Coronavirus pandemic requires, the largest annual show dedicated to technology, the CES (Consumer Electronic Show), does not open in Las Vegas showrooms this year, but online, with presentations only remotely, away from casinos. No more gigantic conferences and halls presenting more or less high-tech novelties, from televisions to innovative refrigerators, via chips or smartphone cases.
And this very special CES 2021 vintage is accompanied by a specific focus: the fight against Covid at all levels, and the multiplication of proposals for the “world after”, both in terms of connected health and telecommuting. On the first part, several innovations catch the eye, even create hope. Anthology.
The Covid-19 detector
The BioIntelliSense BioButton
This is the ultimate dream of all manufacturers: a Covid-19 detector. The company BioIntelliSense is one of the first to approach it with its BioButton. It is not a device capable of detecting the virus in the air, but an adhesive tracker to be positioned on the chest to detect the appearance of the slightest symptoms of the coronavirus.
The sensor continuously records skin temperature, heart and respiratory rates, activity and sleep level, etc. to allow a self-diagnosis of the first symptoms of Covid-19. BiointelliSense takes advantage of CES to announce a collaboration with the American College of Cardiology, after an association with the Colorado University Hospital which equips its caregivers with BioButton just after their vaccinations (to follow those who would be infected). BiointelliSense hopes to gradually convince all organizations and companies to equip its staff to better prevent outbreaks of infection.
The connected mask ” clever “
AirPop Active +
” Wear a mask, save lives. “ The message from the World Health Organization (WHO) inspires manufacturers. Who logically land with models ” connected “. AirPop stands out with its Active +, the first to claim the status of ” smart mask “ (” smart mask “), which evokes these design reusable masks popular with the youngest, but offers a Bluetooth connection with the smartphone.
Promoted interest: the sensor transmits in real time to the application data such as the number of breaths per minute or the quality of the outside air. This allows both to be warned as soon as it is necessary to replace the filter (promised with an effectiveness against 99.7% of bacteria and viruses), but also for athletes to monitor their performance during exercise. This mask will still cost $ 149 when it goes on sale in February in North America.
The portable air purifier
Luft Qi’s Luft Duo
The air purifier market was already doing well (+ 23% in 2019, according to the group of brands of home appliances), but demand has exploded with the pandemic. Especially since both a study by NASA and ANSES attest to the effectiveness against the coronavirus of purifiers equipped with high efficiency air filters (Hepa). Hence a certain enthusiasm during CES 2021.
The Luft Qi Luft Duo appears particularly attractive for its portable aspect. Battery operated, the device filters the air both at home and at the office, with Hepa quality. Practical for cleaning up, depollenizing and “decoronavirusing” the air. At least in a space of 22 m2. Praised at the last CES, its Chinese manufacturer has completed its crowdfunding and starts deliveries (123 euros the device) and formalizes its launch on the occasion of the 2021 edition.
The disinfectant robot
Another recurring technology at this CES: UV-C. These are lamps with ultraviolet radiation, the wave of which is between 100 and 280 nm. Nothing to do with tanning, it is about using these rays to sterilize surfaces. ” UV-C will inactivate viruses “, explains Géraldine Dantelle, researcher at the CNRS at the specialized site FrAndroid.
UBTech Robotics thus presents Adibot, a robot responsible for disinfecting thanks to its UV-C lamp at 360 ° C. Autonomous, it is able to move around alone in a room (a bit like a robot vacuum cleaner) to completely purify surfaces, in particular to eradicate pathogens, Covid-19 included.
TV as a protective barrier
Tomorrow’s television will be transparent or not. The battle has been launched between manufacturers in recent years, and the Chinese Xiaomi has marketed in August last (only in China) its Mi TV Lux, a screen that – when turned off – looks like a glass panel. Gadget? It all depends on the use. LG takes advantage of CES to unveil its first transparent tiles, which intend to prove their usefulness in… restaurants.
The South Korean manufacturer promotes TV as a protective barrier between customers and the chef of a sushi bar where we eat at the counter. The transparent screen protects any postilions, while allowing to observe the preparation. Better still, the window allows you to display the menu, to select the next sushi to taste.
