Prevention and technology: self-disinfecting masks, which reveal air quality and are translated into 8 languages

200 times reusable masks that self-disinfect, masks that reveal what the air quality is like and masks that are translated into 8 languages: they are indispensable objects for the prevention of contagion but also innovative and increasingly high-tech iconic tools.

They serve to protect themselves and others, but increasingly they tend to be truly iconic and high-tech objects, with cutting-edge features that are indispensable.

To create the “Narvalo Urban Mask“(In the photo of the house) – a mask that reveals what air quality is like – is the startup of the same name, a spin-off of the Politecnico di Milano that combines know-how and manufacturing 100% Made in Italy Manufactured In 3D fabric, it is breathable, washable, waterproof and tear resistant, according to the manufacturer it filters 99.9% of pollutants as well as viruses, bacteria, dust and odors, thanks to the activated carbon layer. It is a FFP3 protective mask equipped with a smart valve with facilitated exhalation, capable of interacting with the internal and external environment and communicating with the smartphone.

Along with the mask, there is the “Narwhal App”, available for iOS and Android, which thanks to the GPS of the smartphone is able to return a very clear image of the quality of the air breathed during the trip, showing the difference in air you breathe with or without the mask. The application can be downloaded and used by anyone, with the aim of preventing and raising awareness about the air quality of the cities where they live.

“Narvalo is a project that highlights the importance of collaboration between companies and universities at the level of transfer of skills and applied research, which combines quality manufacturing, know-how and technology, to create a product that has no equal”, Venanzio explains Arquilla, professor at the Milan Polytechnic and president of Narvalo. “We are proud of what we have achieved: the Narvalo Urban Mask also has the social objective of making people, especially the youngest, aware of the problem of pollution.”

Instead,

another technology is capable of destroying the coronavirus: the system, developed by the Swiss hygiene company “Livinguard” and supported by researchers from the Freie Universität in Berlin and the ITA RWTH Aachen, two of the most recognized academic institutions specializing in virology and textile. industry, therefore, could eliminate exhaled viruses and thus self-disinfect.

“All states are mobilizing to reactivate the economy and in this panorama, technology will play a fundamental role in protecting health and well-being. Our masks provide protection that meets current needs – said Sanjeev Swamy, founder and CEO of “Livinguard” – What makes us particularly happy is that this technology is effective for the protection of the population in carrying out daily activities: from ‘air to public transport. “The self-disinfecting mask can be used for more than 200 uses.

The principle behind the “Livinguard technology“It consists of applying a positive charge at the molecular level on the surface of the tissues. When microbes come into contact with these positive charges, the microbial cells, which are negatively charged, are killed, leading to permanent destruction of the micro-organisms. In addition to masks, the constant sanitation technology can be applied on any fabric and on many other surfaces, allowing its use in countless sectors: from medical-health, through personal hygiene, through air filters for systems .

Instead, it will be applied over the anti-Covid mask and then connected to the mobile phone via Bluetooth. “Face C“, Created by the Japanese startup” Donut Robotics “, which is translated into eight languages ​​via smartphone: therefore, it will allow you to amplify the voice and transcribe the words to and from Japanese, Chinese, English, French, Indonesian, Korean, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese.

The first 5,000 smart skins should be ready by September, for now, in Japan alone. The cost will be around 40 dollars (about 35 euros). The translation service through the application will be possible thanks to a monthly subscription.