Beacon tracking coronavirus
Tracking the dynamics of the spread of the Covid-19 virus worldwide, Estimote reprogrammed the devices, adapting them to current needs. Those working in closed spaces, such as offices, get their beacon with an assigned number
serial number. When the critical distance between employees is exceeded, their interactions, as well as the time of potential exposure to the virus, are anonymously recorded in the database. This creates a network of points of contact as potential spaces conducive to infection. When any employee reports symptoms or is confirmed sick, the interaction data is decoded from the database, along with the time and names of the individuals. Employees receive a warning in their device about the danger that has occurred. This makes it very efficient to block the further spread of a coronavirus within an organization.
Wearables can be customized to the user
© Estimote
Designer keychains, wristbands and badges
The devices, created by Estimote, are a series of wearables whose form can be selected according to the user's needs. The first is a kind of keychain that can be hung on a lanyard or tucked into a pocket. Beacons in this form are panic buttons. Another type of device is a wristband, and the last is a type of corporate badge that can be pinned to clothing. The interface of each of the above-mentioned transmitters consists of a panic button and an LED indicating the current health status of the employee. Selectable statuses include: no symptoms, fever, hospitalization, confirmed infection and past infection.
The beacons work with passive GPS, Bluetooth, LTE and Ultra WideBand (UWB) technology and are equipped with a rechargeable battery. Unlike other tracing technologies, a smartphone is unnecessary in this case.
Estimote has already produced the first batch of devices, which will go to customers in Poland and the US. The Kraków-based startup ensures readiness for further production, while looking for organizations willing to test the solutions.
It's worth mentioning that the devices are remotely reprogrammable thanks to LTE, so once we're back to normal operation, the security buttons used will be adaptable to new needs.
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illustrations courtesy of Ark Stokłosa
