Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)


Most exciting Smart Masks of CES 2021

Jan 20, 2021

In some respects CES 2021 is a reflection of the last year in tech and lifestyle; with that in mind, we don't really need to explain why smart face masks were one of the many products shown off at the annual tech event.

The Active Plus from tech company AirPop isn't the first mouth cover to call itself a 'smart face mask', but it may be the first to deserve that title, as it has a few useful health features, as well as smartphone app integration.

Never one to disappoint on crazy designs, Razer has revealed a seriously smart face mask at CES 2021. And with everything that's going on in the world, it might even be more appealing than its concept convertible gaming chair, 'Project Brooklyn'.

While the aesthetics won't be a hit for everyone, before you make any rash judgments on this RGB-injected medical wear, you should know that every part of the design has an important part to play – even the funky lighting.

The mask is a surgical N95-grade face-covering made from recycled materials, which falls in line with Razer's sustainability ethos (check out the collaboration between Razer and Conservation International for more info). To reduce waste created by disposable masks, Razer's mask uses replaceable and rechargeable disc-type ventilators. The carry case for the mask also acts as a charging box and has a disinfecting UV light that promises to kill off any bacteria.
 

Automated COVID-19 testing, courtesy of Wilder Systems

Apr 23, 2021

Texas-based aerospace robotics company, Wilder Systems, enhanced their existing automation capabilities to aid in the fight against Covid-19.

Their recent development of a robotic testing system is both increasing capacity for Covid-19 testing and delivering faster results to individuals.

The system conducts saliva-based PCR tests, which is considered the gold standard for COVID testing. Based on a protocol developed by Yale and authorized by the FDA, the system does not need additional approvals.

Wilder Systems’ goal was to use existing PCR technology to solve the problem of labor shortages to operate testing equipment.

Automating several steps of Covid-19 testing has resulted in a compact, easy to deploy system that can run batches of tests with minimal human interaction.

This flexible, modular system can run up to 2,000 test samples per day, and can be deployed anywhere where standard electric power is available. The FANUC CRX-10iA Cobot can safely work alongside people, and does not require any safety fencing.

Custom software controls and connects the FANUC CRX-10iA Cobot with the automated liquid handling machines and all other related processes. Results can be delivered instantly after lab sign-off to patients via email or through a secure portal.

arminstitute.org/projects/robotic-covid-19-testing
 

Did Artificial Intelligence help us fight COVID?

Sep 15, 2021

At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a lot of excitement around the use of machine learning to fight COVID. But now that we're 18 months into it, did AI actually help?
 
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