As children of the 1970s, we were encouraged to play outside and get dirty in the name of fun. Invariably, this exposed us to all kinds of bacteria and germs, which our parents believed would build up a healthy immune system. How times have changed! Most notably, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has forever altered how we interact with one another and the physical elements of our world. A big part of this transition is the continued increase of touchless technology, particularly in public spaces.
What is touchless technology?
Touchless technology can be defined as any device that can be used or operated without being physically touched. Now more than ever, this technology is in high demand. Many workplaces are looking for innovative solutions to make communal spaces safer and, ideally, more resistant to outbreaks.
Touchless technology comes in a range of formats. Gesture recognition technology can be used to unlock doors with just the wave of a hand. When combined with automatic door openers, this technology allows for doors on an accessible path to be opened and closed without the need for the user to physically touch the door hardware.
Voice and facial recognition technology are also on the rise. Many personal assistant devices – including Alexa, Google Assistance and Apple’s Siri – allow users to make hands-free requests with simple, audible commands. Facial recognition also requires minimal physical interaction from the user, with the technology being increasingly used for authentication and access purposes as well as accessibility enhancement.
The near-universal nature of smartphones and other personal devices has also made touch-free technology more accessible to everyone. Through the use of a mobile voice app or voice activation technology, wheelchair or mobility aid users can more easily engage with critical access points – all without having to make physical contact with a door handle or push-button control.
Touchless technology for the post-COVID workplace
Workplaces around Australia must continue to provide a safe and healthy environment for both staff and visitors. This means touchless technology will only increase in popularity, variety and importance. Reducing the physical need for all users to touch common points is one clear way to minimise transmission risks and promote a healthier workspace.
Many workplaces are looking into what combination of touchless technologies will work best for them. Along with gesture, facial and voice recognition, the implementation of other touchless technology devices is being explored within the built environment to protect people’s health. Some of these include:
- Automatic hand sanitation stations at building entrances, reception counters and common-use lift lobby zones
- QR codes for touchless check-in at reception counters for staff and visitors in lieu of touch screens
- Infrared (I.R.) sensors to activate lights, negating the need for physical contact with light switches.
Without a doubt, the pandemic has forever changed the landscape of the built environment and how we move within it. As a community, we all need to work together to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. In this rapidly evolving design landscape, touchless technology – and its integration into future buildings – is just one part of the solution to this pressing health and safety need.
