Why IoT display is the way forward for Covid-safe spaces

Recent developments in IoT display are helping companies to innovate to come up with smart med-tech solutions that will impact public safety by helping keep public spaces free from the threat of Covid-19 and other viruses. Read on to find out how IoT display technology is paving the way to a safer future in light of the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

What is the issue when it comes to infection control?

Germs are notoriously hard to limit. A single sneeze sees droplets of mucus and saliva travel up to 100 miles per hour, spreading as far as 27 feet away (over half the length of the average public bus). And while viruses such as the common cold and flu remain present on surfaces for up to 24 hours, studies show the Covid-19 virus can remain present on surfaces such as doorknobs for as long as 9 days. This makes it much more challenging to control, particularly on high touch surfaces in public spaces, such as public transport, restaurants and workspaces.

So, how will IoT displays help people stay safe from Covid-19?

In recent years, there have been major advancements in the area of IoT display. Emerging display technologies, such as electrochromic displays, now offer low-cost, ultra-low-power printed display solutions that can be easily produced at mass, opening up the possibilities for how this technology can be used in practice.

Source: Adobe Images

Innovative companies, such as Agiler, are working in collaboration with Ynvisible, a printed display solutions provider and manufacturer, to develop cost-effective solutions to infection control. Ensuring that public spaces are sterile and that the general public is able to verify this.

In the case of Agiler, its technology will work by creating a small device that is easily affixed to a flat surface, which tells the general public whether that surface has been effectively sterilised or not. Inside the device will be a sensor that responds when it comes into contact with sterilisation methods. Once sterilised, the device display will update to display that the surface is now safe and sterilised against viruses such as Covid-19.

Due to using an electrochromic display, the device will not need a power source, as it consumes very little power. For example, a single coin cell battery could power an electrochromic display for up to 50 years. Therefore, the device would need very little maintenance once installed. Making it a simple plug and play solution usable by many.

What will the impacts be of this emerging tech?

As the world still grapples with the devastating effects of the Covid-19 outbreak, and scientists warn that new variants are likely to bring further public health challenges, public safety innovations are more important than ever. In fact, scientists say the widespread Delta strain is up to 60% more transmissible than the Alpha strain first detected in the UK in late 2020.

The sooner that innovative applications that help limit the spread of Covid-19 are released into the market, the better governments, the public sector and businesses will be able to manage the virus and take quick action to remedy infected spaces.

It’s clear given recent global events that more investment is needed in innovative solutions that address some of the greatest challenges of our time. People want to not only feel safe, but to know that they are safe from the threat of Covid-19, and they are now looking for that much-needed reassurance as we go about life with Covid-19.

—————————-

Ynvisible is a leader in emerging printed and flexible electronics. The Vancouver-based firm develops and manufactures interactive electrochromic display solutions that are ultra-low-power and can be deployed at scale. https://www.ynvisible.com