(Las Vegas) Cute robots, anti-coronavirus technology, speakers, lamps, toothbrushes and various electric and autonomous devices were presented on Monday, as a preview of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
The consumer electronics high mass opens Wednesday with fewer exhibitors and attendees than expected, with many companies having canceled due to the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Here are some selected pieces.
Hi-tech anti-COVID-19 mask
The French start-up Airxôm brought its prototype mask from Lyon, which protects against pollution, bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
PHOTO PATRICK T. FALLON, FRANCE-PRESS AGENCY
The Airxôm mask is connected to a case to be worn on the belt. The Airxôm contains an “active” filter capable of destroying fine particles and volatile organic compounds, that is to say pathogens or pollutants. For active protection against the effects of air pollution, bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19.
Its white plastic shell, which covers the nose and mouth, evokes the imperial soldiers of “Star Wars”. Connected to a case to be worn on the belt, it contains an “active” filter capable of destroying fine particles and volatile organic compounds, that is to say pathogens or pollutants.
“It’s a fantastic tool to fight the COVID-19 crisis, because with this mask you won’t need to do a fourth vaccination, a fifth and a sixth, depending on all the variants of the viruses and all the new viruses that will arrive in the future ”, promises Franck Glaizal, co-founder of Airxôm.
PHOTO PATRICK T. FALLON, FRANCE-PRESS AGENCY
The Airxôm mask protects against the effects of air pollution, bacteria and viruses, including that of COVID-19.
“Classic masks are not 100% waterproof, the air passes through the sides. Our mask is completely waterproof and very comfortable, ”assures Trong Dai Nguyen, who is difficult to hear through the thick mask.
This Airxôm engineer specifies that the company is working to improve the sound for the next version.
The current model is to be marketed in the spring, “for around 300 euros” (430 Canadian dollars).
“If we change our (surgical) masks every four hours, after three years it is more expensive than our mask,” says Trong Dai Nguyen.
Hidden fan
Tired of suffocating under his anti-COVID-19 mask, Éric Fouchard has developed a mini-ventilation system that is placed under the paper protection.
PHOTO PATRICK T. FALLON, FRANCE-PRESS AGENCY
Éric Fouchard, president of NewPadMaker, wearing the Aéronest mini-ventilation system, which he invented because he could no longer suffocate under his anti-COVID-19 mask.
Called Aeronest, the micro ventilator from the start-up NewPadMaker holds in place thanks to a double magnet and is powered by a tiny battery, attached to a cord that runs over the user’s neck.
“When you take the plane or the train, it allows you to breathe normally”, indicates the entrepreneur to AFP. “It can also be used when you are working and want to prevent fogging from forming on your glasses.”
PHOTO PATRICK T. FALLON, FRANCE-PRESS AGENCY
Éric Fouchard, President of NewPadMaker, presents the Aéronest mini mask ventilation system at CES in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Consumer Electronics Show is held face-to-face in the midst of a pandemic. The gauge has been reduced to 2,200 visitors.
The speed can be adjusted as needed, he adds.
The robot that nibbled
In Japanese, the expression “amagami” means “soft bite”. “It’s a very pleasant feeling that we want to share with the world,” explains Japanese entrepreneur Shunsuke Aoki.
PHOTO PATRICK T. FALLON, FRANCE-PRESS AGENCY
Yukai Engineering’s “Amagami Ham Ham” robot kitten, a “therapeutic robot” that simulates the sucking of a finger, intended to provide comforting effects similar to those of a baby or a pet.
Its plush robot, which looks as much like a cat as it does a small dog, gently nibbles the finger that comes under its muzzle.
The start-up sought to replicate this instinctive gesture of baby animals, with the idea that people could find comfort in it.
PHOTO ELLEN SCHMIDT, ASSOCIATED PRESS
The “Amagami Ham Ham” robot kitten from Yukai Engineering.
Shunsuke Aoki, for example, says he uses the companion robot while he is driving. “With COVID-19, when people spend their day at home, it’s very comforting,” he notes.
Unmanned racing cars
Artificial intelligence technologies are replacing the steering wheels and the humans at the controls in the Formula 1-type cars that will compete on Friday in an unprecedented race.
PHOTO ELLEN SCHMIDT, ASSOCIATED PRESS
An autonomous racing car by Indy Autonomous Challenge.
“They are completely autonomous. It’s the software that runs the car, ”explains Paul Mitchell, boss of Energy Systems Network, the race organizer.
The computer system “takes the information from the sensors and orders the automobile to turn, brake, accelerate or pass,” he adds.
The machines will compete in pairs on the Las Vegas circuit at speeds of up to 260 km / h.
The idea is not only to entertain, but also to test and improve this software, with a view to using it one day on the highway.
“Race cars and racing in general are a perfect way to push technology to the absolute limit,” says Mitchell.