Contactless Technologies and Solutions to Avoid Physical Interactions

In this article, ESCO explores the importance of minimising physical touch and how organisations can equip their workplace with relevant technological solutions that will help reduce any physical contact between colleagues and clients. Follow Jonatan Medina, AVP of Innovation & Design, as we dive into the world of contactless technologies and solutions.

Do you remember the last object that you came into contact with? It could be something insignificant such as a water dispenser knob or even a door handle. Right after you handle the object, you tend to touch your face subconsciously.

According to a study conducted by American Journal of Infection Control (AIJC), you could be touching your face at an average of 23 times per hour. Little did you know that the surfaces of these objects might contain microorganisms that might harm you.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many organisations are worried about their employees’ wellbeing. As such, they are looking for solutions to ensure minimal physical contact at their workplace. Here are some technological solutions that ESCO has gathered for organisations to consider for a contactless workspace.

1) Proximity Sensors

Proximity Sensors can help to reduce physical contact with use of technology. For example, the Crestron Flex MTR with Proximity Join feature enables users to start or join a meeting using any mobile devices. Other than the Crestron Flex MTR, the Cisco Video Conference system also has the Cisco Proximity feature that allows users to start or stop a call using any mobile devices. It also contains other features such as content sharing and mute/unmute microphone function.

2) Voice Activated Control Systems

One of the common actions used in meeting rooms is the requirement of a remote control to activate devices such as projectors, displays panels and even keypads. For example, Voice Activated Control Systems like Alexa allows users to convey basic verbal instructions to activate any devices within the meeting room.

3) Mobile Room Control

Another solution that organisations can consider would be the usage of our personal devices to control the room’s equipments. For example, Crestron Mobile Room Control offer users the flexibility to control different spaces by establishing a connection with the room through their mobile phones, thus reducing additional contact with foreign surfaces.

4) Voice-Activated Signages

Traditional Interactive Digital Signage solutions require users to touch the screen in order to navigate through the content interface. These signages are often placed in public spaces where users can easily access the screens. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this has become a problem for many retailers. To overcome this restriction, BrightSign, one of the leaders in digital signages has released BrightVoice, a Voice-Activated Signage solution.

5) Gestures Recognition

Gestures Recognition is a technology that can help to minimise physical touch in the workplace. For example, the Evoko Minto speakerphone has the function that utilises gestures as a way to either mute or unmute the microphone. In addition, it can easily be connected via bluetooth.

6) Facial Recognition

Facial recognition is a biometric measure to grant access to users and it does not require the same physical contact as other biometric devices such as fingerprint scans. When paired with an automated door, authorised users are able to move through different office areas without having to touch the door handles.

We are living in a period of change and in order to keep the business going, organisations will have to invest in relevant technologies to adapt to the new norm. To find out more about the mentioned contactless solutions, contact ESCO at [email protected].