Touchless technology, defined as digital devices and systems that can be used to perform a task without physical contact, has been around for some time and can be found in many different forms and uses around the world. From things like touchless soap dispenser to contactless credit cards, the utilization of touchless technology has always aimed to make our lives easier. In the post-pandemic era, the shift and interest towards touchless technology have been growing exponentially. Aside from convenience, hygiene and safety measures are now also heavily emphasized by touchless technology as we enter into the post-pandemic era. With tremendous changes in how we work, study, and socialize, the impact of the Covid-19 has lead touchless technology into the spotlight. No longer are touchless technology limited to daily quality of life improvements like automatic doors and lights, instead, has also been implemented into specific industries, including that of academic or business. With the rapid development of technological interfaces such as motion sensor, voice recognition, and camera-based gesture, the use of touchless technology have been steadily increasing, contributing to both education and business industries and becoming an industry-wide sensation.

How Touchless Technology Can Be Utilized

When Covid-19 was declared a global pandemic, the demand for touchless technology surged in the interest of hygienic needs and safety concerns. Even today, with the pandemic still being prominent in various countries around the world, touchless technology remains greatly sought out by corporates and schools alike because of the benefits it offers. After all, it was an ideal solution to keeping people safe while still allowing them to work without hindrance. One of the most notable changes that can be seen in both academic and business settings is the reduced physical contact between people and the equipment they use. As people were advised to touch as little as possible, several industries looked for solutions, such as touchless technology, to ensure workflow will not be interrupted.

To help you better understand just how touchless technology can be utilized in various industries, we will be focusing on cameras today that have touchless features installed. In business, there are video conferencing cameras that have AI interfaces for intuitive camera controls, allowing workers to enjoy a stress-free meeting experience. Some examples include the CAM550, which provides gesture control, and the VB342 Pro, which has gesture control and audio tracking function, both of which require no physical camera adjustments or additional set ups during meetings. This means that meeting participants can either control where the camera is facing based on the hand gesture they hold up, or the camera can simply track whoever is speaking via AI, creating a safe and immersive environment for online meetings. On the other hand, schools in the past used to rely on real cameramen to capture and record class-related events, lectures, and ceremonies. Nowadays, many academic institutions have implemented touchless technology that are not only convenient but elevate the teaching experience. For example, distance learning tracking cameras such as the DL30 and DL10 both have AI-powered human detection function, meaning the camera will be able to dynamically track human forms (e.g., the teacher or guest speaker) in the classroom via several tracking modes. In addition, both of these auto tracking cameras offer intuitive gesture controls, allowing teachers to turn on and off tracking function based on their teaching preference and learning content. In both scenarios, you can see that the implementation of these cameras may not only increase the safety of the surroundings but also the effectiveness of workflows.

The Benefits of Touchless Technology

There are many benefits beside elevated hygiene that touchless technology may bring but depending what type of technology and which industry you’re referring to, the answer may be slightly different. But generally speaking, the three main benefits that touchless technology contributes to are cost efficiency, productivity and enhanced user experience:

  • Cost efficiency: For starters, by removing the need to physically maneuver equipment such as a video conferencing camera or a classroom auto tracking camera, it eliminates the necessity to hire someone to be stationed behind/by the camera at all times. By doing so will prevent schools and corporates from spending extra money on manpower (on top of reducing the risk of health related costs).
  • Productivity: With enough trainings and practices, faculties and workers will be even more familiar and comfortable with the cameras and potentially become more productive because time is no longer wasted on setting up or adjusting equipment on-site.
  • Enhanced user experience: Last but not least, the functions of touchless technology may create a satisfying experience for the students tuning in from home, or the business partners that are on the other side of the virtual meeting. While at the same time, it may also allow users to feel more self-directed and empowered because of the innovative AI features.