Coronavirus scare: Security guards in China equipped with AI-powered smart glasses to detect feverish folks

While the coronavirus pandemic is spreading fast in some countries, it also seems to be slowing down in some regions. China, for example, recently announced that it will lift lockdown imposed on Hubei and that no domestic cases were reported after a long time. Additionally, after two months of total lockdown, the country has opened up a couple of public places that are attracting crowds. However, to stay safe and detect people infected with the Covid-19 virus, China is equipping its forces with AI-powered smart glasses.

AI-powered smart glasses that can detect fever

While it might sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, it is indeed a reality. Security guards at the recently reopened Hongyuan Park wetland preserve are wearing new AI-enabled smart glasses that feature a thermal imaging camera to measure someone’s temperature from up to 1 meter away, reports South China Morning Post. These smart glasses are said to be capable of checking the temperature of “several hundred people within two minutes” to reduce queues at the park’s entrance. 

While these smart glasses are said to detect the surface temperature of a person, which is different from core temperature. However, as a primary precaution, these glasses can be employed to detect fever, which is one symptom of the novel covid-19. AI startup Rokid developed the smart glasses and the kit can even send an automatic alert to the staff when someone with fever is detected. Additionally, it makes a digital record as well. 

Other agencies also using smart glasses 

Not only security guards at the Hongyuan Park, but highway police officers of Hangzhou and people at the public security bureau have been using Rokit’s smart glasses since January. As per a TNW report, traffic authorities of cities in nearby cities such as Huzhou and Quzhou are also employing the technology. The smart specs are an addition to an already existing prolific network of AI-assisted tools being used at hospitals, airports and other public places in China. 

Image credits: Handout

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