Could the future of wearables be oriented toward COVID-19 prevention?
Today, a new press release shows yet another Internet of things device maker is wading into the mix, offering haptic devices to control how close we get to each other in the workplace. Lopos, a spin-off of Imec, is debuting a SafeDistance wearable that can alert wearers to undue proximity to other persons.
In many U.S. states, officials are moving quickly toward the idea of reopening many different kinds of small and medium-size businesses.
These new wearables could come at just the right time to minimize the risk of improper social distancing at work.
So what is a “haptic” device?
The word “haptic” refers to technologies that give users an experience of touch through vibration or similar means.
“Haptics is the science of applying tactile sensation to human interaction with computers,” writes Vangie Beal at Webopedia. “A haptic device is one that involves physical contact between the computer and the user, usually through an input/output device, such as a joystick or data gloves, that senses the body’s movements.”
In this case, bracelets will vibrate when you get too close to someone else.
Other companies have already pioneered this kind of technology and ramped up production in order to meet the demand that will soon happen when businesses reopen their doors.
“Some form of social distancing will probably remain in place through the summer, Deborah Birx, the White House’s coronavirus task force coordinator, said Sunday,” reports the Washington Post. “The same day several governors expressed optimism about the course of the virus and outlined their plans for a piecemeal reopening of their economies.”
If you are into tech, keep in mind that some of these new technologies can move markets.. For instance, those who cashed in on the Zoom dip just weeks ago, in the wake of temporary cybersecurity concerns, have already made a cool 50%. Factor this into your portfolio research – because we will probably need that tech boost soon.
