COVID-19 might have forced CES 2021 to become an all-digital affair, but it also inspired some of the most interesting—and perhaps useful—technologies at the show this year.
From a temperature-taking doorbell, to UV-C lights intended to disinfect your smartphone and other items, to futuristic face masks with speakers and RGB lighting, COVID-19 technology has been a major trend at CES 2021.
Now, we can’t blame vendors for trying to cash in on the pandemic, but it remains to be seen whether any of these new technologies will prove useful at protecting the population and flattening the coronavirus curve. So while we hope that all of these innovations will be helpful, you should also continue to follow the CDC’s guidelines and recommendations to keep you and your loved ones protected.
LG’s COVID-19 Robot
The outside world might soon become a more sanitary place thanks to a new COVID-19-killing robot from LG. Meant for use in hotels, schools, offices, restaurants, and retail establishments, the robot can autonomously navigate a space and uses ultraviolet C (UV-C) light to disinfect “high-touch, high-traffic areas.” LG says it will be able to “move easily around tables, chairs, and other furniture, generally irradiating a room’s touchable surfaces in 15 to 30 minutes, disinfecting multiple areas on a single battery charge.” Motion detection sensors in the robot will help it avoid exposing any nearby humans to UV rays. The South Korean tech giant plans to launch the ‘bot in the US early this year.
Einova Mundus Pro UV-C Disinfecting Tray
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, a flood of UV-C disinfecting products have hit the market. One such device announced at CES, the Mundus Pro UV-C Disinfecting Tray, promises to remove 99.999% of viruses and bacteria on things like keys, wallets, phones, masks, and other small items in eight minutes thanks to a combination of UV-C light, “microbe-oxidizing ozone,” and dirt-repelling titanium dioxide. The $119.99 accessory can also fast charge up to three devices simultaneously while disinfecting them.
BioButton
Several of the latest smartwatches and fitness trackers, including the Apple Watch Series 6 and Fitbit Sense, have useful COVID-19 features such as the ability to measure your Sp02 (blood oxygen saturation) level, but the BioButton is specifically designed to monitor your body for early signs of infection. The coin-sized device sticks to your skin and continuously measures your body temperature, respiration, and heart rate for 90 days. Based on your vital signs, it will tell you if you’re “cleared” or “not cleared” to leave for work or school each day.
Ettie Temperature-Taking Video Doorbell
Keeping your home a COVID-19-free zone is a daily fight, but the Ettie can help. Essentially, it’s a video doorbell that takes guests’ temperature before allowing them to enter. Its companion app keeps a record of each guest who entered, including their picture, temperature, and arrival time.
CleanAirZone Air Purifier
With paranoia over airborne diseases at an all-time high, air purifiers are in demand and vendors had plenty of new models to show off at this year’s CES. New York-based CleanAirZone‘s upcoming 100-series model uses “natural biotics and enzymes derived from nature” to purportedly capture and destroy 99.99% of air contaminants as small as 0.1 nanometer (COVID-19 is about 60 to 140 nanometers in diameter) without wasteful disposable filters, UV light, or ozone emissions. CleanAirZone says it plans to launch its 100-series model in the second quarter of the year.
Luft Duo
Air purifiers are helpful at home, but what about when you go out? A new portable air purifier, the Luft Duo, aims to help you breathe easy when traveling. The compact Luft Duo uses UVA LED and photocatalytic technology to remove dust, pollen, mold, and pathogens from the air without a filter. Taiwanese developer Luftqi says it can be used in cars, airplanes, and other confined spaces, “making it the perfect personal travel companion for those who suffer from asthma or allergies and may be more at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Following a successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, the Luft Duo is available in the US now for $149.
LG InstaView Door-in-Door Side-by-Side Refrigerator With UVnano
We’re all hyper concerned about germs in the air and on things we touch, but what about waterborne contaminants? LG wants to put your mind at ease with its new InstaView refrigerator, which uses ultraviolet LED light to “virtually eliminate” bacteria on the nozzle. LG says its UVnano technology operates once every hour to remove “up to 99.9 percent of bacteria” such as E. coli, staph, and pseudomonas aeruginosa (which can cause pneumonia) on the refrigerator’s dispenser tap. It’s unclear whether the technology is effective against COVID-19, but this new refrigerator certainly follows the recent germ-fighting tech trend. LG hasn’t yet announced pricing or availability details.
Razer ‘Project Hazel’ N95 Mask
Even gaming hardware maker Razer is getting in on the fight against COVID-19 with a prototype smart mask that brings the RGB lighting gamers love to your face. Featuring customizable lighting zones on each ventilator that can shine 16.8 million colors, the Project Hazel mask is a lot flashier than your average bandana. More than just a gimmick, it also boasts N95-medical grade respirators and special Smart Pods designed to regulate air flow and filter out airborne germs. There’s no word on pricing or when it may hit the market.
MaskFone
Nobody likes talking on the phone while wearing a mask, but a new high-tech face covering from UK telecom company Binatone aims to eliminate some of the muffle. Dubbed the MaskFone, it’s a fabric mask with a Bluetooth headset and wireless earbuds attached. It’s not washable, but it’s IPX5 water resistant and uses disposable N95 filter inserts. It costs $49.99, and Binatone sells five N95 filters for $19.99 or 30 PM2.5 filters for $19.99.
AirPop Active+
In 2021, face coverings can do a lot more than just filter germs. Mask maker AirPop just debuted a new model, the Active+, featuring a built-in sensor that can monitor your breathing and keep track of when you need to change the filter. The $149.99 Active+ works with Android and iOS devices, letting you monitor your respiratory rate and mask filter status from your phone. AirPop expects to launch it in the US and Canada this month.
