Technology
Japanese Startup Develops a new standard 'connected' face mask for Coronavirus
With the face coverings becoming a common feature in the middle of the coronavirus Pandemic, the Japanese start-up Donut Robotics has created an internet linked 'smart mask.'
The white plastic 'c-mask' suits traditional face masks and connects to an device through Bluetooth that can transcribe voice in text messages, make calls or improve the voice of the wearer.
Taisuke Ono, Chairman of Donut Robotics, said "We have worked hard for years to build a robot and used this technology to produce a product that responds to how coronaviruses have restored society.
The engineers of Donut Robotics invented the idea for the mask while looking for a product to help the company survive the pandemic. The coronavirus hit Tokyo's Haneda Airport, a product that is facing a certain future since the collapse of the air travel, and just secured a contract for supplying robot guides and translators.
Starting in September Ono is going to be selling in China, the US, and Europe to buyers in Japan, with Donut Robotics being delivered with their first 5,000 c-masks. He said there was a lot of concern.
Donut Robotics aims at an overall market of approximately $40 per mask (approximately Rs 3000) which existed only a few months ago.
One goal is to generate revenues from the services offered by subscribers through the app that users download.
Within one month, Donut Robotics built a prototype, connected mask, adapting the translation software for its robot and a mask-design created for a student project, four years ago, by one of the company's engineers, Shunsuke Fujibayashi.
By selling Donut Robotics shares through the Japanese crowdfunding website Fundinno, it raised JPY 28 million (roughly Rs. 1.98 crores) for development.
After 37 minutes, we raised our initial target of 7 million yen and stopped it after 28 million yen, he said. We stopped.
