A team of scientists at the University of the West of England are developing a听BioTech听sensor听which they say听can听detect any virus or bacteria in a public space.听
The AI-enabled听Safe Surface Sensor听is听intended听to determine whether a location has been properly sanitised and warn people if it detects a virus in the area.听
Made of biodegradable paper, the sensors are in the final stages of testing with a scheduled release date in听the second half of听2021.听听
With each sensor projected to cost 10p, Safe Surface Sensor will be a cost-effective solution for organisations and businesses seeking to ensure their locations and facilities are safe and sanitised as the UK eases social distancing measures.听听听
Safe Surface Sensor is currently being trialled听with听certified partners, including Stagecoach, Bristol Ambulance and Clifton High School.听
Unlike other sensors in development, Safe Surface Sensor鈥檚听focus听on public sanitation and hygiene means it can be used to detect all types of virus and bacteria beyond COVID-19.听听
The sensors are听placed around any public area where the transmission of viruses such as COVID may occur prior to the sanitation process.听
The area is then sanitised using a fogging method or standard manual sanitisation as per the normal cleaning routine.听
The Safe Surface Sensor mobile application can instantaneously scan the sensor and receive a result that identifies if the surrounding area has been effectively sanitised and is free from bacteria and viruses.听
The results are sent to a central database that allows potential customers to confirm the area has been effectively sanitised by using a simple QR听scanner.听
The technology powering the sensor was initially developed by Safe Surface Sensor鈥檚 parent company Eco Sensing, which helps airlines measures and reduce the carbon footprints of their aircrafts.听
鈥淎s a nation, we are entering a new phase in the fight against听COVID-19 鈥� one that is underpinned by the need to ensure that the economy can bounce back as quickly as possible,鈥� said co-founder听Graham Mimms.听听
鈥淭he reopening of offices and the removal of the 鈥榳ork from home recommendation鈥� is essential here, particularly if we are going to provide another boost to surrounding restaurants and shops.听听
鈥淵et this will only happen once individuals feel comfortable that they are in variably safe and covid-free surroundings and here, hygiene technology is essential.听
鈥淲ith Safe Surface Sensor, the control is put back in the hands of staff members, who can then make an informed decision as to whether they want to enter a given workspace.听听
鈥淭he impact that this could have on employee confidence is self-evident, and we would urge the government and companies across the private sector to seriously consider the adoption of technology, which is cost-effective, easy to use and accessible to every type of organisation.鈥�听