During the peak of the pandemic, sanitizers, PPE, and N95 masks moved from specialized medical vocabulary to everyday essentials. Sanitation and hygiene in the community became critical to manage the spread of infection and protect the vulnerable. In a post-pandemic world, public health continues to be the top priority. Here’s where we’ll talk about the top 4 hardware trends to stop viruses and promote health.
Communities and individuals are focused on managing the spread of harmful viruses. They are finding innovative, cost-effective, and efficient ways to do so. Even governments are recognizing the importance of offering financial and regulatory support. This support helps bring new healthcare devices to market quickly and encourage their adoption and use.
Design teams are focused on innovating advanced and specialized healthcare devices. These devices can kill viruses, manage the spread of germs, and promote health. A few of the trends that stand out in this category include:
1: Personal Air Purifiers
The air purifier has always been a somewhat bulky device. It was designed to remove odors and pollutants from air in homes, kitchens, and offices. However, consumers today are looking for access to clean air wherever they are. This includes crowded airplanes, elevators, or events. Personal hardware devices are becoming extremely popular. They filter particles, attack allergens, and neutralize harmful bacteria.
These include surprisingly small machines and wearable devices that filter air around personal spaces. The hardware devices use a variety of technologies such as electrostatic, ionic, HEPA, and UV filtration. A prime example is the innovative Air Tamer, which surpasses industry standards for air purification. Launched in 2004, it is growing in popularity today. Air Tamers work by electrostatically charging particles in the air and using charged plates to attract them. For those struggling with smoke-related indoor pollution, air purifiers from Molekule are designed with advanced PECO technology. They target and destroy smoke particles, odors, and harmful airborne chemicals. Thus, they are a great choice for homes affected by wildfire smoke or urban air quality issues.
2: UV Light Sanitizers
The pandemic made people aware of live molecule pathogens transferred by touching surfaces. It highlighted the prevalence of germs on personal items like mobile phones, keys, and even pens. UV-C light sanitizers have seen a surge in demand since 2020.
These devices use short-wavelength, ultraviolet light to break apart the DNA of live bacteria, germs, and contaminants. This process destroys the pathogens. CleanSlate UV is a Canadian example of a professional UV Light sanitizer system. The Toronto-based company produces a medical-grade UV Light Sanitizer device. It eliminates pathogens on mobile devices and personal items. The device is invaluable in various settings, such as hospital rooms. It allows staff, patients, and visitors to sanitize personal items and reduce infection spread.
3: Innovative Sanitation Stations
In the new normal from COVID-19, public spaces, workplaces, venues, schools, banks, and malls are now expected to provide personal sanitizing stations. The role of public spaces in promoting sanitation and hygiene is critical. However, this cannot be achieved through standalone disinfectant and sanitizer dispensers alone. There is a need to innovate and rethink the approach to sanitary neutralizing of harmful substances in various environments.
One example of a creative sanitization solution is WashSense, a smart handwashing monitor. The California hardware startup monitors and educates users on how to wash hands correctly, giving them a score out of 100. This makes hand-washing a fun and engaging experience. The point-of-care device also provides feedback to facility staff. It has reduced infection spread by 30 percent in assisted living and health care facilities. Various public spaces promote the use of their sanitation stations, encouraging visitors to keep hands clean for everyone’s benefit.
4: Cashless Pay Stations
Objects that transfer between people during transactions are another focus for reducing contaminant spread. Paper money and credit cards have been identified as potential surfaces that can spread harmful germs. Cash transactions are steadily on the decline. Consumers are more likely to carry credit or debit cards for convenience. Establishments encourage this to prevent virus spread.
This trend encourages payment providers to innovate in the hardware space. They develop new contactless pay stations and devices. For example, in the charity space, Toronto-based Aviro offers several solutions. These help merchants and charities collect payments without exchanging cash. Their KwikGive device is a stand-alone donation box that enables cashless fundraising without touching surfaces or exchanging coins.
The rise of personal healthcare devices and wearables for individuals is an encouraging trend. Hardware that stops the spread of harmful particles and germs in community spaces is also rising. Technology and innovation in design are making a difference. They are crucial in how we deal with preventing and managing public healthcare crises in the future. These top 4 hardware trends to stop viruses and promote health are a great start for our communities.
