for more CES news.

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.