Now, a new level of hand-AI coordination

A machine to monitor washing of hands is to be expected from the Japanese.

By ET Bureau | Updated: Jun 17, 2020, 08.40 AM IST

It is not at all surprising that the Japanese are expanding their bathroom domination with one company having devised a sink-mounted surveillance system to ensure hand-washing is accomplished in accordance with the highest hygiene standards.

The Japanese are the acknowledged world leaders in state-of- the-art toilets whose control panels make those of spaceships look antediluvian. It is not at all surprising, therefore, that the Japanese are expanding their bathroom domination with one company having devised a sink-mounted surveillance system to ensure hand-washing is accomplished in accordance with the highest hygiene standards.

Given the priority accorded to proper hand ablutions in this era of Covid-19, this crucial prophylactic activity simply cannot be left to written or verbal instructions. Indeed, judging by the information put out by the company on this purportedly easy manoeuvre, it is anything but that.

‘Deep learning engines’ and AI resources have been pressed into service by the company’s boffins to deconstruct and analyse the ‘repetitive rubbing motions’ in order to determine the best practices.

The goal, apparently, is to give homes, offices and eateries a way to monitor compliance with the six steps of hand-washing mandated by Japanese authorities: scrubbing backs of hands, then fingertips, undersides of nails, between the fingers, around the thumbs and finally right up to the wrists. But the very thought of such a beady AI-ed gadget perched on the sink to monitor compliance would surely make even the brashest and bravest handwashers slip up.

Virtual Meetings, 5G & Shared Spectrum: Top 5 Technology Trends We Will Get To See In The Post-Covid World

1/6

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the life and lifestyles of people across the globe.

In this new reality, communication technology offers solutions to overcome some of the challenges thrown up by the pandemic. With social distancing and working from home becoming the new reality, tech trends will have to update. Parag Naik, Co-Founder & CEO, Saankhya Labs tells us what trends in tech we can expect in a post-Covid world.