Tech
Health tech
Tech expert James Morgan investigates some
of the technology out there that could be used to
create safer ‘organised exhibitions’
Some airports and hotels
have introduced new
cleaning and low-touch
technology protocols to
monitor and combat the
Covid-19 virus. This includes
new temperature checking
equipment and other
technology applications
– some not seen in public
spaces – are being used
around the world.
Venues and organisers
need to be prepared for
immediate and long-term
futures to avoid or mitigate
shutdowns, such as that we
have witnessed in 2020. If
the virus returns, or a new
strain emerges, we need to
be prepared and be able to
create safe environments for
visitors. I am hoping that this
month’s column will support
many facilities managers and
show organisers who have
the task of researching what
technology they could use to
create safer shows.
But what kind of
technology is suitable for
exhibition and convention
centres? There are some new
and established technologies
that can be adapted to
venues and shows. Sadly,
some of the technology is
expensive, but there are
some cheaper options. A lot
of the technology has been
developed and manufactured
in Asia because it had to deal
with SARS in 2003, and Bird
Flu in 2008.
Temperature Checking
Airports have been using
this technology for some
time, especially in Asia. Full
body or handheld infrared
scanners and wall-mounted
forehead infrared scanners
measure skin temperature.
Shandong-based Jekeen has
recently produced a mobile,
unmanned walk-in unit
costing around $7,000 that
measures skin temperature,
applies disinfectant and uses
automated voice control
before granting access. It can
be wheeled around a venue
where it is needed most.
Korean electronics
behemoth LG Electronics
have developed the LG CLoi
GuideBot. It is a cute robot
that can autonomously
roam around a venue asking
diagnostic questions and
measuring skin temperature.
Other applications such
as hand carried or wall
mounted infrared temperate
checkers are widely available
too.
However, evidence suggests
that these technologies are
not entirely accurate. Dr
Panos Moutafis, owner of
Zenus Biometrics warns
against over reliance on a
system that is not wholly
accurate. Having been at the
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