Wearable Tech Designed to Prevent Covid-19 Transmission

The World Health Organisation informs us that touching the face with the hands is one method by which COVID 19 is transmitted: Their advice for preventing infection is: “Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.”

15-year-old entrepreneur, Max Melia, from Bristol, used this information when designing a new wearable technology aimed at reducing Covid-19 transmission by eliminating face touching.  The device, called a VybPro, is an intelligent wristband which vibrates to alert wearers every time they are about to subconsciously touch their face.  Max and his mother came up with the initial idea for VybPro in 2018 when thinking of ways to prevent the cold and flu.  After both his parents became sick with Covid-19, Max became focused and serious in his development of VybPro.

How it Works

Vybpro is worn on both wrists in order to monitor the movements of both hands.  Movement sensing technology alerts the user to the movement of the hand close to the face. The VybPro is programmed to ignore movements that are unlikely to involve face touching.  

It is widely recognized that face touching is habitual and largely subconscious.  This device allows user to break the habit of face touching and take control of it.  We can all do our bit to prevent coronavirus.  Face touching is also a common means of transmission for the seasonal flue, common cold and other viruses, meaning the VybPro has potential to reduce other illnesses as well.

It’s about the size of a Fitbit or small watch.  The rechargeable watch features a silicon waterproof band and sealed pod design to allow for water resistance, including sweat, rain, and hand washing.

Who Benefits?

Anyone who is required to occupy public and social spaces will benefit from VybPro.  It is not always possible to keep the hands clean at every moment when out and about.  We have to assume that every surface is contaminated all of the time.  Once we have touched any surface transmission is just one quick face touch away.

People who may want to consider Vybpro are those who are required to work out of the home, especially healthcare providers, the elderly and others at an increased risk.  VybPro is of benefit to communters, shoppers, office workers, and just about anyone who will occupy public spaces.  Those at higher risk due to underlying health issues and age will also benefit.  Vybpro may also help those with the Covid virus to stop touching their faces and passing it on to others.

As of June 20thVybpro has begun their Pre-Launch Page on Kickstarter! Early profits will be donated to support care homes.  VybPro is designed and manufactured in the UK and will retail from around $111 (£89.99), for a pair of wristbands. If the team hits their funding target, it could be on people’s wrists by September 2020.

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